About Round Table
"Round Table is an organization of non-political and non-sectarian young men between the age group of 18 and 40. Its aim is to promote service, fellowship and goodwill in National and International affairs. Round Table India believes in Community Service through the Fellowship of its members. The unique feature of this organization is that it always remains young, because the Tablers retire when they turn 40, giving way to younger people. "
Louis Marchesi, then a Rotarian, formed the first Round Table in Norwich in England in 1927.
From a small group of 8 members, today Round Table has grown to 43,000 members across 52 countries representing every corner of the world.
Round Table's motto is "ADOPT, ADAPT, IMPROVE". This motto was taken from a speech by the Prince of Wales, in which he said: "The young business and professional men of the country must get together round the Table, adopt methods that have proved so sound in the past, adapt them to the changing needs of the times, and wherever possible, improve them".
Such a wonderful movement, Round Tabling came to India in 1957 with the formation of Madras Round Table No.1.
Round Table India, the association, was formed on November 14, 1962 with just a membership of 100. It has, over the last 4 decades, grown to become a 2500 member strong association today.
We have 180 Tables located in 72 cities and towns, comprising of businessmen, entrepreneurs, technocrats and professionals. Men who can rise above personal concerns to seek and serve the larger needs of the community. On the administration front, Round Table India has a 25 member National Board, which guides the affairs of the association. Round Table India is divided into 10 Areas, which have their own Area Board to administer them.
The National Secretariat, the hub of all activities of Round Table India, is located at Chennai.
We have formed our own "ROUND TABLE INDIA FOUNDATION" which provides financial support every year for projects done by Tables. The Corpus of the Foundation is close to Rs.20 Million now.
The Past Tablers of Round Table India have formed the "41 Clubs of India". This National Association of Past Tablers provides a lot of support to our service activity.
The one major source of fundraising by Round Table India apart from receiving donations from Corporates is the sale of Greeting Cards. Every year Round Table India releases exquisitely designed Greeting Cards for sale to Corporates and individuals. The substantial funds we raise from this effort goes to fund our community service efforts.
Aims and Objectives of Round Table India
- To Develop the fellowship of young men / through the medium of their business and professional occupations / and community services activities
- To encourage active and responsible citizenship / by cultivating the highest ideals in business / professional and civic traditions.
- To promote and further international understanding / friendship and cooperation
- To promote the extension of the association
Round Table India Song
If we could consider each other
A neighbor, a friend or a brother
It would be a wonderful world
If Each little kid had fresh milk each day
If Each old soul had some place to stay
If Each working man had enough time to play
It would be a wonderful world [ Chorus ]
If there were no poor and the rich were content
If strangers were welcome wherever they went
If Each of us Knew what true brotherhood meant
It would be a Wonderful World [ Chorus ]
If people all over would trust one another
Not thinking about their race of their colour
If they did agree to join hands altogether
It would be Wonderful World [ Chorus ]
It Tablers of India can Properly plan
To do for their Country Whatever they can
If Fellowship brings about service to man
It Would be a Wonderful World [ Chorus ]
Oh Boy ! It Would be a Wonderful World
It would be a Wonderful World..... [ Chorus ]
The round Table India Song was composed in 1970 by Tr.Dipak shah, a member of Bombay West Round Table No 6 and adopted as the WOCO song by World Council at the Hamburg Conference in 1976
