RTN. AVINASH POTDAR, a Major donor of The Rotary Foundation; is born in an illustrious family of freedom fighters and social reformers. He is son of SHRI. RAMBHAU POTDAR who was a Minister and Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council.

RTN. AVINASH POTDAR, was invited to join Rotary Club of Belgaum in 1983 and for last 28 years, he is serving his club, Rotary District and the Community locally and internationally.

He was adjudged as the only “ BEST CLUB SECRETARY” of the District in 1994-95. He lead his club successfully in 1997-98 and was recognized with BEST PRESIDENT; BEST CLUB and 6 more District awards. The first Major donor of the District came from his club during his Presidentship along with highest TRF contribution.

RTN. AVINASH, has served the District as the DCC for Annual Giving TRF; Sports & Games; Friendship Exchange, Public Relation; Centennial celebration; Polio Plus; Scholarships, Dist. Resolutions and Governor Aide. His service was recognized with EXCELLENCE AWARD almost every year. He was GSR for R.C. of Bailhongal. He is the only recipient of “ BEST ASST. GOVERNOR” award during 2002-03 and collected `. 22 Lacs for Polio eradication. He was Org. Secretary of the Centennial Conference held at Belgaum. He has been honoured with TRF DISTRICT SERVICE AWARD & 4-Avenues of Service Citation. He has addressed Rotary; Rotaract and Interact forums as Trainer and Keynote Speaker on various occasions.

RTN. AVINASH is the owner of NARTAKI CINEMA and is associated with various professional organizations like Belgaum Cine Exhibitors; Karnataka Film Exhibitors and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. He has served these organizations as President, Vice President and Ex-Committee member. For his professional excellence, he was felicitated at the hands of legendary Shri Rajkapoor, Dr. Rajkumar, V. Shantaram and Lata Mangeshkar. He is the founder President of Belgaum Sports Club through which he has organized two Ranaji Trophy Matches for Polio awareness and laid turf wicket which was inaugurated by Shri Sunil Gavaskar. His efforts as the Chairman of Karnataka State Cricket Association ( Dharwad Zone) has resulted in to a modern cricket stadium coming up at Belgaum. He has organized a National Level “MR. INDIA” contest as the President of Body Builders Association, which was held for the first time in North Karnataka.

He motivated and assisted two physically challenged swimmers to participate in crossing the English channel.

Rtn. Avinash is the Director of 106 years old Belgaum Pioneer Urban Co-op Bank for last 23 years and served as the Chairman twice, having achieved profit of more than a crore . He is building Markandeya Sugar Mill as the Chairman and is Director of Karnataka State Federation of Co-op. Sugar Factories. As the Vice-President  of Belgaum Education Society he is serving the cause of Education.

He has an excellent public relation. Through his personal contact he invited Shri. Sunil Dutt, Shri Zakir Hussain; Shri T.N. Sheshan, Shatrughan Sinha, B.S. Chandrashekhar, Prakash Padukon, Brijesh Patel, Atul Kulkarni, Gangubai Hanagal, Sachin, Mahesh Kothare, H.D. Devegouda on Rotary Platform on various occasions. 

Rtn Avinash is a sports enthusiast, humanitarian at heart, an ardent music lover, a doyen of Co-op movement and more than anything an endearing personality. His life and deeds exemplify the values for which Rotary stands.

Rtn. Avinash Potdar is married to Ann. Rupa who is Past President of Inner Wheel Club of Belgaum. She is a post graduate in Synthetic Drugs and secured Gold Medal from erstwhile Bombay University.