Governor’s Monthly Le er
January 2019 Editor : Mona Sitwala
R. I. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
DG’s MESSAGE Dear Rotarian friends, Our District Conference “Sangam -The Conuence” was a grand success. I can not believe our conference is over! Today when I look back I feel it was like a dream. All the hard work, planning and preparations has paid off and District 3060 enjoyed Rotary through three days in the beautiful location of Sula and Nasik. I thank each and everyone from the bottom of my heart to make the conference successful. Planning of any event is more crucial than execution. Once an event begins than everything falls in place. The Sangam team has worked hard through the year and I thank them especially for giving us this marvellous event. I am back to District affairs now and working towards the next major goal, which is our contribution to The Rotary Foundation. But I am sure with the help of all our generous donors we will achieve or even surpass the goal. I am condent that together we can do it. I have lot of things to share but do wait for next time.
Pinky Patel
In my travels over the past year I've visited many strong, vibrant clubs and districts that are transforming their communities. When I attend their meetings I can feel the energy. When I meet their members, I see they are people of action. And when I look at their communities, I recognize the impact of their work. I've also visited Rotary clubs that were hardly more than social clubs. It shouldn't ever be that way. Fortunately, there's a simple approach that I believe can help revitalize any club. I'd like to challenge every club to come up with at least one high-impact service project. Each club already has the potential, the resources, to make it happen. It has the power to change people's lives — completely. It doesn't take millions of dollars. One of the most transformational projects I've been a part of involved providing a Jeep to a group of midwives in Haiti, to reach expectant mothers in a remote part of the country. We supplied a Jeep, painted it pink, and put the Rotary logo on it. Three years later, we went back to see how they were doing. They were excited by the outcomes as the mortality rate for mothers and infants had dropped by 50 percent. That's what I call transformational service. But Jeeps don't last forever, and after eight years it was on its last legs. So we bought a pink Land Cruiser. What makes a project transformational ? It doesn't have to involve a lot of money, but it has to reach people and have a major impact in the community. That is the key. So do your research. Leverage your resources. Seek partnerships that can increase your impact. And then take action. Service is only part of what a strong club must offer. It must also have good speakers, provide leadership development, involve Rotaract and Interact, and bring value to its members and reasons to participate in Rotary events. If your club is transformational and well-organized, everything else will follow. Members will be engaged, and new members will be eager to join you. Fundraising will be easier. Your club will be vibrant, relevant, and alive — and it will Be the Inspiration to those within its ranks as well as to the community it serves.
Barry Rassin
EMBRACING HUMANITY In Rotary we celebrate February as “World Understanding Month”. This is a signicant month in the calendar as the very rst Rotary meeting was held on 23rd February, 1905, now designated as World Understanding and Peace Day. This month presents a great opportunity to shift our focus from more serious service projects to the understanding of humanity around us. With faster means of transportation and increasing tourism the world is shrinking at a rapid pace. A decade back globalisation was the in word. Nations and people were opening up to the outside world and becoming increasingly accommodative. But sadly in recent times there has been a steady shift in the other direction. We are no more our trusting and tolerant self, eyeing other countries and cultures with a reluctant eye and creating unnecessary barriers. Mahatma Gandhi has said “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive”. Rotary has given due importance to this by taking it up as an area of focus. Through programs like the Rotary Peace Centres, Rotary Friendship Exchange and International Youth Exchange it is propagating peace and friendship across the globe. These are truly excellent and unique programs which aim to bring us closer and unite humanity. A wise person is one who learns from all people and we on a personal level should inculcate this in our lives by embracing other cultures, religions and ideologies. We need to respect the differences amongst us. The belief that my religion or my culture is the best should not arise in the heart of a true Rotarian. It is after all these differences that makes the world such an interesting and intriguing place. The strength of humanity lies in differences and not in similarities. It is essential to come out of self drawn boundaries and discover the richness of other cultures and imbibe their good values and behaviour. Expand your vision, explore, discover and reach out to humanity as a whole. This is the best way to develop ourselves and become citizens of the world in the true sense.
Mona Sitwala
DG 2021-22 Rtn. SANTOSH PRADHAN Rtn. Santosh Pradhan has done Diploma in Fabrication Technology and started his career at Aurangabad. Here he met few enthusiastic friends who founded the Rotaract Club of Aurangabad Central. He shifted to Surat in 1998 and established M/s Aquatech Services. He joined Rotary Club of Udhna in July 2008. Santosh is Major Donor Level 2 and Bequest Society member. Recently he has committed $15625 to TRF, started an Endowment Fund and has committed $10000 every year for next three years.
The Joy of Giving - Dil Se It is said that your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give. A seless contribution to the Rotary Foundation, along with a golden opportunity to play with Golf legend “The Golden Bear”- Jack Nicklaus - a Rotary Polio Ambassador - just cannot be missed. It is a great honour for members of District 3060 that PDG Parag & Rtn. Punam Sheth have pledged to serve the community by contributing to the Polio Plus Fund and be a part of 12 golfers worldwide. They have pledged a signicant Arch Klumph Society (Chair’s circle) donation to the Rotary Foundation. Both being avid golfer they have initiated the South Asian Fellowship of Golng Rotarians (SAFGR), whose mission is fellowship and supporting our Foundation.
District Conference “SANGAM – THE CONFLUENCE” - Day One Rotary, fellowship, dignitaries, friends, food, fun, entertainment, ambience, gaiety and family. What more would one want. No wonder the District Conference is the most awaited and attended happening in any Rotary year. “SANGAM”, our District Conference was no exception.
Kalyan Banerjee felicitated him and said “You do us all proud . South Asia is climbing high in leadership, with Sushiji being second Indian at the top in 10 years. You are held in high esteem and we will cheer for you as you lead from the front”. RIPR Julia Phelps, PRIP Kalyanda, DG Pinky and PRID Dr. Manojbhai On 4th January evening, the sun may have been felicitated Shri Sushilji with a plaque and a shawl. setting over the Sula vineyards, but for 3060 it was the RIPN Sushilji taking centre stage said “I am humbled beginning of three days of pure joy. Over 1500 to be RIPN. This nomination is dedicated to my gurus, Rotarians gathered on the steps of the Sula family and all of you. Coming to District 3060 is like Amphitheatre to celebrate Rotary and all that it stands coming home. Kalyanda and I worked together for for. The glorious evening commenced with the lighting Polio and Manoj is my lucky mascot. I have worked for of the eternal light by the array of dignitaries present. several causes like WinS, water conservation, The National Anthems of USA and India resonated in hygiene etc. In Rotary wherever you see a problem the air and led on to our own Rotary Anthem – the four just try to solve it.” way test. Conference Chairman, the ring leader of the Next the winners of the club service project videos – three day extravaganza, Dr. Agam Shrivastava RC Jamnagar, RC Baroda Cosmopolitan and RC welcomed dignitaries and delegates to the event. Bharuch – were announced and their videos played. DG Pinky Patel in her address welcomed the chief guests, RI ofcers and all Rotarians. She said “Our District is a vibrant, peaceful and performing District”. She then elaborated on all the various training events held and thanked District Trainer Sunil Vakil for the same. She gave statistics of the growth in members and clubs and expressed gratitude to all committee chairmans for putting in exceptional efforts. She concluded by warmly thanking the whole Conference team and host clubs for putting up a great show.
PRIP Kalyanda in his turn said “3060 enjoys its Rotary and hope Julia and Steve enjoy it too. Binota and I have never missed our District Conference. DG Pinky has done us proud with projects worth Rs 23 crores implemented in the District. Clubs are promoting literacy which is noteworthy. Children are teaching their parents. We need to teach adults and make use of CSR funds available from the corporate sectors”. He stated that “Rotary is shrinking in size. Average age worldwide is getting older. We need to bring in the Rotarians of 3060 were privileged to have RIPN Rotractors and IYE students. 3060 is a premium Padma Shri Sushil Gupta at the conference. PRIP districts of Rotary, but lets make it even better”.
District Conference “SANGAM – THE CONFLUENCE” - Day One EMGA Ashok Panjwani introduced RIPR TRF Trustee Julia Phelps who is from Greenland, USA. She is a prominent and experienced Rotarian holding many ofces over the years like DG, DRFC, TRF Alimuni Chair, PETS Trainer & RI Committee member. RIPR Julia in her address said “I am very happy to be here and representing RIP Barry. He has asked all of us to 'Be the Inspiration' and to be the amingoes of change. Let us go off the beaten path and discover a new path which will lead Rotary to a better destination.” She further added “DG Pinky is a amingo of change. She has added clubs and members; trained ofce bearers well; done excellent projects and has inspired her Rotarians. RIP Barry says to lead by example and enthusiasm. Help future leaders grow, for strong clubs will make a strong Rotary”.
The District Souvenir, prepared by Rtn. Abbas Motiwala was released by her on this occasion. District Trainer Sunil Vakil proposing a vote of thanks said “I thank world leaders PRIP Kalyanda, RIPN Sushilji, PRID Dr. Manoj, RIPR Julia and Stevens, all RI ofcers, PDG's, conference team, co hosts, MOC, and all Rotarians of 3060”. The inaugural session was ably conducted by Ann Maharukh Chichgar. Later RIPR and DG posed for photographs with the various club and district representatives. The evening ended on a high note with long extended happy hours and pulsating entertainment along with a gala dinner. The spirit of Rotary – service and fellowship – was evident throughout the evening. Thus, a fun lled Rotary evening ended in the vineyards of Sula, Nasik.
“SANGAM – THE CONFLUENCE”, 49th District Conference at Nasik
Clubs at work
Clubs at work
Clubs at work
District Conference “Sangam - The Confluence” - Day Two
District Conference “Sangam - The Confluence” - Day Two The second day of “SANGAM” started with fellowship over breakfast at the Thakkar Dome, Nasik. Conference Co-Chair Devang Munim welcomed the delegates asking all to enjoy the conference and promised a great day ahead. DG Pinky Patel came forwards to discuss the proceedings of the day. She said “Yesterday was a Triveni Sangam at Nasik, with the coming together of PRIP Kalyanda, RIPN Sushilji and RIPR Julia Phelps on one stage. Today Gyanvatsalji and PRID Dr. Manojbhai will be sharing their thoughts with us”. The DG 21-22 election results were disclosed by PDG Ashish Roy. Election was won by Rtn. Santosh Pradhan of RC Udhna who garnered 140 votes. Rtn. Santosh in his acceptance speech said “You have He continued “Rotary is made up of people of action. given me a lot of love and I promise to serve the We do immense work, but hardly talk about it to our District to the best of my ability. I thank all Clubs of friends. Through Asha Kiran we have sent 62,000 Surat and the District and all you Rotarians”. children back to school. WinS has changed my life Sadhu Gyanvatsal Swami was the next speaker who and we have completed 65,000 + WinS projects”. He broached the topic of “The Science Of Giving”. He also talked about Mission Taipei – 10,000 ABF spoke basically on the types of giving and the ills that (avoidable blindness free) villages and how we could are aficting our modern day society. He pointed out implement it in our District. that we are living in times of fancy houses but broken Next, DRFC Ashish Ajmera recognised RC Vapi, homes, high rises but low rise characters, broad Surat, Ankleshwar, Jamnagar, Kharach, Nandnagari, highways but narrow view points and we give money Rajkot Greater, Baroda Metro, Udhna, Wadhwan more power than it deserves. Following this the City, Dhule Crossroad, Dhulia, Rajkot for their audience were treated to project videos made by RC generous TRF donation. RC Rajkot announced Wadhwan City, Dondicha Seniors and Vapi West. 25,000 $ in memory of PDG Suresh Gandhi. Arch PRID Dr. Manoj Desai addressed the audience in his Klumph member PDG Parag Sheth announced indomitable and energetic style. His talk for the day another donation of 250,000 $ to TRF. was titled as “Anand”. He said “Our egos have RIPR Julia Phelps in her major speech discussed become a burden and if we let go of it there would be internal priority of engaging members, external “Anand” in life. We are increasingly losing 'Anand' priority of polio eradication and development of and increasing stress. Happiness is a state of mind strategic plan. She said “You have done well in found all around us, especially in nature. A calm and membership development. New members should be modest life brings more happiness than constant engaged and assimilated into the club. Continue to pursuit and restlessness”. ask people to join Rotary. It is the job of senior members to mentor young Rotarians”. “ Thank you for your efforts in eradicating polio. From 350,000 victims a year to 29 has been a long journey”. This was followed by a Bollywood dance presentation by 19 inbound IYE students of this year. Before the lunch break it was time for DGE Anish Shah and team to roll out the invitation for the 50th District Conference to be held at Goa. The presentation was very captivating and motivated viewers to register for it. The interlinking of this session was done by PP Sandeep Shah.
District Conference “Sangam - The Confluence” - Day Two Post lunch there was a session on diamonds by Caratlane and a session on image building by Heena Masand. DG Pinky Patel then bade Bon Voyage to DGE Anish and Swati Shah who are travelling to USA for their DG training. The membership growth awards were then given to RC Amul Milkcity, Porbander and Ankleshwar. Next, stand up comedian Gaurav Sharma regaled the audience and brought a cheer to the proceedings. After this the PDG's lined up for a ramp walk along with their spouses, dressed in the retro theme and were cheered on by the audience. The conference team leaders Dr. Agam, Devang Munim and Ranu Ajmera were felicitated. Rotary awards for year 17-18 were handed out by IPDG Ruchir Jani. Interlinking of this session was done by Dr. Hemant Antani. After dinner delegates had a gala time dancing to the tunes of singer Vishwajeet and group.
District Conference “Sangam - The Confluence” - Day Three For the last session of Sangam delegates were welcomed by Co Chairman Dr. Ranu Ajmera. Making her opening remarks DG Pinky attributed the smooth passage of all programmes to the conference team and the host club members. She expressed her gratitude to DS Tushar, Mitesh and Utkarsh, Manish Shah, Sandeep Grover, Dr. Agam, R. O. Shah, Kshitij Desai, Nayana Wani, Nitin Bhate, Sunil Joshi among others. Service Project videos of RC Ankleshwar, Dhule Femina, Gandevi were projected. Winning photos of photography contest oated by Surat West were shown. Next the NGSE team comprising of ve students from Brazil, two from Germany and one from Columbia, was introduced by PP Narendra Saboo. After their presentation IPDG Ruchir Jani presented the District accounts for the year 17-18 and they were duly approved and passed. Conference Resolutions which appreciated a host of dignitaries, RI ofcers, DG, speakers, host clubs etc. were presented by PDG Hitesh Jariwala. An interesting interlude was provided by the IYE students who performed on Bollywood songs. Recognition of the IYE committee was done by the Chairman Devang Munim. RIPR Julia Phelps in her closing remarks said that the District Conference was truly a “Sangam” – the coming together of Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, NGSE – from all over the world. She said “It provided a platform for all to come together to grow and reect on Rotary. You are a vibrant and exciting district with hard working clubs and members. I see large numbers of spouses and children. Thanks for making Rotary a family affair. We entered as strangers and we leave as friends. This is the beauty of Rotary. I take back warm and colourful memories, along with my new found Bollywood skills. I thank DG Pinky, Sumul, PDG Hitesh and Bhishma from the bottom of my heart”.
This was followed by a very mesmerising talk given by lm personality Shekhar Suman. He entertained the audience with his account of many lm personalities and everyday experiences. Next DG Pinky bid adieu to the gathering thanking them once again for their active participation. Dr Agam Shrivastava expressed his gratitude for all delegates th and dignitaries alike. The closure of the 49 District Conference was brought about by the singing of the National Anthem. Interlinking of this last session was done by Manisha Bhatt.
District Conference “Sangam - The Confluence” - Day Three
February is World Understanding Month Rotary Photo Contest by RC Surat West
A national level photography contest “A CLICK FOR AWARENESS” - on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ,Literacy and Education for Girl Child was organised by RC Surat West. 328 entries were received from all over India. 18 pictures were selected. Winners were Santosh Kale from Kolhapur Maharastra, Sujit Saha and Samir Halder from Kolkata and Ghanshyam Kahar from Kolkata. The contest was judged by well known photographer Mr Joydeep Mukherjee from Kolkata and Mr Saurabh Desai from Surat. The winners were decided on the highest points given by the judges on the basis of theme, composition and technicality. The top winners were given trophy and certicates.
Rotary Puzzle January
Solu on for Rotary Crossword December
Winners : PP Amisha Desai, PP Bina Parikh, Pres. Nayna Wani, Rtn. Bhavesh Gandhi, Sec. Ashish Agrawal.