In a heartfelt evening held in Parsippany, New Jersey, the Gandhian Society, alongside the Rotary Club of Parsippany and the Zakir Husain Study Circle, came together to host a tribute evening in honor of Vivek Tankha, an esteemed Member of Parliament in India and a lifelong Rotarian. The occasion recognized his extensive contributions to public service, especially in the areas of rural healthcare, education, and development.
Tankha was celebrated not only for his legal acumen as a Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court of India and his role as a Rajya Sabha member, but also for his hands-on humanitarian efforts in underserved communities. His long-standing commitment to service through Rotary initiatives has made him a beacon of social impact and compassion.
Rajender Dichpally from the Gandhian Society and Santosh Peddi, President of the Rotary Club of Parsippany, led the formal recognition ceremony, presenting Mr. Tankha with citations of honor. A commemorative plaque was also awarded by Bhadra Butala, founder of the Gandhian Society, joined by Mahesh Wani, Niren Choudhary, and Dichpally. Further, Rotary members including Mahender Reddy presented him with the traditional Rotary pin and additional honors, applauding his tireless work.
A vibrant cultural segment added a festive touch to the evening, featuring traditional Indian dance performances by local youth, drawing warm applause from attendees. The event also included an exciting announcement—the forthcoming premiere of “Renaissance Man”, a biographical film tracing Tankha’s life and service, to be screened at the New York Film Festival on June 21.
Tankha’s career spans key legal and government roles, including a term as Additional Solicitor General of India. Beyond accolades, the evening reflected on shared values of justice, dignity, and humanity that define the missions of both the Gandhian Society and Rotary International.
The event ultimately celebrated not just one man’s legacy, but a broader vision of ethical leadership and transformative action rooted in community upliftment.
