Rtn. Giuseppe Ieva and his wife Ann. Lauretta Spada, who represent the Rotary Club of Este from Rotary International District 2060 in Northern Italy, being given a traditional welcome.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a vibrant display of international fellowship, the Rotary Club of United Chennai under Rotary International District 3233 recently hosted an Italian Rotarian-couple during their monthly meeting at The Residency Hotel in T. Nagar.
According to a press release, the honoured guests, Rtn. Giuseppe Ieva and his wife Ann. Lauretta Spada, represent the Rotary Club of Este from Rotary International District 2060 in Northern Italy. Rtn. Giuseppe, a 74-year-old ENT specialist doctor retired from service, is currently on a maiden voyage to explore the rich cultural landscapes of Chennai and Tamil Nadu.
During the meeting, the visiting couple reflected on their previous travels through India and shared insights into their home, Este, a historic town in Northern Italy. In return, Club President Rtn. Arulkanth Jayakanthan and Club Secretary Rtn. Gopikrishnan Jayabal presented a deep dive into the unique heritage, traditions and culture of Chennai, says the press release.
To commemorate the visit, the Club presented the couple with handcrafted souvenirs: a peacock statue representing India’s national bird and a wood-carved elephant showpiece.
The evening concluded with a traditional dinner where the guests sampled local favourites, including Thayir Vadai and Rice with Rasam. The meal sparked a fascinating conversation about the culinary parallels between the two nations.
Rtn.Giuseppe noted that much like India, Italian cuisine is deeply divided by geography: Northern Italy: Focuses on rice, butter, polenta, and hearty meats with rich sauces. Southern Italy: Defined by dried pasta, tomatoes, olive oil, fresh seafood, and spicy herbs.
Reflecting on the successful exchange, Rtn. Magesh Kumaragurubaran, International Service Director of the Rotary Club of United Chennai, emphasised the power of the global Rotary network. “Rotary provides a unique opportunity to connect and foster friendships across different continents,” he said. “India is world-renowned for its hospitality, and we always strive to embody the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ — the belief that a guest is equivalent to God.”
Published – February 04, 2026 09:02 pm IST
