Mohan Fibre Products supports blood donation movement

Mohan Fibre Products Ltd, a leading manufacturer of moulded fibre packaging for fruits, contributed Rs.21.50 lakh to the Rotary & Blood Bank Society Resource Centre of Chandigarh in April this year out of its CSR funds to support the purchase of a new mobile blood donation van.

Past Rotary International President Rajendra K Saboo, Chairman of the Centre along with the Director Dr Manish Rai, Administrator Surinder Pal Kaur, Rotary Club President P.S. Matharoo, along with other board members of the Mohan Fibre including Managing Director Mr Krishan Kumar, Mr Brijesh Kumar, Rtn Past District Governor Madhukar Malhotra.

Rtn Krishan Kumar had been a great supporter of humanitarian causes and had earlier supported generously the 'Kayakalp' project at PGI in the paediatric ward, said Rajendra K Saboo.

Handing over the cheque to the Centre, Rtn Krishan Kumar, in his most humble way, assured all support to the Centre for any further requirements.

The order for the van has been placed with the Swaraj Mazda for supply and fabrication of the van.

Rotary and Blood Bank Society Resource Centre is one of the finest modern blood bank promoted jointly by Rotary Club of Chandigarh and the Blood Bank Society. 

Mark Maloney nominated RI President Nominee 2019-20

Mark Daniel Maloney is the choice of Nominating Committee as RI President Nominee 2019-20.

Mark Daniel Maloney, of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2019-20. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested.

“The clubs are where Rotary happens,” says Maloney, an attorney. He aims to support and strengthen clubs at the community level, preserve Rotary’s culture as a service-oriented membership organization, and test new regional approaches for growth.

“With the eradication of polio, recognition for Rotary will be great and the opportunities will be many,” he says. “We have the potential to become the global powerhouse for doing good.”

Maloney is a principal in the law firm of Blackburn, Maloney, and Schuppert LLC, with a focus on taxation, estate planning, and agricultural law. He represents large farming operations in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States, and has chaired the American Bar Association’s Committee on Agriculture in the section of taxation. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Alabama State Bar Association, and the Alabama Law Institute.

He has been active in Decatur’s religious community, chairing his church’s finance council and a local Catholic school board. He has also served as president of the Community Foundation of Greater Decatur, chair of Morgan County Meals on Wheels, and director of the United Way of Morgan County and the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.

A Rotarian since 1980, Maloney has served as an RI director; trustee and vice chair of The Rotary Foundation; president’s aide; zone coordinator; and a leader on the Future Vision and 2014 Sydney Convention Committees. He serves on the Operations Review Committee and has served on the Rotary Peace Centers Committee. He has received the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. Maloney and his wife, Gay, are Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, and Bequest Society members.

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 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. 

Celebrating Change

Here are the highlights of the District 3080 Conference that concluded on Sunday, as covered by Day&Night TV Channel. (video)

Your friends won't be here in May!

Some of your Rotarian friends won't be in Chandigarh from 6-9 May, as they would be attending the Rotary International Convention at Bangkok.
Time to get yourself registered and be with them in the beautiful Bangkok...and meet old and make many many new friends out there at the Convention.
Register yourself as the last date of March 1 is approaching fast!

How close to eradicating polio?

We are very CLOSE. All that is needed is...YOU.

Why you should be in Bangkok in May 2012?

Rotary International Director Yash Das shares his views and lists out the 4 most pressing reasons for all Rotarians in India especially, to be there in Bangkok for the RI Convention, 6-9 May 2012.

Change with Continuity...thy name is Rotary!

Kalyan Banerjee, Rotary's 101st president, and the third from India, is our new leader this year, and William B. Boyd, of the Rotary Club of Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand, will take over as Rotary Foundation trustee chair. 

John Hewko has become Rotary International’s 12th general secretary on 1 July. He has said his priorities include improving Rotarians’ connections with the Secretariat and increasing awareness about what the Secretariat can offer. 

Other Changes include:

• Four pilot programs will begin 1 July, designed to improve recruitment and retention, allow for flexibility in club operations and structure, and give clubs an opportunity to explore new and innovative ways to promote member diversity -- all goals of the RI Strategic Plan. For each of three pilot programs – corporate member, associate member, and innovative and flexible Rotary club -- 200 clubs have been selected to participate, and about 125 will take part in a satellite club pilot program.  
• The Changemaker Award will accompany the Presidential Citation during the 2011-12 Rotary year. The award will encourage Rotarians to focus on change and will recognize clubs that make an extraordinary impact through their work in the Avenues of Service.  
• The World Community Service and Rotary Volunteers programs will be phased out as of 30 June, replaced by a new model designed to expand the resources available to clubs for connecting and partnering with one another. The RI Board approved a shift to a resource and support model for RI programs to reinforce the priorities and goals of the RI Strategic Plan.
• Efforts to enhance Rotary’s public image will be undertaken by 49 Rotary public image coordinators (RPICs) working in partnership with their zone’s RI director, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, Rotary coordinator, and district governors. RPICs, who are selected by the RI president or Rotary Foundation trustee chair, have professional expertise in public relations, journalism, or communications and will help support the RI Strategic Plan by conveying effective public relations practices to district leaders.
• The Rotarian magazine launches its digital edition with the July issue. Subscribers can now choose to receive either the print or digital edition, or both. This would be a good time to buy a subscription for your Interact or Rotaract club, to inspire them with Rotary’s breadth.  
• Rotary clubs’ annual per capita dues to Rotary International will increase to US$51 in 2011-12. The 2010 Council on Legislation also set dues at $52 for 2012-13 and $53 for 2013-14.

Applications invited for GSE Team to UK

For 2011-12, the Group Study Exchange team shall travel to United Kingdom in September 2011.  The last date for submitting the application is 18th June 2011 to Rotary Club of Chandigarh at Rotary House, 107A, Sector 18A, Chandigarh. 

Young Professionals working or residing in Chandigarh, (Rotarians and their blood relations are ineligible), can apply for this programme immediately before 18th June 2011.

Detailed criteria can be seen on Rotary International's website. (Click Here)

You can download the application form for GSE here

Make a Change, Save the Life!

Many of you might recognise these Rotarians who had been a part of the NID team from US led by Noelle. The ABC News, one of the leading news channels in US, reported the visit of this team. A must watch...look at the passion which drives these Rotarians from abroad in India to ensure that polio gets kicked out of here...and our world. Dr Basser who was part of the NID team last year shares his experience of his visit to India.
Click here to watch the ABC News story.

The fight is not yet over!

Just get set for another round of attack on polio virus.  SNID has been scheduled for Sunday, 27th March. So be ready for action.

Major task before every Rotarians is : 
a. Whenever and wherever you see a 5 years old, check out the mark on the little finger to see whether the child has received the polio drops or not.
b. Especially check your neighbourhood. Check out the child of your servant, the gardner, the dhobi around the corner, the labour in a house being constructed nearby or the settlements of labourers around the buildings under construction, the brick kilns.
c. Check out the children with nomad parents. You can find them in plenty on the Sector 21, Sector 22, Sector 34, Sector 15, and Sector 17. Have they been immunised?
d. Mark out such places where you think such families are there, and ensure on the 27th March that you take the team of paramedics with the polio dose, to all these settlements to ensure that they receive the drops.
e. Ensure coverage of people in transit. Man all the entries and exits to the city, request people to stop, check if there is a 5 years old or smaller child inside, and give the polio drop.
This is the only way we can ensure that polio gets wiped out from our country.

Rotary International President to visit Chandigarh

Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith shall be in Chandigarh on 25th March 2011.  A unique, momentous opportunity for the Rotarians and their families in our District to meet the world leader of Rotary International...face-to-face. 

He is accompanied by the Rotary International Director K.R. Ravindran on the morning of 25th March and would be addressing the congregation of Rotarians in the evening at an intercity in the newly-built Chandigarh Judicial Academy's auditorium in Sector 43 (near ISBT) of Chandigarh.

Our Club has been given the opportunity to host this Intercity. All members are requested to register and make this event a grand success.

REGISTER NOW
The Registration Fee for the Intercity is Rs.175 (single) and Rs.300 (couple).  Kindly have your cheque,  drawn in favour of "Rotary Club of Chandigarh" sent to Rotary House, 107A, Sector 18A, Chandigarh, immediately.  

You can also confirm your participation by clicking here and filling in your particulars so that your name tag can be prepared. 

Let's spread light!

Make this Diwali
more bright, more joyful, more sfe
for the children of our world!

Let’s step up our fight to end Polio
and protect our children forever!

Heartiest Congratulations to Rtn. Neena Singh

Our heartiest congratulations to Rtn. Neena Singh who has been honoured with a commendation from the Chandigarh Administration for her work with the children in the slums, and her contribution in motivating them to study and change their lives. A massive effort. But it matters to all those who have been able to get into the classrooms, who spell hope for the future of our country.

Medical Mission to Mandala on Rotary International website

Lest you forget the extraordinary success that the Rotarian doctors achieved in the tribal district of Mandala in Madhya Pradesh. Rotary International's website features this story now. Makes you feel proud of Rotary. Just click here.

Get to know Rotary!

Here's a link to slide show on the net for the new members. They will get brief information about Rotary, though there is a whole lot of exciting motivational and informative videos on You Tube too. Guide your members to these links.