The governor-elect shares his thoughts on the occasion.
By Tony Knoderer
India was announced as the newest Kiwanis International district during the organization’s 2025 convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. A provisional district since 2022, India now becomes Kiwanis’ 48th district. Khushwinder Kathpalia is the district’s first governor, and Fahim Rehman is currently governor-elect.
To mark the occasion, Rehman recently shared his thoughts in an email exchange.
How have your fellow Kiwanis members in India reacted to becoming a Kiwanis district?
The excitement was at an extraordinary level. The formation of a district, along with having a governor and a district board, had long been a dream for Indian members. Additionally, there were numerous benefits that accompanied our district status. Last year, we were also awarded as a distinguished district.
How will becoming a district affect the work Kiwanis clubs do in India?
Certainly, becoming a district will lead to the opening of more clubs because the members are excited and are actively establishing our first board and committees. This organized approach by the district board will result in significant growth in the number of clubs and greater projects.
How do you think India’s district status will affect Kiwanis worldwide?
As we traveled to (Kiwanis International’s) Asia-Pacific, European and international conventions, the bonds of friendship and fellowship became the experience of a lifetime. Since Indians can be found in every corner of this blessed earth, we have assisted many countries by introducing Indian communities there and sharing the Kiwanis mission with them — providing opportunities to help children in need.
What makes you proudest of India’s Kiwanians?
India is a vast and diverse country — rich in culture, spirit and youth. But within this vibrant population lies a deep disparity. Through our work with Kiwanis, we have come face-to-face with stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring — stories that have changed us.
We’ve seen children climbing mountain paths to reach schools, wearing nothing but flip-flops on rough, unforgiving terrain. We’ve met students who brave the cold in worn-out clothes, determined to learn despite the odds. In remote regions, we’ve encountered schools where children with disabilities live and study, often without the resources they deserve.
In some government girls’ schools, we discovered there were no proper sanitation facilities. With the support of Kiwanis clubs, we’ve been able to build clean, safe toilets — a small but life-changing step toward dignity and empowerment for young girls.
One of the most meaningful initiatives is a project where health insurance is provided to baby girls at birth. This not only ensures medical support but also actively works against gender-based abortions — a quiet but powerful movement toward equality.
From providing clothes and food to ensuring access to clean water and quality education, each project we take on is driven by a simple but profound mission: to make life better for children.
These aren’t just projects — they’re lifelines. And they are the reason we are proud to be part of Kiwanis. Together, we are not just helping children; we are helping shape a future where no child is left behind.