On Wednesday, April 15, Ashish D Sarkar received the Northrup Award presented by Dawn Johnson, President and Dave Keren, ARC and Peace committee chair. His presentation was entitled, “Journey of an Immigrant: A Life Well Lived. Ashish spoke briefly about his childhood and obtaining an undergraduate degree in Marine engineering in India. In 1971 he arrived in Ann Arbor with $8.00 in his pocket, no return ticket and the promise of a scholarship. He completed a master’s degree in marine engineering and mechanical engineering. He began his humanitarian work with the US Jaycees and served as Chapter President and Regional Director. This proved to be good training for his future in Rotary. He joined Rotary in 2003. One of his first projects was raising money for End Polio Now. He was active with the International Humanitarian Projects committee. Ashish served as President of RCAA, 2015-2016.

Some of his memorable projects included:

• Co-Chairing a Russian delegation who came for training in business and culinary skills sponsored by the U.S. State Department and Rotary International.
• A visit from the End Polio Now Torch, which was traveling worldwide for End Polio Now.
• Jobs for Veterans and The Fisher House were initiated during his presidency. Don Deatrick led a project with Veterans Administration inAnn Arbor to provide skills training and job fairs for veterans. The Fisher House project was led by Karen Kerry and Brad Chick, RCAA and the community raised 3 million dollars which was matched by the Fisher House Foundation. Ann Arbor’s Fisher House was built on the VA Campus and now provides meals and accommodations to Veteran’s families during their treatment.

Ashish discussed the Global Grants implemented in cooperation with other Rotary Clubs, District 6380 and Rotary International, including:

1. Financial Literacy in Guatemala, which provided microfinancing to women to pursue small businesses in food and crafts.97% enrolled maintained their business and increased their earnings seven-fold.
2. A Medical Clinic in rural Bangladesh which brought medical and nursing services to many.
3. Project Dignity was a project to build toilets in the Sunderbans in India. Area residents used the jungle for toileting and many had been attacked by Tigers causing injury and death. Toilet were constructed near homes and posters on good hygiene were placed on the doors.
4. Neonatal Clinics in Pune, India were established in cooperation with Palav, a local organization. This grant brought 8 Incubators for newborn infants as well as training for physicians and nurses and has saved many lives.
5. A Reverse Global Grant was initiated by a club in India with local partners in Michigan to provide funding for Personal Protective Equipment and Food for agencies in Detroit during COVID. $100,000 was raised and half of the funds went to each initiative.

Another initiative that Ashish championed was the 2017, the World Peace Conference, held at the Michigan League, Ann Arbor. 750 people from many states and 10 different countries. Attendees included 200 high school and college students. Nobel Laureate Jody Williams was the keynote speaker. Over $250,000 was raised through donations from corporations, and many Rotary Districts districts and local Rotary Clubs.

Ashish closed with the following: “This is my Journey and friends in Rotary are an important part of my life. I have Rotary friends in six continents through projects and Rotary International Conventions. Rotary provided me with so many opportunities for “Doing Good Around the World.” I am grateful for all these experiences every day.”