We will miss Rtn Oberoi

I was travelling when I received the shocking SMS from Secy Rtn. Dr. Paramjit Singh about the loss of our dear friend Rtn. J.S. Oberoi. We will miss his broad smile, a strong shakehand, with his perennial greetings "Hor Bhape kee haal ne?". I reproduce here the obituary penned by Rtn. A P Singh :

The news of the sudden and sad demise of our fellow Rotarian J S Oberoi on 14th Septeber, 2009 came as a shock to all of us. He was hale and hearty and attended the Monday meeting not so long ago, hence the disbelief in the fact that he is no more amongst us. The rotary family has lost a wonderful Rotarian. Fellow members and friends remember him as an excellent Rotarian, always immaculately dressed, jovial, open minded, always smiling, an excellent host, a keen golfer, a successful businessman and a loving family man.

Rtn. J S Oberoi, lovingly addressed as Jaggi Bhapa by his friends, joined rotary in 1964 in Ambala. A Paul Harris Fellow, Rtn. Oberoi joined Rotary Club Chandigarh when he shifted to Chandigarh thereby continuing his relation with Rotary till the day he passed away. He was always associated with the Club’s projects and would invariably be the first one to raise his hand whenever any appeal for any contributions towards projects was made from the podium during meetings. I remember his last contribution towards the medicines for the mega medical camp held at Colony no. 5 about a month back.

He was born on 11th of December 1926,and after his formal education he got married to Raminder Ji,on 2nd of March 1951. She belonged to a very known family of Ambala city .He initiated his career as a transporter. He owned several oil tankers to transport oil of Indian Oil company from Ambala Depot to various destinations in Punjab and J&K. He also owned petrol pumps in Ambala and Chandigarh.

Rtn. Oberoi enjoyed life to the fullest, throwing parties and relishing good fellowship. A keen golfer, he had the distinction of having achieved a hole in one. Rtn. Oberoi is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.

He did not accept any official position in Rotary but he was a true Rotarian as far as the concept of Service to others is concerned. Rtn KK Gupta fondly remembered him and shared important information about his life and family. Maj. B M Singh says he will miss a wonderful person, full of beans. Manmohan ji remembers how Rtn Oberoi will always address him as “Hi Handsome”. He would keep calling me “Secretary General” even though I had ceased to be the secretary of the Club. Standing at the cremation ground during the funeral of Rtn. J S Oberoi, everyone said one thing in chorus,”What a great human being…We will miss him deeply”. May God bless his soul.

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Why am I a Rotarian?

Our Club had an interesting panel discussion on "Why am I a Rotarian" in its regular meeting today. Rtn. Pres. H.S. Saggu from Rotary Chandigarh Central, along with PP Inderjit Singh, Rtn. H.S. Nanda and Rtn. Neeraj Punj attended. Rtn. PP B.L. Ramsisaria represented Rotary Chandigarh Midtown, while Rtn. PE Arvind Mahajan of Rotary Club Chandigarh was the third panelist.
The objective was to have a brain-storming session to raise certain key issues and make the Rotarians think about the importance of membership, bringing in new members, and initiate a self-analysis on the fundamental element that converts a member of the Rotary Club into a Rotarian.
The panelists as well as the audience shared their experiences how after joining Rotary they have understood and enjoyed the varied hues of their organisation. The key reasons expressed by the panelists for joining Rotary included, fellowship and networking opportunity, the opportunity to serve, or in order to be just a member of "elite" group.
Many admitted that initial months are mostly spent on observing and checking out other members, and it is only once one gets involved into the real project activities that one learns about its usefulness to oneself. It is other think, PP Rtn. Dr. P.S. Chari very aptly remarked, that some remain "ornamental members" who can be seen only in the club Roster, and others become Rotarians by attending the club meetings regularly.
Attending meetings religiously is, of course, the first step that helps one learn the first lesson of discipline, which opens up the gates to other opportunities through fellowship and service, panelists believed.
Number examples were cited where Rotarians enjoyed the friendship and prompt help that the Rotarians extended across the globe in other countries in an hour of need, which truly represents the internationality of Rotary and makes one feel a global citizen.
Discussing another very significant aspect of Rotary's impact on the lives of Rotarians, every one expressed the great learning experience they enjoyed being able to do good for the betterment of the society. Everyone had a human story to share that provided them utmost satisfaction and true joy and meaning of their lives.
The values of Rotary and the Four Way Test has indeed made the Rotarians to apply its principles in one's personal and professional lives felt another Rotarian which everyone endorsed.
"It grows on you gradually and depends primarily on an individual" said Rtn PE Arvind Mahajan. Rtn. Pres H.S. Saggu felt that "the experience of selfless giving is most satisfying that sustains you in Rotary." PP B.L. Ramsisaria said that a member becomes a Rotarian the moment he gets involved in the service of the community.
It was a truly thought provoking session with a great participation by every one who attended the meeting.
CJ