Recently, in my role as Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5810, I had the privilege of inducting Balki Chamkura as president of the Rotary Club of Coppell.
It was a joyous occasion. Balki’s family was there: his wife, his adult children, his mother, his mother-in-law, his sister-in-law, and his nephew. It was not simply a new Rotary president installation, it was a family milestone.
Then Balki gave his acceptance speech.
He spoke about coming to the United States from India many years ago, hoping to work hard, raise a family, and create opportunities for his children. But over time, he discovered that building a life required something more.
“You also need to belong somewhere.”
Balki began looking for a way to connect with his community: to know people, contribute, serve, and feel that he was truly part of the place he called home.
“That search brought me to Rotary,” he said. “I came to Rotary looking for a connection. Instead, Rotary gave me a home.”
Balki’s words have stayed with me.
They reminded me, first, of the tremendous contribution immigrants like Balki and his family make to communities across our country.
Immigration is often discussed in terms of statistics, economics, or politics. But standing in that room, looking at Balki’s family and listening to his story, the subject felt personal.
Here was someone who came to this country, built a career and a family, put down roots, embraced his community, and then stepped forward to serve and lead.
His story is just one example of something that has strengthened American communities for generations: people come here seeking opportunity, and in time they often become the people creating opportunity, leadership, friendship, and community for others.
But Balki’s speech also reminded me of something important about Rotary itself.
We talk about service projects, membership, fundraising, leadership development, and impact. Those are all important. But Balki described another kind of impact that is harder to quantify: Rotary creates belonging and community.
Someone welcomed Balki into a Rotary club. Someone invited him into a conversation. Someone gave him an opportunity to serve. Over time, those individual acts of welcome
became friendships, responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and eventually a sense of home.
And now the person who once walked through the door looking for connection is the president of the club.
Balki told his members:
“We never know what that welcome may mean to that person, or where their Rotary journey may eventually take them.”
That may have been the most important Rotary lesson of the evening.
People join Rotary for many reasons. We often think we know who will become a contributor, a leader, or simply another member. But we don’t.
Some people engage immediately. Others slowly grow into Rotary. Some contribute simply by showing up, supporting the club, and being part of its community. Others take on difficult assignments, bring in new members, lead major projects, or eventually become club president. Balki’s story is a reminder not to judge what someone’s Rotary journey will be.
Our role is to welcome people, make them feel that they truly belong, give them opportunities to serve, and allow them room to grow.
Balki Chamkura came to Rotary looking for a connection.
Rotary gave him a home.
And now, as president of the Rotary Club of Coppell, he is helping make that home available to the next person who walks through the door.