Governor’s Monthly Le er
August 2018
DG’s MESSAGE
R. I. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A well-known saying goes, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." That doesn't mean people should ignore the needs outside their own homes; instead, they should pay attention to the needs within.
Dear friends,
Hurray and celebrations! RI President from India, again! PRID, Past TRF Trustee Shri Sushil Gupta gets nominated as RIP 2020-21. District 3060 congratulates RIPN Sushil Guptaji with pride and happiness and wishes him great success. It can be tempting, when our priority is service, to focus More reason to celebrate! IPDG Ruchir Jani, DRFC only on the things that look like service: the projects, Ashish Ajmera and team set a record district TRF the planning, the work that yields a visible benet to contribution of 1.1 million dollars for 2017-18. those who need it. But to do that work effectively, we Congratulations! An awesome feat and surely the need to keep our own house in order. In Rotary, that generosity of our members will continue for years. means conducting ourselves in accordance with the Here, I remember our beloved PRIP Kalyanda's principles of Rotary, treating others with respect, and words, “Days are not far away when we may have RI following The Four-Way Test. It means maximizing our headquarters in an Asian country”. We are growing in impact by planning carefully and stewarding our membership and are second in foundation giving. resources wisely. And it means looking after the longThe year for India has begun with a big bang. term health of our organization by ensuring that our President, RC Bangalore Orchards, D Ravishankar, membership is strong, engaged, and healthy. donated 100 crores to TRF. Unbelievable, but true. Our membership has hovered around the same 1.2 Few of the rich part with their wealth and we thank him million mark for 20 years. We aren't growing, and our for such a generous gesture. membership is getting older. We have too many clubs Talking about our district, I have started with my OCV's. The projects and planning I see in most clubs is remarkable. I have visited two new clubs, Surat Katargam and Bharuch Femina, and am deeply impressed by their functioning. Keep it up! But on witnessing this one project “Meri ankhe khuli kikhuli rah gayi”. Along with a partner, RC Surat organised mega blood donation camp, collecting 2100 bottles in a single day. We salute them for the fabulous feat. The intercity meets for our three zones have started. I request members to participate in big numbers. The district website www.rid3060.org is getting in place along with “Rotary 3060” mobile App. New things take time to settle, but it will be fully functional very soon. Registrations for “Sangam” - The Conuence on 4/5/6 January 2019, at Nasik - are piling in. Do not miss this one of its kind opportunity. Discounted hotel rooms are fast lling up. Register now! Sula vineyard is calling. Bye till the next “Setu” and Enjoy Rotary.
Pinky Patel
that don't have the knowledge or motivation to have an impact: clubs that don't know what we're doing on a global level, about our programs, our Foundation, they don't even know how to get involved. And with a membership that is still mostly male, we clearly aren't doing enough to become the organization of choice for women who are seeking to serve. We are a membership organization rst. All of us have a responsibility to take membership seriously, by inviting prospective members and making sure new members are welcomed into clubs that offer them something of value. If you see someone walk into a meeting and hesitate, be sure that person has a place to sit and is part of the conversation. If you see a need in your community, talk about it at this week's meeting. If we want to be part of an organization that's strong, that's active, that's having an impact – start at home, and Be the Inspiration in Rotary. -Barry Rassin
India Shining Sushil Kumar Gupta, of RC Delhi Midwest, is the selection for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the President-Nominee on 1st October if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
MEMBERSHIP MALISE For any organisation numbers are very vital. They show strength, appeal, popularity, vibrancy and relevance. Though hundreds of Rotarians, especially in India, join every year, membership is stagnant largely due to exit of disenchanted members. Focusing on retention rather than induction is always a good idea, but the opposite is practiced as it is the easier option. When my husband joined Rotary, 29 yrs. ago, it was solely by invitation. Every new entrant was scrutinized and even rejected. Over the years these stringent tests have diluted. No one is bothered who is coming in or going out. With membership goals looming large clubs induct members, many of whom look like drop outs from day one. Dedicated and stable members are the need of the hour. As PRID Dr. Manoj Desai has rightly said in the last GML “Quantity of Quality members is very important”. Today we have many Rotarians who have little idea of Rotary culture or decorum. Whilst Rotary should not discriminate between any group of people, it certainly has a class and value attached to it. Poor quality of members leads to weak leadership and downfall of clubs, which subsequently close shop without a word anywhere. Leaders and members need to work hard and build a dynamic club that will attract genuine members in turn. Giving members value for their time and money is the responsibility of the leaders. Focus should be brought back on vibrancy, proper functioning, regular meetings and projects of the club. Increasing membership may earn citations but only vibrant clubs and inspiring leadership can save the ethos of Rotary.
-Mona Sitwala
Gupta wants to increase Rotary's humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership. “As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world.” Gupta, a Rotarian since 1977, has served Rotary as RID, TRF Trustee, DG, training leader and as a member, vice chair, or chair of several committees. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the IIS University, Jaipur, for his contributions to water conservation. He has received the coveted Padma Shri Award, for distinguished service to tourism and social work. Gupta has also received the Distinguished Service Award from The Rotary Foundation for his support of its humanitarian and educational programs. He and his wife, Vinita, are Major Donors and members of the Arch Klumph Society. Gupta is managing director of Asian Hotels (West) Ltd., and owner of Hyatt Regency Mumbai and JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. He has served as president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India and on the board of directors of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd. He is the president of Experience India Society and vice chair of the Himalayan Environment Trust.
Membership Development and Public Image Seminar The rst Membership Development and Public Image seminar, “AAVAKAR”, was hosted by RC Jamnagar for Zone 1, on 12th August, at Jamnagar. Total 38 clubs and 194 delegates took part. All delegates were welcomed by Event Chair PP Kamlesh Rathod. District Governor Pinky Patel gave the opening remarks and DGN Prashant Jani explained the purpose of the day. Pres.Dr. Nayana Patel delivered a vote of thanks. In the plenary session PDG Dr. Bipin Vadhar was forum leader to moderate the session. Rtn. Hiten Anandpura gave information about growth and retention. DS Deval Zala was moderator for two topics discussed by various panelists : “Quantity and Quality” and “Do we want more clubs or more members?” Keynote speaker PDG Dr. Gyaneshwar Rao delivered an excellent speech and gave accurate statistical information on Membership and Public Image. DS Dr.Nimesh Rajput was moderator for “Lady Rotarian involvement”. PP Mukesh Mehta discussed about “Why do we need data?” Dr.Kalpana Khanderia discussed about success of all women's club while GSR Hemal Shah narrated success story of a new club. New member Rtn. Harshit Shah shared his experience and Rtn. Pradeep Vaishnav summed up the proceedings. PP Santosh Pradhan and Rtn. Vivek Shah took up ”Public Image Bonding &Branding”. Pres Parimal Desai explained use of website and its management and PP Yash Masrani discussed proper use of Facebook. PP Sahara Makwana explained about government liaising while Rtn. Jay Kotecha took up news liaising. Seminar concluded with question answer session and DG Pinky Patel gave compliments for successful management of the event.
Clubs at work
Clubs at work
Clubs at work
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month
Guest Column Embracing Change - 5 decades in Rotary When DG Pinky Patel invited me to pen down my thoughts on Rotary Today and 52 years ago, when I was inducted in RC Udhna, countless memories rush to my mind. I found myself helpless as what to share in a one page write-up having witnessed several pleasant and not so pleasant changes during this time. Let me share my perception on few such changes at all levels. CLUB : Before my induction, I attended few weekly meetings and a pre-induction orientation program. The Rotary information session laid strict emphasis on attendance, discipline and payment of dues. Clubs competed for the District attendance award, with winner having 90% + attendance. Now, emphasis on attendance has taken back seat and many clubs will cease to function if attendance rules are followed. I fondly remember escorting fellow Rotarians to make-up meetings at neighbouring clubs, a ritual unheard of nowadays. Classication principle of one Rotarian from one profession was strictly followed. Now, classication rosters are only meant for DG/AG's visit. Shortcuts in the process of new member induction is the order of the day which has diluted the quality of membership. Earlier, members used to become friends after joining Rotary, today group of friends join Rotary and mingle only among their group. Most service projects were hand-on project where Rotarians personally got involved. Now there is outsourcing of projects to another agency with club offering nancial support. Greetings were done personally while today it is via social media. Also, Rotary has become platform for furthering business which was non-existent. On positive side, the various modes of communication offer at- home knowledge of happening in Rotary world. Rotary has embraced young entrepreneurs as Rotarians. Programs such as IYE, RFE and GSE have made it possible for young people to experience the internationality of Rotary. DISTRICT :When I joined Rotary, we were in District 305, spread over Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP and parts of Maharashtra. It was great excitement to attend District conference at different cities and home hospitality was provided. Today we prefer to stay in our club group in a hotel. Delegates looked forward to election of DG at the conference. Today, DG election is an online process which is one of the best reforms that has been welcomed in Rotary. There was no concept of District Dues which has now assumed big proportion and accountability has raised many eye brows.
Previously there were only 15-20 District awards and only one President would get the “Most Active President” award. I don't need to elaborate on the present system of glorifying District Awards. District events, conduction of OCV and regular publication of GML were considered to be the hallmark of effective District administration. The best thing which has brought about the sea change in Rotary is having females as members (now 22% of membership worldwide). I can feel the change right in our District with rst Lady DG taking charge. BEYOND DISTRICT LEVEL : I learnt about R I Director concept in 1977, when Rtn. Soli Pavri (Bombay) became RID because three candidates were disqualied due to violation of campaigning rules. No agent of RID candidates approached clubs while now some candidates create machinery to secure votes which is appalling and unethical. Rules are meant to be broken for few bigwigs and sadly they preach ethics to grassroot level Rotarians. I conclude with following lines about Rotary today and 50 years ago… “People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason why the world is in chaos is because things are being loved and people are being used”— Unknown
PDG Devendra Shashtri DG 1982-83
DISTRICT WEBSITE AND RED REVOLUTION SEMINAR District Website Learning Seminar and Red Revolution Seminar was organised by few committed Rotarians for the South Zone. 101 Rotarians of South Zone clubs participated. PDG Subodh Joshi from RI District 3131 came all the way from Pune for this workshop. It was organised on 5th August at Vapi Vidya Vikas school, venue was sponsored by Rtn. R J Singh & Managing Trustees of the school. Red Revolution workshop for South Zone clubs was held at the same venue on 5 th August, in which many ladies took part. Dr. Amisha Mehta, Chairman Red Revolution, conducted the workshop and explained the purpose and method of approach of this undertaking.
IYE ORIENTATION FOR INBOUND STUDENTS RC Baroda Sayajinagari hosted a two day Rotary International Youth Exchange Inbound Orientation, for District 3060, at Baroda on 18th and 19th August, 2018. This year exchange students have come from USA, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Columbia. They were given various details about their program for the year by the experienced faculty. Information regarding Indian traditions and culture, which is quite new to them was given. They were also briefed about what to expect and what is expected of them as exchange students. District ofď€ cials, IYE Counsellor PP Devang Munim, DG Pinky Patel and other zonal co- ordinators, including faculties, were present for the event. Presence and experiences of rebound students was very helpful to the present IYE students.
AC H I E V E M E N T S SOLO CYCLING EVENT It was a proud moment for all the Rotarian of District 3060, to be a part of the promotional drive for “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and Tree Plantation, by Solo Cyclist Rtn. Sunita Choken from Rotary Club of Rewari. Rtn. Sunita Choken started her 5000 kms., Guinness Record journey from Somnath and travelled upto Nepal via Sikkim. She was warmly received by various clubs of 3060 and did several programs like awareness rally, tree plantation, cycle rally with cyclist clubs, press conference etc. Rtn. Sunita Choken is a young girl of 28,Brand ambassador for “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”, for government of Hariyana. She has climbed Mount Everest and is one of the youngest climber from India. She has scaled an unconquered mountain and named their peaks as Beti and Maa. She has traveled from the South to North of India by cycling solo for 6000 kms. She has received many awards from the President, Prime Minister and various state governments of India. Her next mission is to climb Mount Mansalu which is one of the eighth highest mountain in the world and back to back climbing Mt Dhaulagmi in Nepal to create a Guinness Record. She is looking for sponsorship from any corporate house by becoming Brand Ambassador for the cause.
SAVING LIVES - ROTARY CLUB SURAT On 26 July, Kargil Vijay Diwas, RC of Surat organized a Mega Blood Donation Camp with the support of Jai Jawan Nagrik Samiti. 2111 donors volunteered to donate blood. Common citizens including women, students and many young rst time donors walked in voluntarily. The willingness and enthusiasm of the donors encouraged the team to achieve the set target well before time. Club also honoured the families of the war Martyr's with shawl. DG Pinky Patel came specially to encourage the donors & team of RC Surat. Political, religious & business personalities of Surat also spared their time to attend the camp.The event was supported by Shri Kanji Bhalala & Dilip Buha, Rotaract Clubs of Surat Community and Karnabhumi, RC Surat East, RCC Sachin – Lajpore and many more. Rotarians, Rotary partners & Anns made the camp successful with their hard work and presence.
PROUD MOMENT FOR 3060 FRATERNITY EMGA Ashok Panjwani, Shroff S R Rotary Institute of Technology has been declared Winner of “Indian Glory Award” for 2018, Gold Award towards Excellence in Project on Educational Excellence, organized by FAME. Award ceremony was held at Dehradun on 29th July. PDG Ashok Panjwani has been instrumental in starting the Rotary Chemical Technology College at Ankleshwar.
First correct entry will be declared the winner. Answers to be sent at monasitwala@yahoo.co.in
Solu on for Rotary Quiz July WINNERS Ashish Agrawal, Secretary Dondicha Sunrise PP Jinendra Kothari, RC Ankleshwar PP Haresh Desai, Surat RoundTown
Events of the Year - Join in the Fun
The Hamburg Conven on, 1- 5th June, 2019 Dear fellow Rotarians, A Rotary convention is an unparalleled opportunity to nd a world of inspiration in a single city. This year, Hamburg, Europe’s “Gateway to the World,” will be that single city — and your gateway to the world of Rotary. Begin your days with general sessions that inspire you, as well as a wealth of breakout sessions for every interest and every ambition. Then set out, with friends old and new, to explore this historic port city. You’ll nd classic and modern architecture, delicious multicultural cuisine, and a maze of canals waiting to be wandered. I’m excited to have you join me in Hamburg, Germany, for our 110th RI Convention, 1-5 June 2019, at the Hamburg Messe. Come for the inspiration, for the ideas, for the friendship and the fun — and Capture the Moment forever.
- Barry