The Rotary Club of Panaji was the First Rotary Club chartered in the State of Goa on January 30th 1963. It is fondly called as RCP.
The club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Belgaum under the guidance of Governors Special Representative Rtn. Dr. HanamShet.
Prior to being chartered, the preliminary meetings of the club took place from November 1962 and RCP was finally chartered on 30th Jan 1963 under the Presidentship of legal luminary Dr. Jorge Athaide Lobo. Rtn. ReghuraiTamba was the first club Secretary.The R.I. President at the time was Rtn. NitishLaharry, incidently the first Indian to be so. His theme for the year 'Kindle the spark within' was the inspiration for RCP's monthly bulletin 'Spark' which continues till date.
One of RCP's earliest projects in 1963, the Children's Park at Mira Mar, with its Rocket Slide and Fish is a virtual landmark, along with the Pergola. This was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Mr Jawaharlal Nehru.Another successful and welcome project during the early years - 1965 to be precise - was the adoption of Curca Village and construction of an Aganwadi and Health Centre there.Recently and nearly 50 years hence, the health centre has been refurbished post the request from the villagers as well as from the Goa Medical College.
In over 50 years of existence, The Rotary Club of Panaji has moved ahead providing notable community and Vocational Projects all along. Be it Financial help for the deserving students, or recognizing the vocational services of certain notable Goans who have served tirelessly over the years to even at times, when modern digital equipments may phase of bygone times, the Rotary club of Panaji has ensured that it Cared and Still cares for such vocations.
Numerous Health Camps with medical institutions have always been a forte for the RCP. RCP since the past decade has also ventured into associating with Goa Medical College for their virtuous effort in eye enucleation. A project that few private institution would have had the fathom to carry on. This is due to the voluntary efforts of a brand of members who want to be the difference and take the message forward.
RCP not only stresses on Community and Vocational efforts but also can be seen active in the area of Sports, Music and Talent and binding with members of the Club through their families on notable event.