RYLA ON AIR (Chennai-Coimbatore)

Total attendees: 78 (DG+3 Co-Presidents+11 RCGians (Radha/Venkatesh/Sathish/Saravanan/Nithin/Akash/Dharmaraj/Ann Raji/Sridhar V/Balaji SM/Ananda Gomathy)+30 Students+8 Teachers+25 (From RC Coimbatore East)

Rotary Club of Guindy’s “RYLA ON AIR”: Shifting Horizons and Shattering Barriers

On the early morning of January 22^nd 2026, a transformative journey began at the Chennai International Airport that would redefine youth leadership training forever. Traditionally, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programs are confined to school halls, auditoriums or outdoor venues; however, the Rotary Club of Guindy broke this convention with “RYLA ON AIR,” a project designed to combine leadership education with the powerful, life-changing experience of air travel.

The initiative provided 30 students, drawn from Class IX to XII from ELM Fabricius Higher Secondary School, Government Girls Higher Secondary School (Avadi), and Kannada Sangha Higher Secondary School, with their inaugural flight experience. For these young delegates, the trip to Coimbatore was far more than a simple excursion; it was a curated lesson in shattering social and psychological barriers, turning a distant dream into a tangible reality. The visionary objective was to ignite a lifelong sense of possibility, proving to these Interactors that the sky is truly not the limit. The fact that 8 teaching staff from the Interact Schools and 12 Rotarians including the District Governor RID 3233 and Co-Presidents from RCG travelled along with the students on this day trip proved the sincerity and commitment of these leaders to the cause. Equally promising was the presence and participation of a large number of senior Rotarians and Rotaractors of RC Coimbatore East.

This ambitious "journey into the world of dreams" was made possible through strategic collaboration. Rtn. Kandavel acted as the essential bridge linking the Rotary Club of Guindy (RI District 3233) with the Rotary Club of Coimbatore East (RI District 3206). The program also saw local partnership from the Rotaract Club of PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, ensuring a comprehensive educational itinerary. This feat was fueled by the incredible generosity of benevolent donors, whose support served as the "wind beneath the wings" for these underprivileged students.

Upon arrival in Coimbatore, the students were immersed in a blend of education and inspiration. They visited the renowned G.D. Naidu Car Museum, where they were exposed to principles of industrial innovation and creative problem-solving. This was followed by beautifully orchestrated sessions, fostering team spirit, at the Cosmo Club, characterized by the warmth of the "Rotary family" and personal care from the organizers.

The impact of the event was profound, bolstered by the presence of senior leadership. District Governor Rtn. D. Devendran (RI District 3233) and District Governor Rtn. Chella K Raghavendran (RI District 3206) commended the clubs for the initiative's transformational impact. The collaborative leadership provided by President RCG Rtn. Radha Krish and President RC Coimbatore East Rtn. Vijay Krishanan along with their Youth service Directors and team was a key instrument of this successful program. From Rtn. Balaji’s life-changing talk to the motivation provided by the DG and First Lady, the leadership team wove a sense of magic into every moment. The entire program was planned and executed impeccably by YSD Rtn. Nithin and Chairman of the event Jt.Secretary Rtn. Saravanan.

The sources highlight that the project received extensive media coverage, allowing this story of heart-led service to reach a global audience. By the end of the journey, the sheer joy of the maiden flight and the tender care received had instilled in these students a quiet confidence that they truly belong among the stars. As this project proved, when young hands come together with purpose, the joy of doing good multiplies.