Retired RFC Officer Yogesh Kanawat played a pivotal role in developing Jhalawar's Kota Stone industry and industrial growth centers. Currently a dedicated Rotary Club member managing the Mukti Dham project, he also serves as the President of the District Bodybuilding Association.

A Jhalawar resident, Yogesh Kanawat is a Retired Deputy Manager from the Rajasthan Financial Corporation (RFC).

His professional tenure began in 1986 when he joined RFC. He served in RFC with dedication until his retirement in July 2021. Throughout his career, his primary focus was on industrial finance, providing essential funding and services to various sectors, particularly the Hotel Industry and the region's dominant Kota Stone industry.

Working in close coordination with RIICO and the Indian Government, Kanawat played a strategic role in the development of the industrial infrastructure in the region.

When the government mandated the establishment of growth centers, he and his team successfully identified and recommended suitable land sites for four major growth centers in Rajasthan.

Furthermore, he was instrumental in assisting RIICO with the development of the Mama Bhanja Industrial Area (2nd and 3rd phases) and subsequently financing the industries established there. Beyond large industries, he also facilitated finance for smaller sectors under central government schemes for artisans, including Alpay, Charmkari (leather work), and Dastkari (handicrafts).

Retired RFC Deputy Manager Yogesh Kanawat has been deeply connected to the social fabric of Jhalawar from the very beginning, maintaining a wide network where he is well-recognized by the community. His formal entry into institutional social service was prompted by Advocate Sunil Gupta, a two-time Public Prosecutor, who encouraged him to join the Rotary Club.

Ever since joining the Rotary Club, Kanawat has been an active member, particularly contributing in the development and maintenance of the Mukti Dham, the local crematorium developed by his club. As an active member of the Mukti Dham committee, he visits the site regularly to oversee improvements and the development of more facilities, ensuring that grieving families performing last rites do not face any inconvenience.

He believes that while individual service is noble, it often faces limitations; however, an organization like Rotary provides the necessary support system and platform to help the needy effectively. Additionally, he serves as a District Coordinator and a Senior Citizen leader within the BJP, further extending his scope of public service.

Born in Tonk City at his maternal uncle's home, Yogesh Kanawat cherishes his roots. He is one of four brothers and one sister. His childhood summers were spent playing in Tonk, creating fond memories. He draws his deepest inspiration from his father, Sugandh Singh Kanawat, who served as an Assistant Registrar (Cooperative) and was a District-Level Officer known for his impeccable honesty.

At the age of 93, his father remains a respected figure among the villagers and residents of the district, serving as a lifelong role model for Yogesh Kanawat.

Yogesh Kanawat acts as a beacon of physical fitness, defying his age of 64 (running 65). His passion for sports dates back to his school days where he was an NCC Under-Officer holding A, B, and C certificates. In college, he served as the Game Secretary and was a competitive 5 km racer.

His adventurous spirit led him to complete a mountaineering and basic climbing course at Jhalana Dungri in 1987. Remarkably, he proved that it is never too late to learn by mastering swimming at the age of 45 when a pool opened in Jhalana Dungri; today, he is proficient enough to perform backflips in the water. Currently, he serves as the President of the District Bodybuilding Association. His daily routine includes running 5 to 10 km (he has also participated in marathons), going to the gym, and performing push-ups. He actively encourages others by gathering people for morning exercise sessions.

He attributes his robust health—having taken no medicines till age 64 and being a non-smoker—to a disciplined lifestyle and traditional wisdom. Following the advice of a Vaidya (traditional healer) in his childhood, he has consumed Ashwagandha regularly. He credits this herb for his bone density, noting that despite falling multiple times while cycling, he has never suffered a fracture.

He strongly advises the youth to consume natural herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavar, and protein-rich foods like milk, paneer, and soya, rather than relying on expensive supplements. He strictly warns against the consumption of fried foods, paan, and spices, which he links to serious diseases like cancer.

Spirituality is the bedrock of his mental strength. Since childhood, following his mother's guidance, he has recited the Gayatri Mantra to gain inner strength and the resilience to fight problems —

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्।

He is also a devout devotee of Lord Hanuman, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa daily. Following his uncle's advice to ward off evil, he visits the temple every evening to light a lamp of sesame oil for Lord Hanuman.

Rotary Member Yogesh Kanawat appeals to students and their parents to look beyond just academics. He urges parents to send their children to the fields and mountains, emphasizing that education helps one progress, but sports are essential for health.

His message to the nation is clear: adopt a healthy lifestyle to stay out of hospitals, eat nutritious food, and if you have the spirit to serve, join organizations like Rotary to make a collective impact.