Meet Our District Rotaract Representative

PHF Rtr. Dr. Karishma Awari - RIY 2026-27 | Rotary International District 3131

As Rotaract District 3131 begins a new chapter under the theme REIGN - Rotaract Empowering Individuals for Growth and Networking, the Rotaract Club of Nigdi-Pune is proud to introduce our District Rotaract Representative for RIY 2026-27, PHF Rtr. Dr. Karishma Awari. Her story is one of perseverance, service, and a deep belief that Rotaract is far more than an organisation - it is a platform that transforms lives.

The Person Behind the Title

Born and raised in Mumbai, Dr. Karishma moved to Pune in 2012 to pursue her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The youngest of four siblings, she is the daughter of Mr. Jaysingh Awari and Mrs. Shalu Awari. She is married to Dr. Shailesh Dasari - an Implantologist, owner of Daily Dental Clinics in Pune and Mumbai, and himself a Past President of the Rotaract Club of Sinhgad Dental College (RIY 2015-16).

Driven by a passion for aesthetics and healthcare, she went on to earn her Master's in Aesthetic Medicine and Hair Transplant Surgery from the University of Greifswald, Germany, and trained for two years under a renowned dermatologist. Today, as a Medical Aesthetic Physician with over eight years of practice across Pune and Mumbai, she runs two advanced clinics under the brand World of Aesthetics in Aundh and Mumbai. She has authored four published research articles in reputed medical journals and was honoured with the Excellence in Medical Research Award by Sinhgad Institutes.

A Rotaract Journey Built Over a Decade

Dr. Karishma's Rotaract journey began in 2013 with the Rotaract Club of Sinhgad Dental College, where she served across roles including Public Relations Officer, Rotary-Rotaract Relations Officer, Secretary, President, and Club Advisor. She later joined the Rotaract Club of Pune Shaniwarwada, contributing as Professional Development Director, Secretary, Club Advisor, and Foundation Chair - and remains an active member. Along the way she earned the Best BOD (Female) and Best Club Member awards in consecutive years.

At the district level, she has held key leadership positions as Assistant Zonal Representative, Rotary-Rotaract Relations Officer, District Zonal Representative, and District Events & Protocols Secretary. A firm believer in dedication and multitasking, she once shouldered the responsibilities of President and AZR simultaneously in the same Rotary year.

Her tenure as Club President (RIY 2016-17) was a standout, leading her club to six District Awards, including Best Club (Institution). She personally received the Best President (Institution) and Best AZR honours, while her club secured three additional district awards under her leadership. She went on to be recognised as Best Council Member (Female) in both RIY 2020-21 and RIY 2021-22, and was crowned Miss Nakshatra at the District Conference (RIY 2015-16). This consistency, credibility, and leadership ultimately led to her election as District Rotaract Representative for RIY 2026-27.

Service That Leaves a Mark

Dr. Karishma lives by a simple principle:

"Keep trying and you will never fail, because failure truly begins only when you give up."

That philosophy runs through the landmark initiatives she has led across District 3131:

• District RRRO (RIY 2020-21): Through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she strengthened Rotary-Rotaract relations, helping the district deliver impactful events like RYLA, the Youth Seminar, and Abhipraay.
• Literacy Mission (2021): She spearheaded a Rs. 1 lakh donation to a Zilla Parishad School - the first initiative of its kind by Rotaract District 3131.
• Mahad Flood Relief Drive (2021): She mobilised funds and personally coordinated relief efforts in Mahad, work still appreciated by Rotarians today.
• Project Dhaaga (2022): A pivotal contribution toward the donation of 100 sewing machines, earning recognition in the India Book of Records.
• Project Drishti (2024): Her brainchild - a district-wide Eye Donation Pledge Drive that once again placed District 3131 in the India Book of Records, with every participating club receiving official certificates.

As District Events & Protocols Secretary, she also raised the bar for district events through meticulous planning, professional execution, and stronger branding - introducing a culture of organised, inclusive, and excellent event management that she now carries forward on a larger scale.

The Vision for REIGN

As DRR for RIY 2026-27, Dr. Karishma's vision through REIGN is to build a strong and positive brand identity for Rotaract District 3131 - one where people recognise not only its events, but its purpose, leadership, fellowship, and service. From a unified district identity and branding culture to expanding membership and creating greater opportunities for young leaders, her mission is to ensure every Rotaractor experiences the transformative power of this organisation.

Beyond Rotaract, she brings the perspective of a seasoned entrepreneur. An active BNI member for over three years, she has served as both Vice President and President of Pune's largest BNI chapter, leading a network of over 125 entrepreneurs - an experience that has sharpened her instincts for networking, visibility, and relationship-building, values she hopes to cultivate among Rotaractors this year.

A Heart for Service

Outside her professional and Rotaract commitments, Dr. Karishma is deeply passionate about animal welfare and personally feeds more than 20 street dogs every day - a quiet reflection of the selfless service Rotaract has instilled in her.

A Mumbaikar at heart, a Punekar by choice, and a Rotaractor in spirit, she believes Rotaract transforms personalities, builds lifelong friendships, and opens doors to opportunities beyond imagination. Having grown tremendously through district exposure herself, she hopes to inspire every Rotaractor to step forward, embrace responsibility, dream bigger, and become a changemaker.

Aligned with Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola's vision of "Create Lasting Impact," her mission through REIGN is not merely to lead a successful year, but to build a district culture where leadership inspires leadership, fellowship strengthens communities, and every Rotaractor leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond their tenure.

She sums it up in the timeless words of Swami Vivekananda:

"Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."

The Rotaract Club of Nigdi-Pune warmly welcomes DRR Dr. Karishma Awari and looks forward to a year of growth, networking, and lasting impact under REIGN.