We were delighted to formally induct a new member, Malini Karani, during our business meeting today. We are confident Malini will be an invaluable addition to the Club, and we look forward to working alongside her.
Welcoming new members is always a pleasure, and expanding our “Rotary family” is especially meaningful. We’re thrilled to now have Malini on board.
Malini first encountered our Club at the Canterbury City show in July, where she participated in our “Recycling Challenge” event organized by Rotarian Steve Root from the Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise.
While at the show, Malini connected with Rotarian Brian Dobinson, who subsequently invited her to visit our Club. Since then, Malini has attended several Club events, including an exclusive tour of the Tannery development led by architect and Rotarian Andrew Clague, as well as a bring-a-dish lunch hosted by Past President Richard Kemball-Cook this past summer.
After a few words of welcome from President Maxine Blades, Malini – who currently works as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Creative Arts (UCA) – was formally introduced by Rotarian Robert Yonge, who shared a brief overview of her biography (see Malini’s biography below). Malini has enjoyed an impressive career, which has taken her to the USA, Dubai, and beyond, before bringing her to Canterbury.
During the induction, Maxine turned to Malini and warmly said, “We know you will find ‘Inspiration in Service’ and ‘Enjoyment in Fellowship’ within our Club and the worldwide Rotary movement, which includes some 1.5 million members in 35,000 clubs.” Robert then presented Malini with her Rotary badge, highlighting her classification in Architect and Interior Design, and Maxine presented her with a “Magic of Rotary” pin, representing this year’s Rotary global theme.
Malini spoke briefly, expressing her eagerness to help “in any way possible.” Her induction concluded with a warm round of applause from Club members.
Malini’s biography:
Malini earned her Bachelor’s in Interior Design from the American University in Dubai and later pursued a Master’s in Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She has practiced as an Architect and Interior Designer in Dubai and contributed to academia across the Middle East, teaching at various universities. Some of her professional projects in Dubai include designing malls, retail spaces, bank branches, and luxury homes.
Malini completed her PhD in Architecture at Cardiff University, UK, specializing in Vastushastra, or Indian Architectural Theory. She has published research on this subject and aspires to merge the essence of traditional architectural theories with contemporary design in her work.
In her spare time, Malini enjoys sketching and painting, working with media such as watercolour, oil, and acrylic. She has exhibited her artwork in Dubai, and one of her paintings was even donated to the Telavi Historical Museum in Georgia. She also enjoys jewellery crafting, crochet, and solving jigsaw puzzles. Her largest completed puzzle is 5,000 pieces, though she once attempted a 9,000-piece puzzle (with mixed success!)
An avid traveller, Malini hopes to explore many more destinations worldwide. She also enjoys reading across genres and has aspirations to write a book one day.
Picture: Malini receives her Rotary badge from sponsor Robert Yonge. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
