Ailesh Dupate was inducted into our club at our Changeover Lunch in June. He is a man who has lived Rotary values long before formally joining our Club.
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Ailesh brings with him not only an impressive professional portfolio in finance and business development but also a deep, lived commitment to community service. For six years, he served as an active member of the Rotaract Club of Thane North End - an experience that shaped his belief in leadership through service and connection across borders.
Now based in Northcote, Melbourne, Ailesh is ready to continue that journey - this time as a proud member of Rotary Melbourne.
“My aspiration to be part of Rotary Melbourne stems from my long-standing belief in community service, leadership, and global fellowship,” says Ailesh. “Rotary has always been a guiding force in my life - it’s where I learned that even small acts can have big ripple effects.”
Professionally, Ailesh is a Business Development Manager at India Growth Funds Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based investment firm that bridges Australian wholesale investors with India’s dynamic managed fund market. It’s a role that perfectly suits his analytical mind and international outlook. Alongside his professional career, he is also pursuing a Master of Financial Analysis (FinTech) at La Trobe University, deepening his expertise in finance and emerging technologies.
Ailesh’s colleagues describe him as thoughtful, diligent, and endlessly curious - a combination that has already earned him admiration within both professional and Rotary circles. His sponsor, Bernie McIntosh, Managing Director at VIC Group, says:
“He has a genuine desire to be involved in our community and a real appreciation for Rotary’s ideals. Ailesh will fit in easily and contribute meaningfully.”
That sentiment is echoed by Dr Peter Rogers AM, Past President of Rotary Melbourne, who met Ailesh during a club meeting.
“He comes with a strong Rotaract background and brings skills that our Club needs - youth mentorship, financial acumen, IT literacy, and a global perspective. He’s exactly the kind of young professional who helps keep Rotary Melbourne vibrant and forward-looking.”
Indeed, Ailesh’s interests align beautifully with Rotary’s mission. He is passionate about youth mentorship, financial literacy, and international collaboration - areas he hopes to champion within the Club. His dream? To help connect young people to opportunities that inspire purpose and empowerment, much like Rotary did for him years ago.
Outside of spreadsheets and strategy sessions, Ailesh enjoys Melbourne’s diverse cultural scene and its easy blend of global and local flavours - something that reminds him of home. “There’s a sense of belonging here,” he says. “And Rotary feels like a family - one that connects people from every corner of the world through kindness and action.”
As Rotary Melbourne continues to attract members who bridge generations, industries, and cultures, Ailesh represents a new wave of leaders - globally minded, community-driven, and deeply rooted in the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self.”
Welcome to Rotary Melbourne, Ailesh! We’re delighted to have you with us.
