Friday, September 4, 2009

The Rotarian on Google


Now check out past issues of The Rotarian are which are now available on Google Books. Flip back the pages of time to see what the magazine looked like in decades past.
Just click here. The Rotarian On Google

Monday, August 24, 2009

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

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Why am I a Rotarian?

This is a question that perhaps we may not have asked ourselves so far. Have we? I think you have. Isn't it? Do you remember the day someone approached you and invited you to "join" Rotary? And then you "joined" and became "a member". It has been many years now for most of us. We lose count of the days and the months and the years. How many times do we attend regular meeting? And in how many projects of the club you were there and participated in it? What projects you are working with at the moment in the Club?
All of us have our own answers. And perhaps, many questions. I shall be grateful if you can come and open your heart on Monday, 24th August 2009 at our regular club meeting, which is dedicated to you, to seek answers to the question "Why am I a Rotarian?"
We shall together try to look into this aspect in the panel discussion, in which each one of you would be a panelist.
Do I have your yes? Thank you. Look forward to meeting you on Monday.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

More Hands More Service

Any organisation exists, prospers, and serves effectively only because of its members. It is only members like you and me who are true ambassadors of our great organisation Rotary, its ideals of service, and its mission. Yet, as we move ahead, it is very essential to continue to strengthen our organisation by proposing new members, inducting them, and changing their lives too. Rotary values help us become better friends, ethical and honest professionals and business people, and better human beings who care for others.
To discuss these and many other issues, let us participate and express our views at the Membership Development Seminar on Sunday, 30th August at Kamal Palace, Industrial Area, Yamunanagar.
This half day event would discuss various aspects of membership development and retention.
The registration fee is Rs.550 (single) and Rs.1050 (couple) till 15th August. However, we shall accept the same fee till 17th August, Monday.
Please register with Pres G.S. Lakhmna or Secy Prof Paramjeet Singh immediately.

Kalyan Banerjee visits Chandigarh

It was a great day. On 13th August, the Rotarians in Chandigarh were privileged to meet with the nominee of the Rotary International nominating committee, Rtn. Kalyan Banerjee, who has been selected to lead the Rotary world for 2011-12.
Both Rtn. Kalyan Banerjee and Ann Binota were received at the airport by Past Rotary International President R.K. Saboo and Usha ji, District Governor Chetan Aggarwal, and later in the evening, a quick reception was organised in his honour at Hotel Taj, which was attended by most of the RI Officers of our District with their spouses, some of the Assistant Governors and District functionaries who could make it to the city at such a short notice.
Speaking on the occasion Past Rotary International President recalled his first meeting in Surat in December 1978 at the District Conference where he made an audio-visual presentation on the District activities. "He has grown taller in all those years, and has made India proud", he said.
"Kalyan has brought a special gift to all of us in India, as he would be touching the Rotarians around the world with Indian ethos and Indian culture," Rtn Saboo added.
Rtn. Kalyan Banerjee, humbly expressed his gratitude to all the Rotarians of District 3080 for his first "unofficial reception" since, he said, he is the nominee of the Rotary International President's Nominating Committee at the moment.
"We are however going to start a new chapter in Rotary life by meeting you all, here in a city where heart of Rotary resides, and for Binota and I, it is a pilgrimage to the Mecca of Rotary," Kalyan Banerjee remarked.
"I am sure that we would not have reached thismilestone in Rotary without Raja and Usha, who had been so humble, and when the announcement came, Raja called up to thank me for the perfect birthday gift that he received from me, which perfectly demonstrate his greatness as a true leader."
"I will look at the future with guidance of all Rotarians to meet the challenges of tomorrow," he concluded.
As a token of their gratitude, Rtn Kalyan Banerjee and Ann Binota presented shawl each to Past Rotary International President Raja Saboo and Usha.
On behalf of the District senior RI Officer, PDG Lakshmi Sagar, presented a beautifully carved idol of Ganesha to the couple.
It was momentous occasion to share those beautiful evening with Rtn. Kalyan Banerjee, whom District Governor Chetan Aggarwal described as a Savior, a dedicated humanitarian who is out to serve the humanity most befittingly, true to his name, "Kalyan".