Nitish Chandra Laharry

The First RI President from India (1962-63)

Nitish Chandra Laharry, the first RI President from Asia, had been a rotarian for 33 years when he began his tenure during 1962-63 in the organization’s highest Office. He was elected at Rotary’s First Convention held in Asia, Tokyo in 1961.

Nitish was born and educated in Calcuta. He held a BA in English from Calcutta University as well as Master’s degrees in Economics and Political Science. He also earned a degree in Law. He became a member of the Rotary clu of Calcutta 08 April 1966 and wend on to become its first India Hon. Secretary in 1927-28.

For four years he was an advocate of the Calcutta High Court. Then he decided to venture into India’s film industry. He built a studio, hired actors, and produced the state of Bengal’s first motion picture. During depression in Bengal, he switched to film distribution. For business he travelled widely throughout India.On being transferred, he became a member of the Rotary club of Bombay in 1935 but on his return, he rejoined the Rotary club of Calcutta 1939 and became the club president in 1944-45.

After 34 years of business travel, He started travelling all over again for Rotary. In 1944, when he was President of the Rotary Club of Calcutta, one of history’s worst famines struck Bengal and under his leadership Rotarians throughout India sent the club relief fund 1000 times over its goal. He became the Governor of the District 90 for three terms between 1944-47.

In 1958, Nitish organised Rotary’s Asia Regional Conference in Delhi, attracking more than 2900 registrants from 21 countries- setting a record for years to come. In 1953-54 he served as the vice president of Rotary International and ultimetely in 1962-63 assumed the Presidency of Rotary International.

During his Presidency, he mooted the idea of World Community Services (WCS), Nitish Laharry was a deeply spiritual man and viewed Rotary’s ideas of services as a form of worship of God.

His vision for Rotary was : To kindle the spark within each Rotarian that lights the path to service & to harness the great power of friendship to help do the world’s work.

His wife Bindubala, will for many years, was unable to assist his Presidency, and their daughters, Bira and Mira, took over many of her duties. Laharry expired on 21 July 1964. The Rotary club of Calcutta honoured him by building the Nitish Laharry Children’s Library.