Rotary Club of Belgaum Welcomes New Leadership; Amit Sathaye Takes Charge as President for RI Year 2026–27
Belagavi, July 4: In a grand ceremony marked by tradition, fellowship, and a renewed commitment to community service, the Rotary Club of Belgaum installed its new leadership team for the Rotary International (RI) Year 2026–27 at the Belgaum Foundry Cluster on Friday evening.
The installation ceremony was attended by a large gathering of Rotarians, Anns, Annets, members of Rotaract Clubs, past presidents, dignitaries, donors, well-wishers, and prominent citizens of Belagavi.
The new team was formally installed by Past District Governor (PDG) Rtn. Sharad Pai, who served as the Chief Guest and Installing Officer. The ceremony was held in the presence of Assistant Governor Rtn. Ramesh Ramgurwadi, Immediate Past President Rtn. Sandeep Naik, and Secretary for RI Year 2025–26 Rtn. Dr. Santosh Patil.
Rtn. Amit Sathaye assumed office as President of the club, while Rtn. Shailesh Mangale took charge as Secretary and Rtn. Chetan Pai as Treasurer. The ceremonial exchange of the collar and gavel symbolized the formal transfer of leadership from outgoing President Rtn. Sandeep Naik to the incoming President.
The outgoing President and his Board of Directors were felicitated for their dedicated leadership and the successful execution of service projects during the 2025–26 Rotary year.
The newly installed Board of Directors comprises Rtn. Niranjan Sant (Director – Club Service), Rtn. Parag Bhandare (Director – Public Relations), Rtn. Sudarshan Hunswadkar (Director – Youth Service), Rtn. Deepak Katwa (Director – Community Service), Rtn. Sachin Sabnis (Director – Membership), Rtn. Dr. Sachin Mahuli (Director – International Service), Rtn. Sachin Bichu (Sergeant-at-Arms), Rtn. Parag Chitnis (Immediate Past President), Rtn. Dr. Manisha Herekar (President-Elect), Rtn. Yashwant Mohta (Joint Secretary), Rtn. Pramod Agarwal (Vice President), and Rtn. Sanjay Kulkarni (Club Trainer).
In his inaugural address, President Rtn. Amit Sathaye outlined an ambitious roadmap for the year ahead, reaffirming the club’s commitment to expanding humanitarian initiatives, strengthening membership, encouraging youth participation, supporting The Rotary Foundation, and implementing impactful community development projects.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Outstanding Rotarian Award for RI Year 2025–26 to Rtn. Manoj Michael in recognition of his exemplary service, active participation in club and district projects, leadership in service initiatives, unwavering support to The Rotary Foundation, and commitment to Rotary fellowship.
The proceedings were gracefully compered and efficiently coordinated by Ann. Manva Hunswadkar and Ann. Preeti Bhandare, ensuring the event was conducted with precision and dignity.
The ceremony concluded with a message of unity and optimism as members pledged to uphold Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and continue working together to create meaningful and lasting impact in the community under the club’s new leadership.
