Celebrating Friendship

On August 26, we celebrated friendship day. PP Arvind Mehan, Rtn Reema Dewan and Rtn S.D. Sharda gave a very beautiful and thought provoking enunciation on friendship.

On the occasion we had among us some special guests: Dr B.N.S. Walia, Hon. Rotarian, friends of Rtn S.D. Sharda—Mr S.S. Bhatia, former CIT, and Mr B.D. Gupta, Settlement Officer—Col G.S. Suri and his wife Kuljit Suri, Arun & Archana Jain from USA, Gen Majithia and his wife Meenu and Pooja Guliani.

PDG Madhukar Malhotra initiated the programme “We are all Rotarians and friends of Rotary,” he said. He impressed upon the members to “enjoy their friendships through service. “Through service we strengthen our friendships,” he added.

PP Arvind Mehan said that friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. But, if you have not learned the meaning of friendship, you have not learned anything at all. While preparing his speech for the occasion, he said, he asked his wife Sadhana what friendship meant to her within their own marriage and how it stood apart from love and companionship? “A friend is the one who not only touches your heart, he touches your soul, was her answer”.

PP Arvind also felt that the only way to have a friend is to be one. “You can wait for years for people to start liking you enough to be friends or you can extend a hand of friendship and become one in an instant.”

“Basically, your friend is a person who knows all about you and still likes you. He neither leads nor follows you, but walks besides you,” he added.

Rtn Reema Dewan was of the view that friends bring an aura of positivity, and the best part is that “they are chosen, not inherited”. She added that “we need to be friends with our self first and only then we can be good friends to others.

Rtn S.D. Sharda compared friendship to that between stars and moon. “Chand aur sitaron kee dosti ek misal hai. Jab chand roashan hota hai, sitaron kee roshni dugni ho jaati hai”. He recited a couplet to elucidate his point: “Jalwe nahin hote, woh nazare nahin hote, jab chand ke pehloo main sitare nahin hote.”

The vote of thanks was proposed by PDG Kawal Bedi.

The evening ended with a fellowship dinner and members enjoying karaoke singing.

RI Board meeting Highlights

The 2012–13 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting on 17–21 June 2013 in Cascais, Portugal. The Board also held a brief meeting in April just before the Council on Legislation. The 2013–14 RI Board held its first meeting on 28 June 2013 in Lisbon, Portugal. At these meetings the Board reviewed reports from 13 committees and recorded 93 decisions.

June 2013 Board Meeting Highlights

The 2012–13 RI Board of Directors held its fourth and final meeting on 17–21 June 2013 in Cascais, Portugal. The Board also held a brief meeting in April just before the Council on Legislation.
Club and District Matters

The Board increased RI extension into China by placing Guangdong Province into District 3450. The Board reorganized clubs in District 2980 (India) into new Districts 2981 and 2982, effective 1 July 2015.

Noting that the 2013 Council did not adopt legislation to allow flexibility in meeting frequency, which effectively ended the Meeting Frequency pilot project, the Board approved the establishment of a transition plan for those clubs in the pilot to return to the standard club model.

RI Administration and Finances

The Board adopted the 2013–14 RI budget, reflecting revenues of US$98,797,000, the use of $9,585,000 in general surplus funds, $301,000 in convention reserves, and $108,647,000 in expenses, resulting in an excess of revenues, general surplus funds, and convention reserve over expenditures of $36,000. As approved by the RI Bylaws and by a three-quarters vote of all directors, the Board also approved an additional $2 million in unallocated general surplus funds for operational and other strategic initiatives in 2013–14.

The Board approved a 2012–13 budget variance of US$3 million for program award expenditures from unrestricted contributions in the Annual Fund (WF) for 2012–13 matching grants, contingent upon approval by the Trustees. The Trustees approved this variance at their June meeting.

The Board designated conveners and meeting places for RI director nominating committees that will meet in September 2013 to select directors-nominee for election at the 2014 RI (Sydney) Convention. Directors will be selected from Zones 4, 6B, 10B, 13, 22, 26, 29, and 30.

RI Programs, Communications, and Meetings

The Board amended New Generations Service Exchange policy by increasing the eligible age of participants from 21 to 30, and by setting the minimum age to the age of majority in the host country, but not younger than 18.

The Board agreed to enter into a service partnership, as a two-year pilot initiative, with the Thunderbird School of Global Management, located in Glendale, Arizona, USA.

The Board recognized the Alzheimer's/Dementia Rotarian Action Group.

Club News - August 19

Vistaar now in September
The District Membership Development Seminar, Vistaar, has been postponed to 29 September 2013, because of flooding and damaged roads in Saharanpur area. The registeration fee is Rs 600. Please get in touch with the President for registration.

Hamari Beti to shine in 25 States in India
“Hamari Beti” has been chosen as the mascot for the Uner-15 National Girls Hockey Championship being organised by MBCT Hockey Nursery, under the aegis of Indian Hockey Federation, from 14-21 September 2013, at Bassi Pathana, Fatehgarh Saheb. The mascot merchandise shall be prized possession with nearly 600 girls from 25 States who will be participating in this tournament.

Special Thanks
Our special thanks to Rtns Jatinder Kapur, P.S. Matharoo and PP Vijay Wadhawan for gifting 150 packs of eatables and drinks for children in Dhanas and Colony No. 5.

We are grateful to Rtn Jaspal Singh Sidhu and Nestle for supplying 150 Gift Hampers for distributing among children in Dhanas and Colony No. 5.

To Rtr Harneet Kaur, President of Rotaract Club of Chandigarh, and her team for making the August 15 evening so special with such excellent performances which made the Independence Day celebrations this year so special.

Last but not the least, thank you  PP Charanjit Singh for bringing out Issues 6 and 7 of Open Hand in absence of the Editor.

Helping a poor girl hear properly
Ms Satpal Kaur, 20 years old daughter of Mr Tarsem Singh, from Village Chandiyal, Tehsil Sunam, District Sangrur (Punjab), was referred to us by Rtn Dr Raman Abrol, for financial help to get corrective surgery done to restore proper hearing.  Her father  is working as a daily labourer. Your club has helped her with financial aid of Rs 9500 from the Sunshine collection.

Installation of new team at Interact Club , Bhawan Vidyalaya
The installation ceremony of 2013-14 team of Bhavan’s Interact Club, led by President Tanisha Garg, was held on 22 August. President Hassan Mejie was the Chief Guest.

A skit, “Main Hoon Chetna”, on the status of a daughter-in-law, was also enacted.

Among the Rotarians who attended the function were: PRIP R.K. Saboo, PDG Madhukar Malhotra, Rtn Dr. Pushpinder Chahal, Rtn. R.K. Taneja, Rtn. Reema Dewan, PP Arvind Mehan, PP Vijay Wadhawan, Rtn. Nandini Khanna, and Rtn. Mona Khattar.

HEARTLINE PROJECT
Supported by RI Dist. 3600 Taiwan and RC of San Marino, D 5300, USA
Seven children from Rwanda were successfully operated upon by Dr T.S. Mahant, at Fortis Hospital. These children had arrived on 5 August and were received at the Chandigarh Airport by PP Kewal Seth, Rtn Mona Khattar, Pres. Hassan Mejie, Rtn Sukhjit S. Gill and Ms Meher. 

We would like to thank Rtns Sukhjit Gill, Geetika Rao, Mona Khattar and Rajnish Khattar who devoted not only time to take care of the children and their parents, but also used to take fruits and eatables for them throughout their stay in Chandigarh.

We also thank Thakur Mejie and Mehar from USA for distributing crayons, sketch books and world flags’ books to the Rwandan children.

PRIP R.K. Saboo also visited the children, along with President Hassan Mejie, and interacted with them.

Celebrating Independence Day

1st Stop: Dhanas

The celebrations started at the Rotary Balwari in village Dhanas. President Hassan S Mejie along with Rotarians Piara Singh Matharoo, Chairperson RCC, PP Vijay Wadhawan, PP Darshan Mehandru, Vice President Jatinder Kapur, PE Prof Paramjit Singh, IPP Vivek Gupta and Mona Khattar coordinated the Independence Day celebrations. Gift Hampers from NESTLE, thanks to our Rtn. Jaspal Singh Sidhu, and sandwiches, cold drinks and confectionary items contributed by Rtn. Jatinder Kapur & Rtn. P S Matharoo were distributed among 150 children and 6 staff members.

National flag was unfurled by President Hassan Mejie at 11.00am. Children sang patriotic songs and gave Gidda performance. An excellent motivational song on freedom was sung by a 63-years old student of the adult literacy class.

2nd Stop: Bapu Dham
At 12.30pm Pres. Hassan S Mejie, along with Rotarians P.S.Matharoo, PP Vijay Wadhawan, Mona Khattar and Jatinder Kapur met with 30 children and their teachers in colony No. 5. A painting competition was held, the first 5 best drawings were awarded with a paintbox and crayons. Sweets and confectionary items were also distributed. Children sang patriotic songs/

Evening at Peace monument at Sukhna Lake

It was an evening with a difference when Rotarians with their families, and Rotaractors, gathered at Sukhna Lake.

Nearly 500 strong general public gathered around the amphitheatre as Rotaractors and a Rock Band, “Curse” regaled the audience with patriotic songs. Rtr President Harneet Kaur handled the stage, Rtr Aarti Goyal spoke on the topic of independence. Rtr Balwinder and his team performed a skit on Fake Godmen– which kept the audience in splits. Thereafter, Rtr President Harneet led a team of six Rotaractors for an enthralling Giddha performance, and programme concluded with Bhangra.

The programme ended with lighting of candles at the Rotary Peace Monument. Tea and snacks were served to Rotarians and Rotaractors at the Lake Restaurant.

A Re-look at India’s Response to Foreign Military Aggression

If we can sleep at peace at night and go about our daily chores without any fear, it is because of our defence forces who stand guard at our country’s borders, and it was a privilege for the club to host an army officer of distinction, Maj Gen Charanjit Singh Panag (retd), on 19 August.

Maj Gen Panag gave a rundown on the aggression and skirmishes on Indian borders with our neighbours, and informed that these are pin-pricks which are a daily affair in the life of a soldier on the borders, which are blown out of proportion by the electronic media. However, he lamented the need for a more graduated response and a long-term plan with respect to various neighbouring countries.

The absence of strong foreign policy vis-à-vis our neighbours is the weakest point and it is high time that our country moves with a strategic plan, he said.  He pointed out the need for a think tank for defending our borders, just like Pakistan’s army which calls the shot, and Central Military Council of China, whose members do not retire and offer strategic advice on policy matters.

His engaging presentation kept the audience glued to their seats and was followed by an interactive session with the members.

PP Charanjit Singh introduced Maj Gen Panag, R’Ann Sadhana Mehan presented a bouquet, and Rtn Dr Rajinder Kaur presented a memento to him. PP Arvind Mehan proposed the vote of thanks.

Register your child for Youth Leadership Camp

Our Club is hosting the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp at Kufri on 27-29 September 2013. Rotarians  can register their children in the  age group of 14-18 years.  This would be a life-time experience for the young boys and girls to build their self-esteem and confidence in a highly interactive programme through creative activities amidst Nature's salubrious surroundings. 

For more details, check out this link. 

Club News - July 29

Paul Harris Fellows

Rtn Jagesh Khaitan presented the Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate to Rtn S.P.S. Matharoo (left), Rtn Praveen Aggarwal (centre) and young Pranit Katia (grandson of Rtn Pawan Katia). Rtn S.P.S. Matharoo is a multiple PHF. Master Pranit is the youngest PHF of our Club.

Thank You DPS

Rtn Reema Dewan, Principal of Delhi Public School, presenting to PRIP Raja Saboo a cheque of Rs 1.5 lakh (donation from staff and teachers of DPS) and cash Rs 1.5 lakh (donation from children of DPS) towards the Uttarakhand Relief Fund. She wished that the donation be used to build a school in a village. PRIP Saboo informed that Rotary has indeed taken the decision to build schools in Uttarakhand as part of the rehabilitation work. Indeed a very commendable deed which was given a standing ovation.


 

Lucky Draw

The Lucky Draw this week (a crystal vase) was won by Rtn S.D. Sharda. [In the pic] Rtn Tajinder Kaur handing over the gift to Rtn Sharda


Our Ambassadors
Rtn Tajinder Kaur visited the Rotary Clubs in Rwanda and Kenya during her visit to both the countries in July 2013 She also met a child from Rwanda who had been treated under our Heartline project. She handed-over the two flags she received from the respective Clubs to PRIP R.K. Saboo.

PDG Madhukar Malhotra visited Rotary Club of  Jersey D1110 and exchanged flags with President Toni Roberts .

Blood Donation Camp
A Blood Donation camp was organised by us, in association with the Rotary Blood Resource Centre at the head-office of DTDC Courier, Sector 35, Chandigarh. PP Arvind Mehan coordinated the event. A total of 26 donations were received.

PP Praveen C. Goyal invited to be the Chief Guest
PP Praveen Chander Goyal was the Chief Guest at the Installation Ceremony of Rotary Club of Nalagarh on 30 July, 2013. He was accompanied by R’Anne Basu Goyal. In his speech, he projected the role of Rotary in humanitarian projects like Heartline and Medical missions. The gift received by him was put to American auction.  Rs 4000 generated through the auction was contributed towards the Uttarakhand Relief Fund. 

Inner-Wheel holds tree plantation drive
Inner Wheel Club of Chandigarh held a Tree Plantation drive at Sri Aurobindo School, Sector 27, Chandigarh. PP Arvind Mehan attended on behalf of our Club.

Fellowship Dinner on July 29

The Monday meeting was followed by a Fellowship Dinner and Karaoke Singing. The menu included a variety of tandoori paranthas and kulchas. Members were seen using this opportunity for exchange of ideas and lots of enjoying together.

Developing Leaders - For now and for the future

Joyce R. Gaufin
President-Elect, American Public Health Association

On July 29 we had Joyce R. Gaufin as our guest speaker. She talked on the importance of nurturing leaders for tomorrow. Quoting a 1989 report she said, “today, the need for leadership is too important to leave its emergence to chance.” She added that the next generation is ready to be a leader now, at a very young age. “The challenge is that they have the right mentors and coaches.”

She also emphasized on the importance of relationships, which, she said, is most fundamental of all human needs. To become a good leader, you have to learn to reach out to those who do not think and feel the same way as you do. “Good relationships help build trust, a very important ingredient for effective leadership,” she said.

Good leaders nurture their passion. “Only a small group of thoughtful and passionate people can change the world,” she added.

Leaders must also have vision as a good vision takes us forward. She gave the example of Walt Disney who went bankrupt several times before his idea of Disneyland actually fructified.

Ms Gaufin also emphasized on developing critical thinking abilities and having an open mind.

Leaders also have to be tough. “Leadership is not for the timid,” she added. And, one needs to keep it in mind that leadership is a journey and not destination.

Ms Joyce R. Gaufin was introduced by PP Man Mohan Singh Kohli. Rtn Ranjit Powar presented her a memento. The vote of thanks was proposed by PE Prof Paramjit Singh.

Club News - July 22

Congratulations

Rtn Anuraag Chopra, along with Col (Retd) K.J.S. Sandhu, has won the Indian final of the Audi Quattro Cup, held at the Kemer Golf and Country Club in Istanbul. They stood first among 13 pairs by scoring 42 points. The first-place finish has given them access to participate in the world final of the tournament, to be organised in Los Angles from 7 to 12 October, 2013. We wish Rtn Anuraag and his team-mate all the best for success in the world final.



Organ Talks Educational Workshop
The Department of Anatomy, PGIMER, organised the I.J. Dewan Memorial Educational Workshop, titled "Organs Talk: Time to take prevention" on 23-24 July. We sponsored 500 Verka Lassi tetra-packs that were distributed among children from various schools who visited the workshop over two days.

At the inauguration of the Workshop on 23 July, our Club was represented by R'Ann Harkiran Mejie, R'Ann Alpna Khanna and Rtn Desh Deepak Khanna.

The children and visitors were educated on effects of pollution, smoking, drinking, not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler and wrong eating habits by showing them actual organs, both of a healthy person and diseased. It was a novel idea which definitely left a huge impact on youngsters and motivated them to not only desist from indulging in vices but also educate others against it.

Pune-Leh Polio Awareness Rally Flag-off

On 26 July, PRIP R.K. Saboo flagged-off the Chandigarh-Manali leg of the Pune-Leh Polio Awareness Rally from RVTC, Chandigarh. The team comprised of Rtn Pradeep Mulay & Rtn Anju Mulay (RC Pune Pashan), Mr Abhey Karmarker & Mrs Anuradha Karmarker.

PRIP Saboo, while wishing them safe journey, gave them each a gift hamper from our Club, along with our Club flag. Our Club members present  were: Rtn Desh Deepak Khanna, Rtn Surinder P. Kaur, Rtn Sukhjit S. Gill, PP Arvind Mehan, Rtn Mona Khattar and Rtn G.S. Chawla.

Investiture Ceremony - AKSIPS-41 Interact Club

The Investiture Ceremony of the Interact Club of AKSIPS-41 Smart School was organized on 25 July. The 2013-14 office-bearers were decorated by President Hassan Mejie and Secretary Desh Deepak Khanna. Following members attended the ceremony: PP Neena Singh, Rtn P.S. Matharoo, Rtn Mona Khattar, PP Vijay Wadhawan, Rtn A.P. Singh and PP Darshan Mehandru.

The outgoing President of the club, Shruti, showcased the achievements of the club in the year gone by through a power point presentation. Their activities included distribution of stationery items to poor school children, celebration of May Day and the Earth Day, holding of health check up camp for the needy and initiating literacy drives.

President Hassan Singh Mejie, in his address, urged the Interactors to carry on the torch of benevolence and keep it lighted forever.

The newly inducted members of the Interact Club are: Amninder Kaur (President), Geetansh (Vice President), Kritika, Lavisha, Ashima and Prajwal (Directors),  Apoorav (Secretary), Daksh (Joint Secretary), Mehak (Treasurer), Japneet (Sergeant-at Arms).

Investiture Ceremony - DPS Interact Club

The Investiture ceremony to install the 2013-14 team of DPS Interact School was held on 24 July.
The students of DPS presented an impressive dance and music show as part of the ceremony. From our Club following attended: President Hassan Mejie, Rtn Desh Deepak Khanna, Rtn Sukhjit S. Gill, PP Baldev Aggarwal, Rtn P.S. Matharoo, PP Parveen Goyal, Rtn Mona Khattar, PP Vijay Wadhawan, Rtn A.P. Singh  PP Darshan Mehandru and PP Man Mohan Singh Kohli.

The new office-bearers of the DPS Interact Club are: Rhea Jaspal (President), Sasaki Negi (Vice President), Shaira Kansal (Secretary), Jannat Brar (Joint Secretary) Ekta Chahal (Treasurer), Tanya Singh (Sergeant at Arms), Aastha Anand, Inayat Grewal, Aditya Dhingra & Rakshit Sharma (Directors).

Rest in Peace: Rtn Hari Mohan Monga and R’Ann Sangeeta Monga

On 19 July 2013, we lost a very old and dedicated member, Rtn Hari Mohan Monga, and his wife, R’Ann Sangeeta Monga, in a car accident near Sonipat.

The planned July 22 weekly meeting was cancelled and was converted to a condolence meeting to pay our respect and homage to the departed souls.

PRIP R.K. Saboo expressed his anguish over the way fate took away the two noble souls from us.

PRIP Saboo said that he had the privilege of being associated with Rtn Hari Mohan since the 1960s when they first came together to form the Industries Association in Chandigarh.

“He was a very ardent worker and his commitment to Rotary never diminished in all these years,” said PRIP Saboo.

Due to personal problems Rtn Monga had not been very active for last few years. But he was always there to help whenever his services were required. Despite the fact that he had lately shifted to Gurgaon, he continued to remain member of our Club. In fact, before leaving for Gurgaon on the fateful day, he had visited RVTC to pay his dues. “I will now see you next year,” he told Labh Singh. Sadly, that was not to be.

Raja Saboo praised him for never indulging in politics or groupism and remembered him as a very friendly and jovial person and a remarkable human being. “This Club is deeply grieved to loose a friend and member like Monga,” he said.

Paying his tribute to Rtn Monga and R’Ann Sangeeta, PP Maj B.M. Singh recalled his over 40 years of association with both. “He was very friendly and always smiling,” he said.

PP Maj B.M. Singh also recalled the lovely snacks that R’Ann Sangeeta Monga used to serve at the fellowships. “She would never say no whenever we asked her to prepare snacks for the fellowship,” he said. “We have lost a wonderful couple,” he added.

A one minute silence was observed in memory of the departed souls.

Rest in peace Rtn Hari Mohan Monga and R’Ann Sangeeta Monga.

Club News - July 15

Rtn Pushpinder Chahal—Our Ambassador to Rotary Club of El Dorado, Hills, CA, USA
Rtn Dr Pushpinder Kaur Chahal, during her trip to USA, visited Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills. She substituted as the Guest speaker there as the originally invited speaker could not attend. She gave a presentation on various projects of our Club. She was presented with a mug and a flag. “The Rotarian of El Dorado Hills were very impressed by our projects and showed keen interest to partner with us in future projects,” she said.

Thank You
Rtn Dr Santosh Gupta  for donating an additional Rs 3000 for the Uttarakhand Relief Fund on her birthday.

Paul Harris Fellows

Rtn Vikas Garg was presented the Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate by Rtn Jagesh Khaitan.

Rtn Pawan Katia was presented the Paul Harris Fellow pin and certificate by IPP Vivek Gupta. Rtn Pawan Katia is a multiple PHF.

 

Blood Donation Camp by Rotaract Club of Chandigarh

Rotaract Club of Chandigarh organised a blood donation and eye donation camp at Rotary Blood Resource Centre, Sector 37-A Chandigarh on 13 July . The camp was held as part of Rotaract Club’s 6-week internship programme—Rotaract 360. 51 volunteers from all age groups donated blood.
The presence of the Rotarians from our Club—President Hassan S. Mejie, PP Baldev Aggarwal, Rtn. Desh Deepak Khanna, Rtn. Mona Khattar, PE Prof. Paramjit Singh and Rtn. Surinder Paul Kaur—motivated the Rotaractors and the interns to donate blood for a noble cause.
Rtn. Mona Khattar was among the donors to encourage the first-time young girl donors.
Many of the young donors were refused due to low haemoglobin count. This is a disturbing trend and it was decided to organise a seminar for the youngsters, especially girls to enlighten them about healthy eating habits and importance of having a healthy body.

The noble provision of eye donation was facilitated in accordance with provisions of the Eye Bank, PGIMER, Chandigarh. All the volunteers' got themselves registered for eye donation after  death.

Lucky Draw

Rtn Rajinder Jain was the winner of the Lucky Draw prize this week.

Teaming and Power Play

The 15 July meeting was a meeting with a difference. We had Dr Amandeep hold an activity based session on Teaming and Power play. The ball was set rolling with the “Marshmallow Tower Challenge”, a simple team-building exercise that forces the individuals to team-up quickly and collaborate and innovate to build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, 36 inches each of tape and string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top.

Members were divided in to eight teams of 7-8 members each. The task was to be accomplished in 15 minutes. There were no prizes for the winners. The idea was to show the importance of team work in achieving success, be it in a corporate world or in an organisation like our Rotary Club.

Walking around the tables, one could see the Rotarians challenged by the task. Many participants were found to be upset with tape not opening or the sticks getting broken or lack of coordination among the team members. Some just sat back and gave up, while others plodded on. “No project is blessed with perfect conditions, problems can arise unexpectedly. Such situations arise in all organisations and good team-work helps in dealing with them successfully,” said Dr Amandeep.

Building on the experiences from the activity, Dr Amandeep shared that organisational success comes from aligning individuals to perform well in teams, collaborate and contribute to the overall goals.
Talking on “power”, she said that it impacts organisations negatively, harms teams and can cause distress to individuals. Most individuals exercise position based power or formal power and their team members display compliance solely based on their leader’s role, position or title rather than the person specifically as a leader. Coercion and selective distribution of rewards are  ways in which position based power can get abused. Real power is the expert power that comes from your knowledge and expertise. This power helps you become a real leader, irrespective of the fact that you hold a position or not. Then, there is the referent power, gained by a leader who has strong interpersonal relationship skills. It is of particular interest as leadership today is more about collaboration and influence rather than command and control.

Taking the talk further, Dr Amandeep discussed the various ways in which individuals translate power bases into specific actions. The best teams are those where the leaders use rational persuasion, inspirational appeals and consultation. Jostling for power leads to organisational politics, and should be avoided.

The game also taught us the importance of systems thinking.  “Systems work the best when perfected at the design stage,” said Dr Amandeep.

All in all, it was an interesting and a very useful exercise that was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. “It was a refreshing change,” said Rtn Dr Pushpinder Chahal.

Rtn Varun Rao welcomed Dr Amandeep with a bouquet. She was introduced by Rtn Vipin Dewan. PP Arvind Mehan presented her a memento. Rtn Jaiparkash Hasrajani proposed the vote of thanks.

Club News - July 8, 2013

Hunnar Se Rozgar Tak
Pres. Hassan Mejie and PP Man Mohan Singh Kohli visited Dr. Ambedkar Hotel Management Institute and met  with a batch of students sponsored jointly by our Club and Mehar Baba Charitable Trust. The students prepared and served a continental lunch. Mrs. Bharti Tyagi, Principal of the Institute and PP Man Mohan Singh gave the students a motivational talk. A majority of these students are from EWS families from rural areas.

 
Thank You
PRIP Raja Saboo has contributed `65,000 towards Heartline Project on the 50th Birthday of his younger son Jaivardhan.

Rtn Vinod Talwar sponsored the 22 cart Gold Coin for the Lucky Draw. There will be one gold coin prize to grab every month.

Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting in memory of Munish, son of PDG Dhyan Chand, was held in Shimla on 10 July. From our Club, it was attended by Pres. Hassan S. Mejie & R’Anne Harkiran, PDG Kawal Bedi, PP Baldev Aggarwal, PP Praveen C. Goyal, PP Vijay Wadhawan, PP Atma Ram Singh & R’Anne Arti.

UT government taking steps to improve Education in Chandigarh

Mr V.K. Singh, IAS, Finance Secretary UT Chandigarh was to be the guest speaker on July 8 but he could not return from Delhi due to flight cancellation. Instead, Mr Ajoy Sharma, IAS, very kindly consented to be the speaker and present steps being taken by the UT administration to improve schooling in government schools in Chandigarh.

According to Mr Ajoy Sharma, in last one year the Chandigarh Administration had taken a series of very innovative steps that have laid the foundation to providing good education. Ten new senior secondary schools are being added this year and another 10 will be added in two years time, he said. Besides, huge effort has gone into plugging the human resource shortage. In 2012, the Chandigarh Administration has added 800 new teachers and in the next six months another 1500 will be recruited. Efforts have been made that the newly recruited teachers come with the required training to make a qualitative change in education being provided in the city.

Mr Sharma also added that more and more school classrooms are being converted to Smart classrooms. The teachers are being encouraged to have a sense of ownership and do their work with renewed passion. The focus is not on making the class “smart”, he added, but to also transform the thought process of the teachers.

While sharing his own experience of studying in poorly equipped and staffed schools, followed by exposure to institutions like IIT and some leading foreign universities, he said that he was well aware of the gap the existed and he, along with his colleagues in the Administration, are working to bridge the gap.

Mr Sharma added that a dedicated team of 18-20 teachers has been constituted to hand-hold and transform the school and teaching environment. Overall personality development and extra-curricular skills are being given a lot of weightage. More sports facilities are being created and existing infrastructure is being revamped and upgraded. “In coming years, you will see a lot of improvement in government schools due to the steps being taken currently,” he said.

In the interactive session Rtn Krishan Kumar suggested to open the school grounds to children in evening. Mr Sharma assured him that steps are already being taken in this regard.

Rtn Ashok Khanna suggested that yoga be made part of the curriculum.  In reply, Mr Sharma said while yoga is not yet part of curriculum, yoga teachers are being deployed and children are being encouraged to learn yoga.

Rtn Geetika Rao suggested that more efforts should be put in to imbibe social responsibility among school kids, to which Mr Sharma said that steps are already being taken in this regard.
President Hassan Mejie appraised the guest speaker about the projects being undertaken by our Club to help children from poor families get better education and training.

Mr Sharma was introduced by PP Man Mohan Singh Kohli. Rtn Reema Dewan  proposed the vote of thanks.   Rtn Surinder Paul Kaur presented a memento  to the Chief Guest.

The second Lucky Draw (a gold coin courtesy Rtn Vinod Talwar) was won by Rtn Jaspal Sidhu.

CLUB NEWS - July 1, 2013

E-Club Launched

On 30 June 2013 Rotary Club of Chandigarh Technocity was launched at RVTC, Chandigarh. The E-Club has been sponsored by our Club. IPDG Manmohan Singh collared Rtn Navpreet S. Aujla, the first President of the Club and also presented the Charter to him.

PRIP Raja Saboo, while welcoming the new Club’s members explained how the e-club concept evolved. He appreciated the fact that provision has been made to meet once in a month in the physical space.
IPDG Manmohan Singh said it was indeed a proud moment for him that the second E-club of District 3080 started during his term. He assured the new President and the members of all the help.

President Aujla thanked everyone for expressing confidence in his leadership. This E-Club, he said, will go a long way in providing many busy professionals an opportunity to join Rotary and use this platform to give back to the society.

Rtn Kushwant Gill has been appointed as the Club Secretary, Rtn S.S. Sodhi as Vice-President, Rtn Himanshu Jetly as the Treasurer and Rtn Atul Grover as Sergeant of Arms.

Lucky Draw
The winner of the first Lucky Draw, on 1 July, was Rtn Reema Dewan. We will be having a lucky draw at each regular meeting. Only members will be eligible to participate. This was the first in a row of new ideas/activities planned  for the year.

Fellowship Dinner
A Fellowship Dinner had been  planned for 1 July meeting, but we had to cancel it at the last minute to show our concern and solidarity towards those who lost their lives in the Uttarakhand Disaster. In coming months, we plan to have one fellowship dinner every month (12 in a year under fellowship account ) and the next one will now be on Monday 29 July.

Acknowledgments
PP Baldev Aggarwal hosted the Club Assembly on 16 June, followed by a sumptuous lunch. On 29 June, Rotary House had a blackout because the transmission cables were broken due to wind storm and heavy rains. PP Baldev Aggarwal opened his large heart once again and offered his facilities at Sip n Dine to host the Joint Board of Directors Meetings. Thank you PP Baldev Aggarwal.

Installation—Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik
Pres. Hassan Mejie and PP Praveen C. Goyal attended the installation ceremony of Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik at Sip n Dine on 2 July and  congratulated President Arvinder Kaur Bedi, Secretary Brig. Daljit Singh Dhillon and other team members.

Condolences
We express our heartfelt condolences to Rtn Sanjiv Bawa, who lost his father, and PDG Dhian Chand who lost his son. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families

Installation of Team 2013-14

On July 1 every year the Rotary wheel completes full circle. This is the date on which Rotary leadership all over the world changes. It was no different at our Club. The Installation Ceremony on July 1 led to IPP Vivek Gupta handing over the baton to President Hassan Mejie. Prof Hardarshan Singh Mejie was the Chief Guest.

The entire programme was planned and executed by PP Man Mohan Singh Kohli. The function started by observing a one minute silence in remembrance of all the victims of flash flood in Uttarakahand. This was followed by a rendition of Rabindra Sangeet by Sh Subhash Ghosh. His singing of Rabindranath Tagore’s  “Ekla Cholo Re” transported the audience to the cultural capital of India—Bengal.

IPP Vivek Gupta and Rtn Dr I.D. Shukla then gave a presentation on the activities and events held during their tenure. IPP Vivek proudly presented to the members the Best Club of the District trophy and many more awards won at the District Awards function held on 30 June. Among the major achievements were: contribution of  $63,000 to The Rotary Foundation and the exemplary work done under various projects like Heartline and Gift of Vision.

President Hassan Mejie formally took over as the President as IPP Vivek Gupta passed on the collar to him. In his acceptance speech, President Mejie pledged to continue the good work done by his predecessors. He added that he has planned some strategic programmes and events that will involve the youth. “We will also work to enhance the image of Rotary among the general public, as also work towards doubling the contribution to The Rotary Foundation,” he said.

Among the signature programmes he listed the Rotary Big Wheel project to help expand the message of Rotary. Pamphlet dispensers for health education, and the Rotary Magic Fountain to commemorate the eradication of polio from India were other two new projects announced. Also in the pipeline is a mega tree plantation drive in the Sukhna lake catchment area that will not only be addressing the ecological issues but will also help in tackling the monkey menace.

President Mejie also pledged to improve facilities at the Rotary House, as also work to involve the families of the members. Among other major events planned are: food festival to raise funds; encourage citizens to create Endowment funds and leave a part of their estate as a corpus fund with Rotary Club Chandigarh Service Trust, to be used for a cause close to their heart; fund-raising Dinner to collect major funds for The Rotary Foundation.

Chief Guest, Prof Hardarshan Singh Mejie belongs to a family that was at forefront of the freedom struggle of India. He started his professional career a teacher in Guru Nanak Engineering College, Ludhiana. Later, he ventured out into business and left an inedible mark both in India and abroad. During his teaching and business life he was always very closely connected with the problems being faced by the society and worked earnestly to resolve them—whether it was collection of funds during Indo-China war or helping engineering student to go abroad in 1960s or helping migrants fleeing war zone in the middle-east. He hung his business boots in 2004 and after distributing most of his assets among his three sons, he transferred assets left with him to Mehar Baba Charitable Trust. Today, his mission and motivation is to serve rural youth and elderly living in over 200 villages of Fatehgarh Saheb.

Prof Mejie began his speech with a question that, he said, has been asked by people for years: “What would it take to change the world?” He then went on to answer it:  “Members of the Rotary already knew the answer. They reached out across the world to help and change the world”.  He added: “Today more than ever there is a requirement to rise above self and reach out across communities.  As Vivekananda said, ‘You cannot help anyone, you can only serve’.”

He very humbly introduced himself as “Hassan’s father”. “It gives me immense pleasure to see my son take over the reins of a wonderful and prestigious Institution,” he said.

He announced a donation of Rs One lakh for the Uttarakhand Flood victims, for which we remain ever so thankful to him.

AG Ajit Singh Gulati read the message of DG Rakesh Aggarwal for the new team.

PDG Kanwal Bedi proposed the vote of thanks. 

Rotary felicitates its partner hospital Fortis on completion of 300 heart surgeries

Rotary Club of Chandigarh recognized its partner, Fortis Hospital Mohali’s contribution on the completion of 300th heart surgeries at the Hospital.


In a function organized in the hospital, Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo, who had initiated the project, complimented the management of Fortis for their fruitful partnership that helped save the lives of 300 children since 2006.

“Let no child suffering from any congenital cardiac disease, die for want of money,” was the commitment that the Rotary Club had made way back in 1999 when it initiated the project as ‘Gift of Life’ and later on renamed it as Rotary Heartline, informed Mr Saboo.

Rotary Club Chandigarh’s president Vivek Gupta informed that the Club had PGI as its initial partner hospital, and later in June 2006 the Fortis Hospital Mohali was also included as partner in order to have the infant patients operated..

Front Row: (L-R) PDG Kawal Bedi, first lady Promilla Gupta
Mrs. Usha Saboo, Club Secretary ID Shukla,
President Vivek Gupta, District Governor Manmohan Singh

Our Partners in Heartline
Fortis CEO Mr. Aditya Vij with Regional Director
Col. H.S. Chahal, Facility Director Mr. Abhijit Singh,
Medical Director & Regional Medical Advisor
Dr. Gurbir Singh

Though the Rotary Club of Chandigarh has so far saved 457 lives since the start of the project in 1999 under leadership of the then club President PDG Rtn. Kawal Bedi, 300 surgeries were conducted in Fortis alone since 2006, added Rotary’s past district governor Madhukar Malhotra.

Thanking the Rotarians for giving Fortis the opportunity to be a part of the noble cause, Mr Aditya Vij, Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Hospital commended the team of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery led by Dr. T.S. Mahant and said that working with Rotary Club had been a great privilege since it was also in complete alignment with the corporate philosophy of Fortis which late Dr. Parvinder Singh, its founder chairman, proclaimed, “"To create a world-class integrated healthcare delivery system in India, entailing the finest medical skills combined with compassionate patient care."

Mr. Vij also announced that Fortis Hospital shall sponsor the free heart surgeries of three children to support the Rotary Club's efforts. 

Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo and club president Vivek Gupta presented a commemorative plaque to Mr Aditya Vij and his team from Fortis as a mark of gratitude on the completion of 300th heart surgeries.

Fortis CEO Arvind Vij, Dr. T.S. Mahant, Past Rotary International
President Rajendra K. Saboo, District Governor Manmohan Singh,
Rtn. Tapishwar Kumar and team Fortis with some of the
children who received the 'gift of life' under Rotary Heartline Project. 

Recalling the first few  surgeries in 2006, Dr. T.S. Mahant, Director, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery said that the 11-months old Junaid from Karachi, Pakistan was one of the first few infants who was brought in critical stage and was operated successfully.

Since then there had been children from Pakistan, Malawi, Uganda, Nigeria, and Rwanda besides from various parts of India have been successfully operated, irrespective of their country or creed, through the efforts of Rotary Club of Chandigarh, which had been raising money to fund the project from amongst themselves and the community.

District Governor of D3080, Rtn. Manmohan Singh, handed over gift hampers to the patients who had been operated under the programme. 

Seven Rwanda children arrive for heart surgery under Rotary Heartline

Seven children from Rwanda arrived here today under the Rotary Club of Chandigarh’s Heartline programme for heart surgeries. 

Past Rotary International President Rajendra K. Saboo, who received the seven children and two attendants at the Rotary House, and informed that the Indian doctors had offered to do free heart surgeries for 15 children when they visited Rwanda last year under the intercontinental medicare project.

Rajendra Saboo said that it makes one feel proud that India is able to serve beyond borders reaching out to these children in need with the medical help.

Rotary Club of Chandigarh launched the Rotary Heartline project in 1999 and till date has saved the lives of 442 children under the programme in association with its partner hospitals, PGIMER and the Fortis Hospital Mohali.

Out of these 442 patients, 67 have been from different countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Malawi, Africa, etc., he added.

Out of the 15 children, the first batch of seven arrived today at Rotary House, and range between the age of 2 to 21 years, namely 2 years old Bruno Mugisha, 10 year olds Jonathan Ntakirutimana and Yvette Iragena, 12 years old Jacques Turikumwe, Olivier Habinshuti (13), Gakuru Seminega Fulgece (16), and Joas Nshimiyimana (21).

Heshima Christophe is the escorting nurse, and Mutezintare Pierre Celestin is the attendant accompanying these children from Rwanda.

Eight women honored with Rotary ‘Hamari Beti’ Award

This Monday was a very special day, when our Club conferred Rotary Hamari Beti Awards on eight women achievers for their grit, courage, confidence, and exceptional spirit of moving ahead with aplomb.  And no less than a sitting judge of the Panjab and Haryana High Court, Ms Justice Ritu Bahri, was there to present these awards.

The awardees included IRS officer Monica Bhatia the first Indian woman to head the global forum on transparency of the international body OECD.  Though she had to leave early in the morning on her way to Paris having stopped over for a short while to connect with everyone at home, the Award was received by her proud mother Dr. Nirmal Bhatia.

Babbi Harbhajan Singh, the mother of over 442 heart patients who has been so fondly and affectionately been nursed by her before and after the heart surgery under our club's Rotary Heartline programme.

No less had been the contribution of Amarjit Kaur, who having served in a bank for 20 years, has devoted her life to cremate with full honor and dignity the unclaimed bodies.  She has cremated over 300 such bodies so far, and drives the ambulance herself to carry them to the cremation ground.

Archana Sardana, who has entered into the Limca Book of Records several time, is a dare devil who has conquered all her fear and is first Indian woman mountaineer, sky diver, base jumper, deep-sea diver, etc., besides undertaking all such events to raise awareness about eye donation.

Supreet Dhiman, a successful business woman leading the Chandigarh Adventure Treks and Sports (CATS) had not only been inspiring young and old for exploring the wilds and trekking to unexplored heights, but also engaging the city in voluntary blood donation every three months without fail with over 100 donors walking in  at each camp on an average.

President Vivek Gupta presents the 'Hamari Beti' Award to
Ms Justice Ritu Bahri of Panjab and Haryana High Court.

Hats off to Dr. Archana Singh, chairperson of School of Communication Studies at Panjab University, who adopted the 'Hamari Beti' project of the Club and initiated a weekly programme on campus radio Jyotirgamaya, to spread the message of female foeticide, and other women related issues in the community.

The Club also honoured two young girls from Sacred Heart School, Tarini (12) and Arunima Goyal (14), who have done their family, this city, and the country proud by winning numerous national and international chess championships.

Congratulating the award recipients, Ms Justice Ritu Bahri said that there was a greater need to spread the message across and curb the immoral practices in the society whether it is eve teasing or wife beating, or female foeticide.  The social organisations like Rotary must continue to awaken the masses through its programmes and empower the women to be capable of knowing their rights, and fighting the social evils that are destoying our society.

The programme  began with a moving street play 'Parchhaiyaan' presented by the staff of Mohali-based Gilard Electronics that highlighted the various facets of woman’s life and how her emotions and aspirations get stifled in the society.  The company's directors Ms Guneet Singh and Mr Sanjiv Singh with over a dozen of their employees presented a highly moving mime show that was beautifully punctuated with expressive graphics and background music.

Ms. Justice Ritu Bahri also presented a Commendation Certificate to the team of Gilard Electronics for their theatrical rendition.

.  

We are 'This Close'.

A team of 27 Rotarians from USA, Australia, New Zealand, and France are in Chandigarh to take part in the fight against polio during the national immunization day (NID).

Led by Cynthia Wright Covington with her husband Barry Walter Covington as co-leader from USA, the team went to various booths in Mauli Jagran, Manimajra town, Bapu Dham Colony in Sector 26, to administer polio drops on Sunday, and later today in the morning went for a house-to-house mop up operation.

"India is a shining example in the world in eradicating polio through remarkable collective efforts of government and Rotarians", said Cynthia Wright Covington, who is on her third visit to Chandigarh with the NID team, having come earlier in 2009 and 2011.
The team comprises 23 Rotarians from USA, one each from Australia and France, and two from New Zealand, including 81 years old past district governor William Edward Crawford from US.

Having learnt about this team's trip, a 27-years old Rotaractor from Alaska, Ann Marie, also joined the team at Chandigarh and felt completely transformed having interacted with little children and families in some of the slums outside the city.

After participating in different localities around Chandigarh on Sunday, during the NID, they went around house-to-house for mop up operations on Monday.  Later in the afternoon, as they returned, for a brief stopover for lunch at Hotel Aroma's Aquamarine, they posed for a "This Close" pose for the media.
Later in the evening they attended the reception that our Club organised.
Kudos to PDG Madhukar Malhotra, and Rtn. A.P. Singh for coordinating their visit, Rtn PP Praveen Goyal for providing an overview of polio-eradication efforts made in India,  and all the host Rotarian families who so graciously opened their homes for their visiting guests.

'Hamari Beti' programme on air from today

Today is the World Radio Day, and the day the Panjab University's community radio, Jyotirgamaya 91.2mhz, launched the 'Hamari Beti' programme.

If you recall, last year, we had tied up with the University's community radio and initiated the recording for a radio programme on 'Hamari Beti' by creating a bank of recordings with various women personalities of the city.

Thanks to the School of Communication Studies, and with the coordination by the alumni of SCS and Rotary Club of Chandigarh members, the radio programme, 'Hamari Beti' went on air today morning, with the formal inauguration by Prof. Arun Grover, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

This was a momentous occasion as President Rtn. Vivek Gupta, Director Community Services Rtn Shuchita Luthra, Hamari Beti Chair Rtn Senu Duggal, and I attended this event.

Prof Arun Grover also launched the audio-books created by the students and Rotaractors from our Club, for the visually impaired children to help them prepare for examination.

In end-March/April, we shall be launching 'Hamari Beti' Awards for recognising the women in our tricity area who are not only contributing to the society but excelling in their own respective fields.

We welcome more suggestions from our members for taking this programme further.

Sponsor Your Child for Youth Exchange to Germany

We have received invitation for Summer Camp from D1840/ Germany  under Short Term Youth Exchange programme for a summer camp being organised in Germany from 13th to 27th July 2013.

You can send your child if he/she is of 17-19 years old, or you can recommend another child in this age group to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

The registration fee is € 100 only which will take care of the child's accommodation, meals, and excursions (except personal expenses and presents for friends).

Participant will have to arrange his/her to-and-fro air ticket to Munich airport, health and accident insurance, passport, etc,

The summer camp's theme is "Discover Bavaria and New Neighbors":

For more details you can contact :

Rtn Harjit Singh Saggu, Chairman Youth Exchange at  e-mail ID - rotaryye3080@yahoo.in and phone 09814108903

The application for for Short Term YE is in attachment or can be downloaded. Click this link.  

The applications are accepted on 1st come 1st serve basis. Ask youth who are interested to apply immediately.

 

Rotary South Asia Summit 2013

Time to register yourself for another mega event, the Rotary South Asia Summit 2013 at Hyderabad. This conference is on May 3-5, 2013.  Visit the website for more details. .

Download the Registration Form here. 

Applications invited for Rotary Peace Fellowship

The Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for the world-competitive Rotary Peace Fellowship. The fellowship provides academic and practical training for individuals working on solving conflicts and building peace around the world.

Professional Certificate Option 

* "Strengthening the leaders of today" 

* 3 month professional development certificate program 

* Designed specifically for candidates already working in fields related to peaecbuilding and conflict resolution to further their understanding and build their skills

* Mix of theory and skills practiced throughout 11 weeks of combined classroom and on site field study interactions 

* Eligibility Requirements: minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent; 5 years relevant work experience; proficiency in English

Master's Degree Option 

* "Building the leaders of tomorrow" 

* 15-24 months of Rotary-funded graduate study toward a master's degree at one of five Rotary Peace Centers around the world

* Training in the root causes of conflict, theories of international relations, and effective models of cooperation, conflict resolution, and negotiation including course work and applied field experience

* Eligibility Requirements: minimum bachelor's degree; 3 years relevant work experience; proficiency in a second language

The application deadline is 1 July 2013.  Application forms and more information are available at www.rotary.org/rotarycenters.

Watch the video, Is Peace Possible?

Voices For Peace from Rotary International on Vimeo.

We are looking for the Missing Piece

Weekend is often the time to relax and reflect...to get away from the speed of daily routine...to slow down a bit, sit in the sun, close your eyes, and reflect on your life.  Think about Rotary how it has changed your life...for all the new friends and families that have come into your life, and the opportunities you have received to think beyond your immediate family and do something for the people around you; in your neighbourhood, in your community, amongst your professional or business circles. And how you have become an importance cog in the Rotary's worldwide wheel of that's churning out peace through service.

Rotary is all about momentum exciting Rotarians and their families around the world to look at the world in much more meaningful way, and lending amazing power in each one of us to bring about change, positive change, around us.  Because each and everyone of us, you and I, matter the most in this vast world of 1.2 million proud Rotarians, who are committed to make our lives meaningful. 

Every day is an opportunity to touch a life somewhere, not because someone wants us to do... because we are intended to do good. 

I was watching the Rotary International's humanity in motion video on "The Missing Piece".  It was intended to look for members for the community who are oriented to do good, and can join be a part of Rotary family.  At the same time, however, it stuck me that it fits the Rotarians too.  Rotarians who have not been able to come to the Club for sometime because of any reason; Rotarians who are not being seen around anymore...the missing pieces.  We miss you in the family.   Just get back and connect, because you are the most powerful being destined to transform lives.

Missing Piece from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Hats off to Rotarians in India

A must watch video...an inspiration that the entire world's eyes are on every Rotarian in India...for having accomplished and completed two years of polio-free period on 13th January.  There is one more year to go, that requires everyone of us ensuring that no child is left when we go ahead and participate in the next NID. We have to ensure that everyone follows the routine immunisation for their children...our children

Click here to watch the video.

Rotary Fights to End Polio Now (EN) from Rotary International on Vimeo.

Rotary Moments

I reproduce here the recent speech by Past Rotary International President Raja Saboo at the International Assembly at San Diego, USA, sharing his 'Rotary Moments' : 



Good Morning, 

When President-elect Ron Burton asked me to speak on my Rotary Moment, my mind flashed back to mid 80s when I was visiting his State Oklahoma and was staying with our very good friend late PRID Roy Trout. He had arranged for me to address a luncheon meeting of a Rotary Club about 100 miles away. A Rotarian owning a single engine plane had come to take Usha and me for that meeting. It was a very cloudy day and the flight was extremely bumpy. 

Usha was scared to death. 

With the rosary in her hand she leaned over to me and whispered, "Must you go to any place where you get free lunch?" 

That was some Rotary moment !! 

Rotary journey is full of moments of joy, laughter, compassion, care, even tear…… with the ultimate of fulfillment. 

My leaders, you are on that journey and I extend my salutation to you.

One idea, that not only changed a life, or may be many lives, one advice that gave a nation-wide identity to Rotary…… this is a story that happened in 1976 in a small town, Gurdaspur, in North India.

After serving a six year term in prison, When Gurbux Singh, a life convict was released on parole for good conduct, he found his family penniless and no body wanted to accept him. After all he was branded………..a murderer, a life convict., 

Dejected and totally broken, Gurbux Singh, returned to the prison and pleaded with the kind hearted Superintendent and said, "this is the only place I can call home now. Please take me back".

The Superintendent consoled him and directed him to the local Rotary club.. Gurbux had come to the end of the road and as a last straw of hope, approached the local Rotary Club. 

Earlier during his official visit to the Rotary Club of the town which did not have much economic activity, the District Governor had suggested a project, to rehabilitate ex–convicts. That would require not much funds but deep commitment of Rotarians. As is well known, the governor gives an idea and as soon as he turns his back the club forgets it. But not this club. The club took the idea seriously, and established contact with the Prison authorities.

Thus when Gurbux approached the Rotarians, they checked his antecedents. Except this one incident of a drunken brawl when he killed a man and was given life imprisonment, Gurbux had a clean record. 

Remembering the District Governor's advice, the club decided to help him. Rotarians stood surety and got him a bank loan of 1000 dollars to buy two buffaloes. Gurbux started small business of selling milk, but no body would buy from an ex-convict. Once again Rotarians came forward and started buying milk from him.

Because Gurbux was a changed man and was supplying quality milk, his customers increased and he started paying off his loan. His business enhanced. Thanks to Rotary, Gurbux was now a respected member of the society. But that is not the end of the story.

One fine morning the District Governor received a letter and I quote, "You do not know me but your advice to the Rotary Club has changed my life". He closed his letter with the words, "Thank you, Sir, and thanks to all the kind hearted Rotarians for helping the downtrodden and dejected people like me". 

Friends, I was that fortunate Governor and receiving that letter, was my proud Rotary moment. 

I hope in your term as District Governor as you will engage Rotary you will have many opportunities to change some life….many a life, lift many a Gurbax. Let those be your memorable Rotary moments, just as I remember after 36 years of my touching Rotary moment. 

Source: International Assembly 2013, San Diego
Courtesy: www.eflashonline.org