Many of you may have wondered why the symbol of the 1999-2000 Rotary International Theme is the design that it is. For those of you that have, and those of you that haven't given it a thought, the 1080 News staff has scoured the knowledge of the globe to bring you the lowdown.

The Eight-Cornered Star in Hindu Philosophy is called "Ashta Konam" or "Vasu Konam" and symbolises "Sakthi" derived from eight directions. From this eight-cornered star the "Padma Chakram" originates - this is the fundamental source of energy for a human being with "Brahma Sthanam", or the centres of the "Chakras", as a fulcrum. With this fulcrum, the energy is derived from the revolution of the chakra to attain creative intelligence.

In short, the highest philosophical attribute in human dynamism is derived from this Vasu Konam.

Chakra creates a revolution, the revolution generates energy and the energy's output is dynamism.

Thus Rotary creates dynamism, human dynamism, to help mankind.

All of which may be of assistance the next time someone looks at your lapel badge and wants to know why you are wearing a woman's brooch.