Jan 2013 - The Golden Orange

JANUARY 2013

R. I. President : Rtn. Sakuji Tanaka

CHARTER NITE

SURGERIES AT MELGHAT, RAMTEK

District Governor : Rtn. Sanjay Meshram

INTER CLUB CRICKET

Club President : Rtn. Atul Shah

RAHUL BAJAJ A LEGEND VISITS

DISTRICT CONFERENCE

FOUR WAY TEST BOARDS

SURGICAL CAMP

Last weekend (22nd and 23rd December 2012), though nearing the fag end of the year, was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Rotary Club of Nagpur.

Four Rotarians Dr. Surajit Hazra, Dr. Rajesh Singhania, Kapil Sutaria and me were urgently summoned by our President to answer to an SOS call by Dr. Ashish Satav of Mahatma Gandhi Adivasi Dawakhana to conduct some surgeries there.

Our club has been conceptualizing a medical camp on the lines for Hemalkasa since some time, of course on a smaller scale. Shiv Kumar Rao has been coordinating with Dr. Satav since the last few months and this visit by 2 Doctors and two non-medical Rotarians was supposed to be an exploratory visit with the medial camp in mind.

However when Dr. Satav learned that we were visiting he lined up some cases for us, which were deftly handled by our doctors.

We left at 3 pm on Saturday the 22nd December. En-route we discussed on what

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MELGHAT‌‌.A NEW BEGINNING FOR RCN

was to be done on reaching there. The doctors were quite apprehensive about conducting surgeries, as they were unaware about the amenities and facilities available there.

The journey itself was pleasant as the roads were good. The last 80 kms. were entirely ghats.

We reached the Village Utavali, in Dharni Tehsil in complete darkness; the only lights were from the Diesel generator of Dr. Satav's hospital. We were welcomed by Dr. Satav and immediately taken to his home, where the doctors were engaged in discussions on how they would be handling the cases the next day.

After discussion and dinner we retired for the night.

The next day our doctors started on surgeries and Kapil and me set out to explore the nonmedical aspects for the next proposed medical camp. There was very little accommodation available in the hospital per se and only two-four people could stay on the premises. At Dharni (about 9 kms) we located

a PWD rest house, which had four large bedrooms. This could accommodate about 15-16 people with extra beds, which could easily be arranged. Fellowship and food could also be arranged at the rest house. There was a general shortage of electricity and water.

Power was available only for a few hours.

The doctors could successfully complete all the allotted the surgeries by 4 on Sunday and we left for Nagpur from Utavali by 6 pm and reached Nagpur late at Night.

-Rajesh Datar

Stop Prezz.....

Dear Rotary Families, Finally the mercury has plunged… and for the better. Contrary to the mercury, our Club activities have been at its peak this month! It has been a month of Fellowship at its peak, so have been our Service projects.

With diverse programs and projects all month long, the strategy was simple, “horses for courses”. It was a test of the depth of talent and expertise available in our club. I can proudly say - we passed with flying colours, churning out leadership in the form of new Rotarians and Anns, who said “we have arrived “.

Charter Night is a challenge and it was a bigger one this year, with so many weddings in our Rotary family. I appluad the team and each member of our Rotary family who put their hands up for making it a grand success despite

limited “human” resource available during that period. The effort and support shall remain etched in my memory forever!

Our medicos always make us feel proud. More than 50 major surgeries in two camps, one planned and one where we reached out to the under privileged of Melghat on SOS call.

Salaam Doctors! 50 surgeries - in monetary terms is huge, in satisfaction – PRICELESS. Arguably my memorable moment was sharing the dais with “the Legend“ Shri .Rahul Bajaj.

Thanks to our program committee and yet another set of young Rotarians who made it a stupendous success, befitting the Legend.

The Membership committee and especially the Enlightenment committee has kept us on track and in line with the growth perceived by RI.

All eyes are now set on our Flagship project “Hemalasa Camp“. I can assure you, our Medical and Non-Medical Committee for Hemalkasa is leaving no stone unturned for this camp.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful New Year!

Cheers!

Atul Shah

Hear Me Out.....

Mental Activism!!!!

Everything is not well in our country right now.

Whenever there is crisis that besieges us, we unite as a nation, rise to the challenge, wage a relentless battle, only to bury it in the chapters of time. The recent gang rape in Delhi has once again got the country out of it's comfortable slumber crying out for action. This unfortunate and shameful incident was symbolic in many ways. The audacity and barbaric nature of the crime was such that while the modesty of one girl was outraged, every citizen was shamed.

The nation is shouting hoarse as one, begging for action. We can either have security and systems in place to ensure that such incidents or for that matter heinous crimes of other nature are avoided. Is it possible with the demographics as ours? That leaves us with deterrents in the form of punishment to the perpetuators. Such crimes are probably committed out of a momentary feeling of power, which emanates from the knowledge that “I am going to get away with it”. Once the message goes across to all that “Nobody gets away” and “You shall be made to pay and pay bigtime”, we shall be taking the first step towards a safer society.

And then comes, what can WE do? Can the common citizen do anything?

Political activism complicates and worsens situations rather than solve any. Social activism gets washed away because the people occupying seats of power have more patience than the people who have to get back to earning their daily bread or to the call of academics. It is Mental Activism which can probably make a difference. Let time not fade away the memories of incidents such as these. Let us not lose focus on what reforms are needed to bring about a positive change. As long as this focus is on our minds, it will manifest itself in many ways. In words and in action! When each one of us single mindedly refuses to let go and expresses our anguish and goes on and on, we will probably see that it might make a difference to those who are the ones responsible to the citizens of this nation. The action would be the intolerance in accepting these crimes as a part of society. If we need to show our resilience, we can do that in positive aspects of life. To crime of any nature, let's get intolerant and non negotiable.

Shabbir Shakir

shabbir.shakir66@yahoo.in

Keep in touch......

We invite expert comments, suggestions, criticism and commendations. This will help us know the pulse of readers and improve the publication. Please write in to shabbir.shakir66@yahoo.in

CREDITS Director : IPP Tauby Bhagwagar Chairperson : PP Dr. Sanjiv Chugh Editor : Shabbir Shakir Processing : Eskay’s Scanner Designing : Gurushree Graphics Printing : Shabbir Shakir Paper : Courtesy BILT

COVER up....

The Board with Mr Rahul Bajaj Doctors performing surgeries at Melghat The Yamlok flock….

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GUEST EDITOR Sohrab Kanga

W

Before you mind works overtime and you reach for the phone to blast me, the above acronym also means “Welcome To Facebook”. While it is not exactly what I had in mind as I write this, WTF is kind of like your immediate reaction to things that surprise you .... amaze you! Over these two pages, I welcome you to share things that amaze me . As William Hazlitt said two centuries ago, “Like a rustic at a fair, we are full of amazement and rapture, and have no thought of going home, or that it will soon be night”. The world we live in is nothing but amazing, so is every breath we take. Did you know that if the lungs were to be opened flat they would be the size of a tennis court? You didn’t ? Read on!

MOST AMAZING PIC! Amazing how Facebook has changed the world...

Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD) is a term introduced by US psychologists for those who are addicted to Facebook and their life is really affected by their uncontrolled activities on Facebook. Over 350 million people suffer from FAD. One in every 13 people on Earth is on Facebook. It is the second biggest website by traffic behind Google. Facebook causes one in 5 divorces. Syria is the only country that has banned Facebook. India stands third in the ranks with 5.1 crore FB users. More than 2.5 billion pictures are uploaded to Facebook each month. The average Facebook user has 130 friends and sends eight friend requests per month. If Facebook were a country, it would be the fifth-largest country in the world. Both citizens and police departments are increasingly using Facebook to catch suspected criminals. In Australia it is valid protocol to serve court notices to defendants on Facebook. A summons posted on Facebook is legally binding. There are more than 800,000 developers building applications for Facebook.

Let’s face it. Facebook has changed the world as we know it.

We get in touch with friends we have ignored/lost touch with, celebrate our achievements/events, post thoughts, jokes, inspirational quotes & generally communicate more!

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The image of famous “Tank Man,” an unknown rebel, who stands in front of a fleet of tanks in an act of defiance following the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

The amazing phenomenon that is South Indian Superstar Rajinikanth. You will not give him a second glance if you come across him, but you cannot deny his on-screen Godliness. He has more fan clubs than other stars have fans. He has scaled heights of greatness that mere mortals can only dream of. Even his jokes are legend : Once a cobra bit Rajinikanth, after five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.

The cycle stand collection of Robot (Rajni movie) was more than the box office collection of Ra.One (Shahrukh Movie).

Rajinikanth can leave messages BEFORE the beep.

TF?

AMAZING INDIA

In the next three years, up to 25% of the world's new workers will be Indian.

India has 568 million more registered voters than the US -- and a better turnout rate too.

Every major world religion is represented in India. Additionally, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all originated in India.

The number of births that occur in India each year is higher than the entire population of Australia.

India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.

Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient Indian medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.

Superstar

i n j Ra

We shall have a Guest Editor every month at the GO. Here the GEs will give expression to their creativity by writing about what they will. Past Editors of the GO will be seen in this space one by one. The idea has come into being so that these two pages will have something refreshingly new to offer every month.

Steering clear of the year mould.

The GE of this month Sohrab Kanga , a designer and writer par excellence. Impossible to ignore his writings, he can be credited to be the single most game changer as far as the transformation of the GO in the last few years is concerned.

THE AMAZING HUMAN BODY The average human body contains enough: Sulphur to kill all fleas on an average dog, Carbon to make 900 pencils, Potassium to fire a toy cannon, Fat to make 7 bars of soap, Phosphorus to make 2,200 match heads, and enough Water to fill a ten gallon tank.

In 1 square inch of skin there lies 4 yards of nerve fibers, 1300 nerve cells, 100 sweat glands, 3 million cells, and 3 yards of blood vessels.

There are 45 miles of nerves in the skin of a human being.

The acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razorblades.

The human brain cell can hold 5 times as much information as the Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

The tooth is the only part of the human body that can't repair itself.

If they were laid end to end, the blood vessels in your body would wrap around the equator 2 1/2 times.

Living brain cells are bright pink.

Humans are the only mammal that can’t swallow and breathe at the same time.

Every pound of fat gained causes your body to make 7 new miles of blood vessels.

Even if you lose your stomach, your spleen, 75% of your liver, 80% of your intestines, one kidney, one lung, and virtually every organ from your pelvic and groin area, you wouldn’t be very healthy, but you would live.

During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools. Actually, Saliva is more important than you realize. If your saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Did you know that Rotary founder Paul Harris wasn’t the first president of a Rotary club?

That distinction is actually held by Harris’s friend Silvester Schiele, who served as the first president of the Rotary Club of Chicago. Harris deferred his club leadership duties until February 1907, when he was elected the third president of the Chicago club.

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LETTERATI

- Letters To The Editor

BEST LETTER No letters were received this month. The icecream tubs will therefore come to me this month..........Editor

There will be a best letter prize every month.

So keep writing.

Also mail your photograph along with your letter.

NEWS YOU CAN USE 1. The Harold Washington Library, Chicago's public library, is the world's largest, with a collection of more than 2 million books.

2. American Singer Tim Storms boasts of a vocal range of 10 octaves. He holds the Guinness world record for having the widest vocal range & hitting the lowest note, G-7.

3. Peter Glazebrook, an amateur gardener unveiled the world's longest parsnip measuring 5.607 metres at the 2012 UK National Giant Vegetables Championships. Glazebrook is already a Guinness World Record holder for the heaviest parsnip and the longest beetroot.

4. Male sea horses are the ones that get impregnated rather than the females. Males have a pouch on their belly that provides incubation for the female eggs and they can have up to 1500 babies at one time 5. If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

6. It is a matter of great pride for we Indians that in the year 2011-12, our National Anthem 'JANA GANA MANA' has been declared as the 'Best Anthem' of the world by UNESCO. -Girish Deodhar

STUDENT FOR STUDENT ''MASTI KI PAATHSHAALA'' An initiative by Rotaract Club of Hislop College VENUE: Uthkhana ; Place for Old Age and Handicapped Children.

On 12th august 2012, Rotaract Club of Hislop College, started a project to teach various subjects to the students studying in different classes and helping them in their academic section every Sunday in the morning hours.

The children gave a very good feedback and interacted very well. The children will not be only taught in their academics, but many other co-curricular activities.

On 16th December, Rotaract Club of Hislop College took an initiative to spend a day with all children and old age people. The event started well with an Informal Inauguration our team of Hislop College, Jigisha Naidu, Jatin Sampat, Sapna Vatsalani and Litesh Thakkar.

The event started with drawing competition, where everybody participated. Few games were also played till lunch time.

After lunch time from 12.00pm to 2.00pm, the

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dance floor got opened for all as Dj was organized. All the winners of the competition and games were given gifts. A complimentary gift pack of stationary was given to each and every student present out there. The event gave an outstanding response and we hope it goes on well in future.

RTR Tanmay Atey & RTR Vachan Bagadia Our Active Members For the Project for the Year 2012-2013 RTR Tanmay Atey (Hislop College) RTR Vachan Bagadia (Hislop College) RTR Shubham Gupta (Hislop College) RTR Devendra ( NYSS College) RTR Sweksha Shah (Hislop College) RTR Kamna Agrawal (Hislop College) RTR Viksha Upadhyay (Hislop College) RTN Lucille Dominique ( Rotary Exchange Student )

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6 DECEMBER

The Board for the Rotary Year 2013-14 Business Meeting was held on 6th Dec 2012 at “Udyog Bhawan”. President Atul Shah called the meeting to order. He welcomed the members and requested for half a minute silent prayer for the departed soul of Deepa Jamwal's Mother.

President announced the Birthday & Anniversary greetings to members.

Awards were announced for best chairper-sons for Fellowship Committee to Madhavi Naidu & Prateek Salve, for District Interact Meet to Anmol Badjatia, Mamta Kanga & Dipesh Ajmera, for Slum Upliftment Committee to Neerja Shukul, Ragini Sahu, Kusum Pandey & Pinky Batra.

Awards were handed over to last Month's Best Chairperson Beena Methew, Sapna Vastani, Richa Sethi, Neeta Gupta, Anagha Jaiswal, and Ritika Singhvi. Award for Best Letter went to

Hanif Khan, President Rotary club of Bhusawal Tapti Vally, and for Crossword to Prema Srinivas.

Hon. Sec. Shabbar Shakir read the minutes of last Business Meeting held on Nov. House unanimously approved the minutes. Treasurer's Announcements were made by Alok Goenka.

Past President Ganesh Joshi informed about upcoming program by Shri Rahul Bajaj. Jt. Sec. Mahendra Kamath informed about RAG trip to Deogarh fort, DG Club Assembly and Charter Night celebration. Director Parag Paranjpe informed about Slum committee, Blood donation camp, IT training camp and District Cricket tournament. Director Shiv Rao informed the house about vocational training program.

President Atul informed the members that st Anushka Kale and Khusnoor Chugh won 1

”The Big Fat Indian Wedding”

The agenda for the Ladies' Committee meeting this week was a panel discussion.

The topic, ”The Big Fat Indian Wedding”, generated lots of varied opinions .The panelists included Madhavi Naidu, Monica Bhagwagar, Rajni Sangtani, Nisha Kamath , Mamta Kanga and Aarti Kalode. Madhavi talked about the wonderful experience she recently had while attending a grand wedding in Colombo. Monica elaborated upon the

types of wedding cards currently in vogue.

Everyone loved the range of beautiful and exquisite wedding cards designed by Monica.

It was interesting to listen to Rajni Sangtani describe her firsthand experience in organizing her son's wedding. Nisha was of the opinion that extravagant weddings are not the need of the day and they result in unnecessary wastage of food and resources.

Mamta , who herself is a wedding planner

BUSINESS MEETING prizes in Starters and Main Dish section and Selected for finals of Master Chef competition at District Conference. He also shared good news about Canal Road being named after our Late PP Sheodanmalji Mokha at the hands of Mayor Anil Sole and BJP President Nitin Gadkari.

President also informed the members about Important Decisions taken at the Board Meeting. He informed about plan to start a surgical camp at Melghat, DGN 15-16 Elections where Board has decided to support PP Shabbir Shakir and Seek the permission of the house to cast the ballot on behalf of the Club. House unanimously approved all the decisions.

Thereafter he invited the President elect Prashant Kale, who introduced and presented the Board 2013-14 before the members. House approved the proposed Board with round of applause and consent.

Release of Golden Orange was made at the hands of PDG Vishwas Sahastrabojinee and editor PP Shabbir Shakir. Announcement about attendance Report & Distribution of 100% attendance Awards for the month of Nov 2012 were made by Ashok Malani The meeting was adjourned with singing of national anthem.

-Mahendra Kamath

LADIES MEETING

spoke animatedly about arranging weddings.

Aarti spoke against the trend of lavish weddings and suggested that we should put a cap on the expenses incurred. As expected, this topic generated quite an interesting discussion among the ladies and made the evening lively. Shantala Bhole conducted the discussion with aplomb . Shreya Mokadam and Durraiya Akolawala helped in arranging the meeting.

-Shantala Bole

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REGULAR MEETING

The Panelists....

The victorious ladies cricket team!!!

Participants comprising of stalwarts like Vilas Kale, Jyoti Goenka, fiery Akash Agrawal,Aarti Anand and Naushad Bhagwagar, the panel discussion on social media was enough to raise the temperature in otherwise cool atmosphere outside the meeting hall.

Moderator being Vinita Chaturvedi, it was going to be cracker…and it did live up to the expectations. After the customary birthday, anniversary greetings and project announcements the discussion began. On a question whether Facebook is fatal attraction

REGULAR MEETING th

Regular club meeting on 27 December had Amit Rahalkar speaking on Mortgage Crisis in US and lessons India can learn from it. Amit is a Nagpur lad working in Wall Street, New York since last 10 years and happens to be son of Rtn Rajeev from Rotary Club of Nagpur South.

Amit explained in detail political, historical and cultural context of the US Mortgage Crisis. He said Mortgage crisis was due to Credit crunch and that's why different from previous recessions which were asset class specific such as stock, bonds, commodities etc. He said problems arose when institutions searching for higher yield shifted focus from Traditional Lending Model to Securitization Banking Model which led to America's Housing Bubble.

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9 AUGUSTA SPECIAL ONE FACEBOOK - THE OTHER WOH

or just a passing phase, Dr Aarti Anand was of the opinion that it does come between the relations. While Vilas Kale was of the firm opinion that it is a complete waste of time and effort especially at his age. He admitted that he is on Facebook because he was told that one has to be on Facebook to be relevant, which he feels is complete non sense. It has become monstrous. Akash Agrawal on the other hand claimed that Facebook and other social media is important not only from socializing but also from business point of

view. The success of Jasmin revolution in middle east can be attributed to social media.

Naushad and Jyoti Goenka on the other hand were of the opinion that it has its positives and negatives, it is at the discretion of user to define limit. When the moderator Vinita presented a statistics that said one out of 3 divorces in UK are due to social media network, Vilas and Aarti emphasized on the fact that it is only giving an escape route to people and they are running away from reality.

They lamented the fact that generation Y is bonding with technology rather than human beings. It hampers quality of life and excellent habit like reading going out of fashion. In all a very interesting topic that brought many members from the audience to argue and comment. It is democratic setup which needs to be used judiciously. Facebook, twitter etc have their importance in life but definitely not to that extent where we become addicted to it.

-Parag Paranjpe

AMERICA'S MORTGAGE CRISIS Amit opined that India of today is similar to 60's era of USA and is becoming 'mixed economy' with Keynesian bend and strong 'affirmative' and 'socialist' underpinnings. He also said that Interlinking between all the countries has been increasing at a rapid pace, especially over last decade, across spheres of Politics, Economics and Technology and that's why we should be careful and try to learn from what has happened in USA. Earlier in the meeting Dr. Surajit Hazra informed the house about Surgical Camp conducted at Melghat region's Utawali village on 23rd Dec. where 20 surgeries were conducted. He also mentioned that Melghat is a blot on Maharashtra with Highest Infant Mortality and Malnutrition in India and he proposed that our club should make Surgical

Camps at Melghat a permanent project like Hemalkasa Surgical camp.

Rtn. Parag Paranjpe announced details regarding upcoming Hemalkasa Surgical Camp and Rtn. Girish Deodhar presented 'News You Can Use' in his unique style. Rtn. Mohammed Master proposed vote of thanks and meeting was adjourned with singing of National Anthem.

-Rtn Sachin Palewar

RAHUL BAJAJ

When he speaks, everyone sits up to listen Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman Bajaj Auto was with us on 8th December, 2012. The 500 seats jam packed auditorium at Persistent Systems provided the right ambience and setting for a thought provoking interaction with the doyen of Indian Industry.

The session began with a humorous aam admi view of the current economic state by Rtn Vilas Kale highlighting mixed feelings of helplessness, yet hope among a cross section of people.

Mr Bajaj while speaking on the Indian economy and the changing world shared his optimism on where India will be in the next 10 years in spite of the all the current problems that we are facing.

The world is now an open field which provides immense opportunities for the Indian entrepreneur to explore and expand. The under-developed economies particularly countries in the African continent are opening up and provide a ready market for our companies. This opportunity is in a way also a necessity as global companies will come into India and pose stiff competition.

The demographic dividend that the country enjoys because of the bulging working age

population needs to be exploited totally. Mr. Bajaj said that we need to provide enough jobs and opportunities to this young population to avoid a demographic disaster in the form social unrest.

While speaking on the current state, Mr. Bajaj said that our political and bureaucratic apparatus has been ineffective and inefficient.

Winning elections seems to have become the be-all and end-all of governance. Elections have become a money game and government revenues are frittered away to chase vote banks.

The most important need is to increase industrial employment in the organised sector.

This has been declining due to our illogical labour policy. Significant opportunities exist for growth in industrial employment due to the increasing wages in China and the need for multinationals to spread their manufacturing bases in countries like India.

If we allow the market to determine the quantum of employment and wages, then such investment would be made by both Indian and foreign companies. This is what was done to foreign trade and industrial licensing in 1991, and all of us see the results.

The recent legislation on FDI in the retail

REGULAR MEETING

sector evoked a mixed response from him. He felt that the results of this legislation, whether good or bad will be seen only after 5 years.

Mr. Bajaj emphasised on the need for businessmen to conduct their work with utmost honesty and integrity. Members couldn't help applauding loudly when the biz wizard went on to say: "We have done well not because of the government - but despite the government. We neither buy anything from the government, nor do we sell anything to the sarkar. What's more, we have huge surplus and a healthy bank balance, yet we have no intention of veering into telecom or power sector, just because they have government's involvement there! So, we are happy!"

It was an enjoyable evening with the hall packed to capacity. Anula Goenka formally introduced Mr. Rahul Bajaj and Shivkumar Rao proposed the vote of thanks.

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BLOOD DONATION

Donating blood is nothing new to the committed employees of R&Y Associates.

They are true champions of this activity, as was evident during the camp conducted here on 15th December. This camp is an annual affair and is being conducted, unfailingly, since year 2007. The company is owned by our very own Rtn. Nimish Sutaria & Rtn. Shivkumar Rao and also partnered by Mr. Yadav.

The camp, which was a huge success, started early at 8.00 AM and donors were seen marching to the venue since early morning.

SENIOR CITIZEN

On 4th Dec at Bhagini Mandal, Sitaburdi, Senior Citizens Committee had organised a programme for the members of Vidharba Jyeshth Nagrik Mandal (Nagpur. Dist) on the importance of creating a "Will". 1000

FOUR WAY TEST BOARD

R & Y ASSOCIATES15TH DEC., 2012

The hall was soon crowded with eager donors and people actually had to wait their turns.

This was due to the motivating efforts of Rtn Nimish & Rtn. Shivkumar and the resulting high level of awareness on the virtues of blood donation on the part of these employees. It was indeed very striking to note that none of the donors had to be reminded or coaxed into donating blood; they walked in like selfmotivated people with a duty to accomplish.

Staff from other locations of this company also did not miss this opportunity and their steady

flow ensured that the camp reached a magical figure.

The camp continued till about 3.30 PM and the collection at end was a phenomenal 111 units, despite scores of rejections for medical reasons. A big thank you to Rtn. Nimish Sutaria and Rtn. Shivkumar Rao for making this camp a remarkable one. Rotarians attending the camp included Pres. Atul Shah, Hon. Secy. Shabbar Shakir, Director Parag Paranjpe, Dr. Sheela Mundhada & Prashant Rajurkar.

AT BHAGINI MANDAL

pamphlets were distributed to the mandal's 106 branches. Rtn Jagdish Agrawal compiled the salient features to be incorporated in the Will. Rt Ann advocate Anjali Thakur spoke and interacted with them. They were also

enlightened on the need to carefully manage their assets and save themselves from being cheated.

-Anita Jain

CENTRE POINT SCHOOL DHABA the 4 Way Test Boards on 12 school buses.

The Board installation programme came alive with the speech of President Atul Shah who aptly explained the importance of 4 Way Test.

Vinita Chaturvedi, Shivkumar Rao & Sharad Paliwal deserve the highest admiration for their hardwork.

The schools are busy with their cultural events, still it was fulfilling day at centre point school, dhaba where we managed to install

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President Atul Shah, Secretary Shabbar Shakir , Shiv Kumar Rao ,Vinita Chaturvedi, Sharad Paliwal, Bharat Goenka, CPS Principal Mrs Radhika Mehra, B Anuradha, Rajusaman were present. The management

of CPS organised the programme very meticulously.

-Sushma Hedaoo

SEVA SADAN DURBAL MANASK MULANCHI SHALA

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

A Work shop was arranged on 19th Dec. 2012 at 2:30 PM in Seva Sadan Durbal Manask Mulanchi Shala (MSS) for inmates & caretakers. On the request of the management, they were taught an Advance course of Mala making. Various Styles of Artificial Mala (Garlands) making

by Ribbons & Satin Cloths were taught to inmates & caretakers. The concept & process of manufacturing had been well understood by the participants. Around 10 participants attended the Workshop.

Rt Ann Sadhana Paliwal Rtn. Meeta Jogleker had conducted the workshop. Rtn. Sharad Paliwal were also present.

Mrs. Smita Chate Principal and other office bearers of the institution were also present and had appreciated the workshop. The participants made around 8 types in the workshop and are preparing more for sale in their forthcoming Exhibition.

-Sadhana Paliwal

SEVA SADAN DURBAL MANASK MULANCHI SHALA

A Work shop was arranged on 12th Dec. 2012 at 2:30 PM in Seva Sadan Durbal Manask Mulanchi Shala (MSS) for inmates & caretakers. On the request of the management, they were taught a course on Floating Rangoli making. Various Styles of Floating Rangoli making were taught to inmates & caretakers. The concept & process of manufacturing had been well understood by the participants. Around 10 participants

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

attended the Workshop.

Sadhana Paliwal had conducted the workshop President Atul Shah and Sharad Paliwal were also present.

Mrs. Smita Chate Principal and other office bearers of the institution were also present and had appreciated the workshop. The participants made around 10 Rangolis in the workshop and are preparing more for their coming Exhibition.

-Sadhana Paliwal

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DG CLUB ASSEMBLY

The DG Club Assembly was held on 13th Dec., 2012 at Hotel Centre Point. President Atul Shah called the assembly to order. He Welcomed the DG Sanjay, AG Oberoi, PDG's from the club, Past Presidents, Members of the Board, Committee Chairpersons and Members.

Hon Secretary Shabbar Shakir read the Minutes of the last Club Assembly held on 29th July, 2012 at CZAAR Restaurant. House

confirmed the same.

All the members of the Board presented their reports and plans. After all the presentations, DG Sanjay addressed the assembly. He praised the club for its working and expressed his desire to get more TRF contribution from the club as well as starting of permanent facility in the district. He sought bigger and bolder projects from the club.

PP Dr.Manmohan Daga summed up the

meeting. He explained about club position in the above raised matter as well as satisfaction of carrying such mammoth activities by the club.

Vote of Thanks proposed by Hon.Secretary Shabbar Shakir. The meeting was adjourned after singing National Anthem.

-Mahendra Kamath

INTERACT CLUB PROJECT

Joy Of Giving week was observed at Cps Katol Road between 3rd and 10th October. Announcements were made in the assembly for donations of old clothes toys and shoes Interactors went round the classes and collected the items.9 cartons and 13 bags of clothes were received which were sent to Navjeevan Sanstha aschool for slum children at Godhni.

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AT MARIAM NAGAR

Slum and women upliftment committee in association with Datta Meghe foundation started month long computer training program for slums of Mariam Nagar and Krishna Nagar.

The bus equipped with 12 computers can

accommodate 24 students.

The first batch to start was at Mariam Nagar on 3rd December. The batch begins at 3 pm. The premises of NVCC are used, as it is convenient place for parking as well as for

AT ANTAR BHARTI On 18 december 2012, the Rotaract club of Sadabai Raisoni Women's College held an infotainment programme for the tiny toddlers of “Antar bharti ashram” Khamla road, Nagpur.

Rotaractors started the activities with the colouring competition. The children took part in it with great enthusiasm. Each one of them captured our hearts. With gifts and arms ready to hold each child the Rotaractors interacted with all kids..They tickled, laughed and played games such as "Tail the Elephant”, “Musical Chair" and "Passing the Parcel” with them.

Prizes were distributed in each category by President of Rotary Club of Nagpur Atul Shah and Hon. Sec. Shabbar Shakir . The visit of president Atul Shah truly motivated the

Rotaractors.

After this the children were served with home made lunch brought by the Rotractors. The toddlers with grateful hearts said their prayers to the Lord. Most of the Rotaractors actually participated in the activity of distribution and feeding the smaller kids . These moments were absolutely endearing. The Rotractors distributed crayons, gloves and caps and also chocolates, wafers and biscuits.

The caretaker Kumutai and principal of the ashram were present and requested the Rotract club members to spend more time with these kids. Rcc. Sapna Vastani and Rtn Parag Paranjpe were also present.

-President Isha Khurana

COMPUTER TRAINING students of slum.

The second batch began on 5th December at Krishna Nagar slum near TV Tower at Seminary Hills. The timing is 4.30-5.30 pm.

The response has been overwhelming and within 10 days another batch has started at the same place. The students are keen on learning computers and more importantly many ladies from the slum are forthcoming and approached for the training program.

Chairpersons Rtn Ragini Sahu, Neerja Shukul, Pinky Batra and Kusum Pande did a wonderful job of coordinating the training program.

-Parag Paranjpe

ROTARACT PROJECT RC of Sadabai Raisoni Women's College

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DG VISIT

District Governor Sanjay was on the Official Club Visit on our Charter day i.e 13th December. It was a momentous occasion as our Club completed 68 glorious years on that day. After a meaningful Club Assembly where he reviewed the functioning and activities of our Club and also spelt out his expectations and suggestions for our Club, he visited

couple of our Projects. The first visit was to Matru Seva Sangh Buldi. He appreciated the wonderful garden created by our Club and also the infrastructure provided to "Snehangan" home for physically challenged Children.

There after he visited Antarbharti Ashram where our Club conducts Project Nutrition

Smile. With MGP, you just got Genuine Peace of Mind, absolutely free!

Auth. Dist. : - Sudhanshu’s Sales & Marketing, G-2, Prathmesh Vihar, Near Unthkhana Squre, Great Nag Road, Nagpur-09., Ph. : 0712-2706587 / 88

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throughout the year, providing nutritious food to the children from nearby slums attending this school. He spoke to the Management of Antarbharti and our Committee chairpersons and applauded the year long services offered by our Club. He spoke to the tiny tots and served them lunch.

-Manish Bhati

PAST PRESIDENTS FELICITATION

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CHARTER ni t e Once a Rotarian. Always a Rotarian.

This was proved by President Atul Shah, who even in his dreams, thinks of Rotary and forming a Club.

Where else but in YAMLOK of course.

Well friends, that was the theme of our Charter Nite, on December the thirteenth at the Ceepee Lawns.

Charter Nite, always a much awaited event, is celebrated with eager enthusiasm and gusto.

Director Mahendra Kamath conceived of this theme and we found a bundle of talent in Rajesh Yadav who wrote the script.

A slap stick comedy from beginning to end, it left the audience in splits.

Directing and Coordinating with 37 bhoots,was no small task.

But chairpersons Neeta Singh and Priti Chhabra did an excellent job, with support from PP Shabbir, who as always stood by like a pillar of strength.

Alok Goenka, Prateek Salve, Dr. Satish Sule, Tauby Bhagwagar, Usha Kale, Vishwas are all known for their acting skills but the person who stole the show, was Sharad Bhave, who silently

16

and with a poker face had the audience holding on to their chairs.

Prior to the show, President Atul, felicitated the past presidents in a very novel way.

A Bollywood song befitting that president was played, while he walked upto the dias, along with his spouse.

Though, the brain child of Pres. Atul, it was executed by Dir. Mahendra.

Enjoyed and applauded by all, this was one way to make the past presidents feel special.

Our club is known to function like a well oiled machine.

It is these senior Rotarians, who have made, such fool proof fundas that we are what we are today.

A second or third largest club in the entire country.

The District Governor who was officially visiting, was very impressed with the whole event.

An out and out, enjoyable evening, it'll be remembered in the days to come.

Rtn. Manju Shahani

17

CHARTER ni t e Once a Rotarian. Always a Rotarian.

This was proved by President Atul Shah, who even in his dreams, thinks of Rotary and forming a Club.

Where else but in YAMLOK of course.

Well friends, that was the theme of our Charter Nite, on December the thirteenth at the Ceepee Lawns.

Charter Nite, always a much awaited event, is celebrated with eager enthusiasm and gusto.

Director Mahendra Kamath conceived of this theme and we found a bundle of talent in Rajesh Yadav who wrote the script.

A slap stick comedy from beginning to end, it left the audience in splits.

Directing and Coordinating with 37 bhoots,was no small task.

But chairpersons Neeta Singh and Priti Chhabra did an excellent job, with support from PP Shabbir, who as always stood by like a pillar of strength.

Alok Goenka, Prateek Salve, Dr. Satish Sule, Tauby Bhagwagar, Usha Kale, Vishwas are all known for their acting skills but the person who stole the show, was Sharad Bhave, who silently

16

and with a poker face had the audience holding on to their chairs.

Prior to the show, President Atul, felicitated the past presidents in a very novel way.

A Bollywood song befitting that president was played, while he walked upto the dias, along with his spouse.

Though, the brain child of Pres. Atul, it was executed by Dir. Mahendra.

Enjoyed and applauded by all, this was one way to make the past presidents feel special.

Our club is known to function like a well oiled machine.

It is these senior Rotarians, who have made, such fool proof fundas that we are what we are today.

A second or third largest club in the entire country.

The District Governor who was officially visiting, was very impressed with the whole event.

An out and out, enjoyable evening, it'll be remembered in the days to come.

Rtn. Manju Shahani

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SURGICAL CAMP

Sincere to its mission to make life of people better than before, Rotary Club of Nagpur in association with Yogiraj hospital, Ramtek run and managed by Orange City Hospital and Research Centre organized a Hernia, Hydrocele & Lump Surgery camp for the benefit of rural population from and around Ramtek.

Out of a total of 37 patients screened over a period of one month, 25 were identified for surgery. On 2nd December, 19 surgeries were performed which included Inguinal Hernia, Obstructed Hernia, Hydrocele, Orchidectomy, Giant Fibroadenoma, Phimosis, excision of Granuloma and Cysts. All medicines,

INTERACT PROJECT

The Interactors, Children, Staff of Wonderland High School has organised a sports events under the project “Help the Needy”. This sports was for the Children of the Anath Asharam .

There were 20 Children. This was being done to sensitised the Wonderland High School Children to Love, Care, Share, Sacrifice and Live for a

18

AT RAMTEK

disposables and suture material were provided by the Rotary Club of Nagpur.

Surgeries were performed by a team of eminent surgeons consisting of Dr Surajeet Hazra, Dr Raju Wilkinson, Dr Rajesh singhvi, Dr Nitin Wasnik, Dr Rajeev Sonarkar, Dr Vikrant Akkulwar and Dr Vivek Patel. The team of Anaesthetologists was led by Dr Smita Harkare, Dr Sunita Lawange and Dr Vikrant Nimbhorkar.

Shri Deepak Chhabra expressed that quality healthcare was not available to people of the area. They could also not afford to go elsewhere to get it. Therefore such initiatives to provide healthcare at their doorstep was a great service.

Shri Narayandas Agrawal, Adv Sanjiv Khandelwal and Shri Karansingh Sengar from Shri Laxminarayan Devasthan Trust were present.

Shri Ashish Jaiswal, MLA from Ramtek visited the camp and appreciated the work. Shri Girish Joshi, SDO Ramtek also expressed his satisfaction. Shri Rajesh Mastkar, of Yogiraj Hospital thanked all the visiting doctors and Rotary Club of Nagpur. Dr Hazra, Dr Wilkinson, Dr Singhvi and Dr Smita Harkare praised the team at Yogiraj Hospital and Laxminarayan Devasthan for the admirable hospitality and their altruistic gesture.

-Dr Smita Harkare

AT WONDERLAND SCHOOL

cause. The Children of the Ashram were happy.

Honourable guest Rotarian President Rtn.Atul Shah, the first lady Rt. Ann. Shefali Shah , Secretary Rtn . Shabbar Shakir and Rt. Ann .

Namita Sharma were present on this occasion.

Rtn. Atul Shah. said “we all must Live for a cause and serve the humanity.”

The chief guest applauded the students and staff of Wonderland and urged them to carry forward their good work of serving the humanity.

In the end Santa clause distributed cards and chocolates to the children of orphanage.

The programme culminated with the vote of thanks and National Anthem

INTER CLUB LADIES CRICKET MATCH

DISTRICT EVENT

Huuurrraaahhh! The Cup is ours...

One of the greatest fellowship events between the Rotary Clubs Of Nagpur is the Inter-Club Cricket Match organized by Rotary Club Downtown each year. This year 3 Ladies teams participated in this tournament held on 9th Dec. Our Club started the tournament against Rotary Club Ishanya and won comfortably with a margin of 60 runs. The lady of the match was Nandini Bhabulkar and Vinita Bahri was judged as best bowler and Nilufer Rana as best batsman for the match. The final was against Rotary Club Downtown. It was a nailbiting finish and our Club WON by 6 runs. Hard work and the efforts put in by our coach Abhijeet Sir and the whole hearted effort by our ladies paid off!! The lady of the match was Archana Javery, best fielder was Nandini Bhabulkar and best bowler again went to our dynamic captain Vinita Bahri. Good arrangements was the hallmark, team spirit was high and spontaneous fellowship was the flavour of the day!

-Nilufer Rana

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ROTARY ACTION GROUP

Bikers and Adventure Committee also known as Rotary Adventure Group (RAG) held its first event for the year on 2nd December. It was an adventure trip to Deogarh Fort near Chhindwara.

We all assembled at Poonam Chambers, Sadar at 8 AM and departed towards Koradi an hour later.

Our convoy consisted of 11 SUVs carrying about 40 adults, 20 kids and about 10 IYE students.

Samosas and other snacks were handed over in every car so that nobody and specially young kids don't complain. We passed through Koradi, Saoner and Saunsar and finally reached a small village called Umra Nala (100 KMs from Nagpur). From there we took left turn and entered narrow lanes inside village. After driving about 13 KMs passing small villages we reached end of road and continued for next 8 KMs on

PICNIC TO DEOGARH FORT

rocky, bumpy and hilly path towards the fort. We finally reached a Guest House and stopped our vehicles there.

We were treated with a sumptuous breakfast of Idli, Poha, Juice etc arranged by Ashish Kalode and Nimish Sutariya. After filling ourselves we started on foot on a trail towards the Fort. Kids specially enjoyed this walk in middle of forest.

After walking about 2 Kms we all reached the Fort.

Fort was really beautiful and mostly untouched.

There were sign boards throughout the Fort explaining history and significance of various locations inside the Fort. Watch Towers inside the Fort offered some really magnificent views.

After soaking all that in, we all started walking back towards Guest House. We climbed into our vehicles and again started on that treacherous

road and reached the road from where we had earlier made a turn towards fort.

It was almost 3 PM and we all were hungry after that bumpy ride and long walk but a hot and spicy lunch was waiting us at the Dhaba at Umra Nala.

Everybody enjoyed delicious spread of chicken curry, egg and vegetarian dishes dhaba style.

After that we started our drive back to Nagpur and reached Poonam Chamber by around 7 PM. This turned out to be a really nice fellowship opportunity for Rotary Families, kids ran helterskelter, adults talked and laughed and everybody had a great Sunday Outing, thanks to wonderful teamwork of Rukshad Bhagwagar, Mahendra Kamath, Ashish Kalode, Nimish Sutariya and other members of RAG. -Rtn. Sachin Palewar

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT YMCA SCHOOL 'The soul is healed by being with children.'

Members of the Interact Club, CPS Katol Road, understood the meaning of this on the morning of 20th December, when we went to the YMCA School in Gaddi Godam for Christmas Celebrations with the little children there. 30 Interactors were ready to jump into the cars with bags full of chips, chocolates, cakes, decorations and a card for the children. We reached the School by 9.15 and as we entered, we saw the faces of little 4-5 year old, sitting in the room, their innocent faces staring at us. We spoke to the Children, asked them their names

20

and were awed by their cuteness and innocence.

We decorated their Christmas tree with stars, bells, and ribbons. Slowly, the little Children there got used to our presence & were more comfortable around us. We played games with them, like Simon says, Ringa Ringa Roses and became 5 years olds ourselves! One of us had become Santa Claus, who played with the children and entertained them with his small tricks. It was heartwarming to see the children there dance for us. Those 'tiny tots' dance moves were really worth appreciating. We sang a Christmas carol and the children also danced

to the time of the evergreen 'Jingle Bells'. The smiles on their lips & the glitter in their eyes made our heart melt. We distributed chocolate, choco pies, chips & cake among the children and they ate with their mouths full, some of them even stuffing the chips in their bags!

We danced for some time and them it was time for the children to go home. We said our goodbyes to the children and to the teachers there as well, and came back to school. The experience was a heartwarming one. Christmas was 'Merry' for us indeed!

“SIGN LANGUAGE”

GIMI MORE

Ever since Late Winston Churchil, Prime Minister of Britain during World War II (WWII), in a historic speech to the nation after the war, flashed the “V” sign holding up his index & middle fingers in the symbolic gesture signifying “V” for Victory. See picture below

And finally, Cricket Umpire of New Zealand brought a completely new dimension to the game by his rather flamboyant style of signaling Sixes & fours & of course the dreaded crooked finger when he ruled the batsman “Out”. But in the photo below the Umpire seems to be giving the finger to the bowler !

The 'V' sign became famous all over the world, especially among sportspersons & politicians.

However, while Winston Churchil flashed the sign it was with the palms facing towards the camera / public. If the hand is turned inward it dosen't say victory, its just a rude sign meaning “Up Y ------ s!” See picture below Victory celebration of athlete Usain Bolt and Cricketer Cris Gyale have their own personalized style but here are two examples of going a bit over board in football.

The British Royalty have their own unique way of gesturing with their hands, especially when on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, but below are two priceless photos of less formal occasions.

-PP Shiraz Gimi

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TAKE ROTARY HOME

Taking Rotary from Yam-lok to Yumm-lok at the home of Shahanis!

It was indeed an enjoyable get together at Manju and Chandru Shahanis' with a 'dekko' of the Charter Night's “Yamlok” along with a finger-licking and lip-smacking potluck of dishes.

A huge screen was put up in the lawn of our gracious hosts, who went all out to see that there was a steady flow of hot and cold drinks and food for dear Yamraj and his team of bhoots and bhootnis present there. For the appetiser there was a nostalgic recap of the 'Winter Wedding' showcased in the charter night a few years back and then came the yummy Yamlok as the main course. The sumptuous meal ended with the cutting of Neeta Singh's mouth-watering cake…. to mark the celebration of another successful charter night.

AT THE HOME OF CHANDRU AND MANJU SHAHANI

It was a treat in every which way especially so to watch the participants react to their 'antics' on the screen…. “Oh god is that really me!!!!”

“Tauby's cackle is so realistic!” “Gosh Shilpa, your expressions and dance moves are mind blowing!” “Alok you were the unanimous choice for the role of Yamraj and what a promising performance” “What a script Rajesh!” “Raj Shah you are indeed dance ka Badshah!!”…. and so on and so forth

ROTARY SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT AT HYDERABAD I have the pleasure of informing you that for the first time in the last 25years, Rotary South Asia Summit is being hosted in India from 3rd to 5thMay 2013 at Hyderabad. About 5000 Rotarians are expected to attend theSummit from South Asian and other countries. Senior Rotary leadership which includes RIPE Ron D Burton, RIPN Gary Huang, Board Members, Trustees and the entire Indian senior leadership will be present during the summit. Plenary and Breakout sessions are planned. World class entertainment shall enthrall the delegates. Summit shall give an opportunity to Rotarians to network with clubs, showcase District/Club Service Projects and listen to

22

eminent speakers.On behalf of Conveners, RID Shekhar Mehtha, RID YP Das and Summit Chairman PDG Kamal Sanghvi, I request you to register for the summit along with your spouse.

Also request you to motivate our club members and Rotarians from our district to register for this Summit. Brochure/registration form is available with me.We seek your support to make the Summit a success by registering maximum delegates from our club.

PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee Summit Promotion Chair, RID 3030

continued the flow of comments, laughter and leg-pulling.

Kudos to Prez Atul Shah, Director Charter night- Mahendra Kamat, Chairpersons Charter Night- Rotary Ann Neeta Singh and Rotary Ann Priti Chhabra, Rotarian Manju Shahani, Rotarian Shabbir Shakir and all the participants who worked towards putting another feather of success in our club's cap.

-Priti Chhabra

ROTARACT PROJECT

AT THE HOME OF TAUBY & NAUSHAD BHAGWAGAR As the year ends and we gear up to welcome 2013, we celebrated our 7th take rotary home at Tauby and Naushad Bhagwagar's. A perfect ambience and excellent hosts were ready in Red and white to welcome the guests also in the same theme. Believe me friends, the whole atmosphere was speaking” Red and White.” All the couples were requested to introduce each other. The Bhagwagar home was transformed into a garden of friendship & laughter with photo sessions to capture the

TAKE ROTARY HOME

beautiful moments.

A big strength of 25 couples were present to enjoy the moments. The evening started by the introduction round. This was followed by Rotary “interaction” by PP Shabbir Shakir. It was so interactive that all the 50 people present participated in the games.

Being the last weekend of the year none of the members were interested in playing games and rather enjoyed talking to each other. So we gave up and let them have fun .The food as

AT ANTAR BHARTI

Commumity Welfare Committee was once again seen in action on 30th Nov when a small function was organised in the premises of Antar Bhartiya Ashram, Khamla. The

occassion was donation of a refrigerator by Mr Manjyot Kahai and Mrs Gurinder Kahai for the school, the request for which was made earlier by the school authorities. The children were

always was delicious. Black daal and chicken biryani were labeled the most delicious dishes of the evening. Rtn Rana & Ritu Khurana, a new Rotarian couple, and Rtn Shabbir and Jumana got the best dressed award at the hands of our president Atul Shah. Fellowship ended with new member Sunil Hedaoo's beautiful shayari and the vote of thanks was proposed by Anita Chitaley. This ended the TRH with a big thanks to the perfect hosts.

-Rakhi Bhatia

COMMUMITY WELFARE delighted to see this gift, as was evident from their smiling faces.

After the formal ceremony of handing over of the refrigerator to the school authorities, bi scuits and bananas were distributed to the children by the rotarians who were present in large numbers to share the joy of these needy kids. Prominent among them were Manish and Mamta Jaiswal, Divya Bhati. Parag Paranjpay. Sachin Palewar, Sara, Sushma Hedao, and ofcourse our president Atul Shah and Shabbar Shakir. Our director Manish Bhati and chairpersons Vanita Shukul, Madhu Mrig, Smita Chaubey and Manoj Moryani worked hard to make this small function a big success!

-Smita Chaubey

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TREASURE HUNT January born Rotarians & Anns, Fall in Line Thanks for the enthusiastic response to the three earlier puzzles. All correct entries were received from Prema Srinivas, Manju Bhatia, Bhavana Kalra, Anil Sahasrabhojanee, Manju Shahani, Neeru Bhatia, Jerestin Watchmaker and Nakul Malani .

Now this treasure hunt is the Third in '......... month born Rotarians and Anns' series!

We take pride in the fact that our club has membership drawn from all age groups, communities, sects and representing different states, speaking different languages etc.

Indeed, RCN is a true reflection of India, a picture of Unity in diversity'! No wonder, all these- young and old talented, knowledgeable and enthusiastic member families, who are busy leaders in their vocation dish out more than 300 project year after year and serve Rotary objectives .

In the puzzle above, you have to search for surnames of at least 24 Rotarians and/or Rotary Anns who were born in the Rotary family month of January. No Rocket Science

A I R A T U S M A W C R

L A H E B H A G A H A A

E D A G A I R D A G R K

S G W K M A H T A A H K

E O I O W W U W W K A A

T R O A A R G H U H Q H

this..... All that you have to do is to pick up the Club Roster, turn to Page 184, get surnames of January born and start locating them in the puzzle. You will find the surnames falling in a single straight line, in any possible direction....left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top, slanting left to right, slanting right to left, slanting top to bottom or bottom to top. Simple ! Isn't it? After spotting these January born Rotarians/Anns, you will be left with 8 unused letters spread helter skelter. Using all these, in proper order, build up the fourth word in the third Four Way Test

H N L N V A S M A A U T

G O I E H E H G M N E A

N D D B V S N L R N L M

I I V E E A I L A A A A

S I D D K J O S H I K K

J H A Z R A L A S N A B

of Rotary International.

Solve the puzzle, photocopy /email the all correct response to me at vishwasdg3030@yahoo.com and call on my cell no. 94221 06570 before 20th January, 2013. Lucky winner will be decided through draw of lots from all correct entries at the business meeting scheduled in February 2013. Everyone in the Rotary family of our club and District is eligible to contest.

Come on! Participate and enjoy..All the best !!!

-PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee

JALSA .. DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2012 The District Conference of the year at Hyderabad was impressive in terms of the venue, the International Convention Centre, part of the 5 star Novatel Hotel. The convention centre was certainly world class with massive auditoriums, organized signage, registrations, seating arrangements, state of the art sound and lighting. I am told it's the largest convention centre in India, capable of handling upto 8000 people. It was a pleasure to be staying at the adjoining Novatel and enjoying the comforts of the plush hotel room, the beautifully landscaped gardens, the massive swimming pool, enjoying the spreads of restaurants, bars and eating options. The conference was certainly also not lacking in hospitality and fun with the conference organizers laying out beautiful dinners on both nights at the pool side with the famed Hyderabadi cuisine and a happy house of friendship. The evening entertainment, was a

24

live performance from the Dhwani group Kolkatta accompanied with the now routine pattern of the few over enthusiastic Rotarians insisting on taking over the stage to show off their dancing moves .

The District Conference of the year was not very high on content with many of the promised high profile speakers failing to show up. The inaugural session was the usual, with the customary speeches, welcomes etc. RID. Shekar Metha was good and inspiring. I personally enjoyed listening to the very down to earth and gutsy lady from Rajnandgoan Chattisgarh Pholbasandevi, who inspite of speaking in chaste Chattisgadi was a store house of energy, wisdom and determination.

She outlined her life story‌ a poor uneducated wife of a goat herd who overcame her situation and inspired thousands of rural poor women in Chattisgarh to empower themselves.

The District Conference of the year was certainly also mixed with a bit of disappointment and unpleasantness for our Club and many of our supporters who backed PP Shabbir for his bid as District Governor. As in every contest there is one winner, but the events leading up to this contest we felt were not entirely fair and well played out. But this story is another one best forgotten as we move on towards the second half of the Rotary year.

Having said all, District Conferences in my opinion should focus on interaction amongst members within the district, it should serve as a platform for training and exchange of “best Rotary practices, it should be a motivator for Rotarians, a forum to gain more Rotary knowledge, share experiences, and most importantly a gathering to build further upon District Rotary bonds. -Naushad Bhagwagar

The question for you guys is........

X PRESS You have just come back from the District Convention 'JALSA' at Hyderabad. What do you feel about these annual conventions? Do you feel the cost, time, effort and money involved in attending them is justified? Do these conventions help in furthering the Rotary purpose of 'Service' and 'Fellowship'?

Would you like these conventions to be modified in any way or should they just be done away with?

Sachin Palewar: I think the cost, time, effort and money involved are justified.

However, there is always scope for improvement and organisers should try to add more and more value each year. I also think that a District Conference should happen inside the district and in most cases it should happen in Nagpur so that more and more people can attend it. Another thing which I would like to see is finalisation and communication of detailed agenda (along with complete speaker list) at least 1 month in advance and that agenda should be adhered to in toto! I plan to attend at least one such annual Rotary Convention (among District, National and International) every couple of years of my future Rotary Life.

Akash Agrawal: District events like conferences & seminars are good platforms to discuss Rotary issues & for fellowship among Rotarians across the district, but the present format of district events are tooo boring & theoretical as it mostly consists of lengthy & boring speeches!! Instead, we should have panel discussions, debates, feedback forums and round table discussions on issues concerning Rotary & its future course of action & the same can be said about our ''Club Assembly'' which only has boringggggggg reports instead of discussions!!!!!

Amitabh Sinha: The annual jamboree, the District Conference, is an important fellowship event. You get to meet Rotarians from other towns and create lasting friendships should you so desire. The event is more useful to smaller clubs from smaller towns in that sense. The program and the speakers are generally interesting. I would only say that it should be restricted to a day-long event as the attendance on the second day is thin. It should also be held within the district so that the business remains within the district and it becomes easier for many to travel.

Prashant Kale: I feel that the annual conventions are most essential and more relevant in today's scenario where the real "Rotary spirit of service" is given a back seat in the din of more emphasized "Fellowship Activities" in general and the underlying purpose of these conventions is slowly being lost. Even the programme content of the convention needs to be modified such that the 'Most effective and adaptable service projects' undertaken anywhere are showcased, and inspiring motivational speeches of great orators are planned to form the major part of the agenda to rejuvenate the feeling of selfless service in each of us. This would justify the cost, time and effort put in attending the convention.

Neena Parikh: I personally feel that the district conventions are very interesting!! It's a great platform to meet Rotarians from different clubs and different walks of life. Where otherwise would you get such a chance? We get to hear such eminent orators, which enriches us and inspires us to become better human beings. We also get to bond with our own fellow Rotarians travelling together and sharing rooms which help to build deeper friendships, interesting experiences and great memories!! About fellowship, I'm sure everybody enjoys one!! I sure do.

It's heartening that nobody wants to 'Do away' with the District Conference!! But certainly, they all want changes in the structure, format and composition of the agenda to make it more interactive and less 'speechy'!! Also an assurance that star-speakers will not be substituted with others just to fill up the gaps!! Is anybody listening??!!

Parag Paranjape: Service‌maybe yes?

Fellowship‌.definitely yes!!

This is the time when you get to meet friends from other clubs and listen to some very good Rotarians from around the Rotary world.

If the organizing committee takes a little more effort (which I feel was missing this time around) a perfect mix of fellowship, entertainment and service can be achieved. I really don't know if it is mandatory to hold it every year as per RI rules/ regulations / convention etc but personally feel it should continue and be modified to fulfill the expectations of all stakeholders on all counts.

Jatin Sampat: Annual Conferances are an excellent medium for the participants to meet and share their experiences in Rotary. Yes, to me the cost, time- if you have it - effort and money are justified provided that the organisers take care that the agenda is well framed. Fellowship and Service gain a lot from these interactions. As such the content of these programs is good. Time Management needs improvement.

Mahendra Kamath: The recently concluded District Convention 'JALSA' at Hyderabad was a mixed bag for us. Personally, I never enjoyed attending these annual conventions. I feel the cost, time, effort and money involved in attending them is justified only for those who are either connected with District politics or have future aspirations for the same. For a common member, it is just a "Bheed badhao" activity. If someone does not have his/her group with them, they feel all at sea and many a times lonely in the crowd. These conventions help more in furthering personal egos, animosities and politicking than the Rotary purpose of 'Service' and 'Fellowship'. I would like to add more programs which are of interest to common Rotarians to enjoy, know each other and get inspiration than mere "paper tigers" mentioned in the agenda who become as elusive to find as real tigers in our tiger reserves!

(Readers may Xpress their view on this topic at jivsan17@yahoo.co.in)

- PP Dr Sanjiv Chugh

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ADVANCE BOOKing Vindhya's Wishlist Off and on over the past few months, I, ve been constantly coming into some sort of subtle contact with one subject line, that of near death experiences. I, d open a newspaper and there would be an article ,about someone who had been declared clinically dead, only to be broght to life shortly after. Skimming through a magazine, I 'd come across stories of not one but many instances of the dead - inexplicably reviving.

Watching Grey's Anatomy - a favourite programme of mine on tv in a hospital setting showed Meredith Grey lying dead for over an HOUR and miraculously coming back to life. But this was based on fiction. Or was it?

I have over the past 3 decades, read various accounts by survivors, but few were scientifically orientated like doctors, or scientists, so there was always a credibility issue. But here was, purportedly, a true story -by an orthopaedic surgeon, claiming to have died and entered the White light, before returning to her body.

Fact or fiction?

I needed to learn more.

Punching in' Near death experiences 'on Google, immediately threw up one book that had been No.1 on the New York Times best seller list-' TO HEAVEN AND BACK'-- A True Story.

The blurb reads :- A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again.

A quick online visit to Flipkart, and the book was in my hands.

Written by Mary C. Neal, MD, this is an extraordinary account of a kayak accident during a South American adventure that took a dead doctor to heaven, where she experienced the presence of God and Angels, before coming back to life again.

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TO HEAVEN AND BACK In 1999' in the Los Rios region of southern Chile, Mary and her husband along with a family of friends, were about to set of on a kayak ride. Always adventurous, and very experienced In outdoor sports, this excursion should have been no

different.

Once in the kayak, Mary makes her way along with the others to a cascading waterfall. As she crests the top of the waterfall, she drops down into the churning waves, and her boat rockets down and gets pinned under another boat that

has lodged itself in the rocks. With the water hurtling down on her, she gets engulfed in the relentless water and drowns.

As soon as she stops struggling to get out of the kayak, and mentally and physically let's go, she for all intents and purposes Dies. As in clinically dead. And once this stage is reached, her soul moves out of her body and according to her she experiences the most profound comfort, peace and of all the emotions'Boredom', as she waits impatiently to be one with God. She actually describes feeling a 'POP' when her soul frees itself from her body and starts moving upwards towards the light. As she ascends she sees hazy shapes radiating light and the most benevolent energy, and 15 to 20 souls - spirits sent by God that are sent to fetch her. They communicate with her through mental telepathy rather than any speech or words.

This book details her feelings and experiences in heaven, her meeting with known souls of family and friends, her conversations with God, her extreme joy at being a soul again and the disappointment she feels when told that it is not yet her time to die--that she must return to her body and her family, makes up the core of this fascinating story.

The book is littered with Biblical references from the Colossians 3.2 (NIV), Ecclesiastes 9.12(NIV), -I Thessalonians 5.18( ESV), Romans 8.28 (NKJV), Martin Luther King, Da I'd Ben Gurion , amongst others.

If this book had not been written by a medical doctor, a sceptic, a cynic and a scientist, I would have given it no more than a cursory glance. But the fact that it is not the ramblings of an untutored mind, make this book a thought provoking read.

-Vindhya Sanjana

THE LARGEST EVER ROTARY DISTRICT CHANGES Rotary District 5010 is currently the largest Rotary District in the world, extending from the Russian Ural Mountains, encompassing all of Siberia, USA's Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory it spans 11 time zones. Effective July 1, 2012 the Siberian portion of D5010 becomes it's own District, and while smaller than the current District the new Russian District will become the new Largest Rotary District. The remaining D5010, all of Alaska and the Canadian Yukon is still huge, but much more manageable! Such is the growth of Rotary and the dynamics of change.

(Remember our own Rotary old district 3150 encompassed almost half of India stretching from Bombay in the West to Vishakapatnam in the East and from Nellore in the South to Saugor in M.P. in the North. With prolific growth of clubs Rotary International decided on more Districts for administrative convenience. Thus our old district became 3020, 3030, 3140, 3150, 3170) Historically, due to size and logistics, D5010 has always had two conferences, one on each side of the Bering Sea. This is the last year that we will be doing that under one common

YATIN MALJI behind every successful club event, his silent work can be easily traced.

But, ask him why isn’t he ever leading from the front, and the mild-mannered senior Rotarian says: “I’m basically a team player and I’m Yatin & Mina Malji very happy in my Meeting timings should change space.

Although I had served as a director in His impact can be seen everywhere- right from the club almost 6 years back, I have never the press releases given in the media to the hankered for a position.

I had the chance to slick execution of various programmes. But, Rotarian Yatin Malji is seldom heard making a become a president in the Jaycees and Lions brouhaha about his commitment to the club. Club, where I had served as a treasurer. I was He’s one of the most regular club members, also a member of Masonic Lodge for quite who has hardly ever missed a meeting, and sometime, but I resigned from all the clubs and joined the Rotary Club because I found my

ORANGE LOAF Lightly butter one side of 14 slices of sandwich bread after removing the crust. Line bottom and sides of a 8” x 4” loaf tin with slices of bread , butter side up. Trim slices if needed to fit the tin.

Beat 250 grams of hung curd with ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of whipped cream ,

rind of one orange and ½ cup orange juice.

Add 1 cup orange bits.

Spoon half the orange mixture into pan and cover with 3 slices of bread. Spread the remaining mixture and place the last three slices on top. Cover with cling foil and let it chill overnight.

BOBBY'S BUBBLES district.

Courtesy: Jon Deisher, PP Anchorage Rotary / D5010 Anchorage, Alaska (Received from Rtn. Subhash Saraf) P.S. --Incidentally, contrary to popular notion, Alaska is not always an "ice counry!"

Alaska has warm summers too. Our Chandru and Manju Shahani's son Ashish used to be in Alaska before he moved to the East coast. He told me Alaska summers could be nearly like in India!

He also said he thoroughly enjoyed his stint in Anchorage in Alaska.

-Bobby Srinivas

UNSUNG HEROES calling here. And believe me, I have been extremely happy! My own son Monal is a Rotarian, and all the members of the club have given me so much love and respect that I’m completely overwhelmed. In fact, I feel Rotary is my extended family.”

And what is the best thing that he likes about our club? “I like the warm atmosphere and the unity that we have. It’s really heartening to know that so many people want to join our club and be a part of its vivacious energy,” says he.

Is there anything about our institution that he would like to change? Without mincing his words, Yatin bhai says: “Although I have no personal issues with it, but I feel that the timing of the Thursday meetings should be changed.

If meetings are held from 7.30 pm onwards, more professionals and businessmen (members) will be able to attend, so the attendance will improve by leaps and bounds!”

-Vinita Chaturvedi

MASTER CHEF Invert onto a serving dish and cover with whipped cream and decorate with orange segments.

Try this seasonal dessert and wow your guests.

-Khushnoor S. Chugh

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KIDZZZONE Pop & Mom, that it is “MAHA BHARATA”.

From Next day, we all started of watching CD's of B.R. Chopara's Mahabharta.

It all started from the king Bharata, who at the age of 5 yrs counted teeth of a wild lion in jungle, just putting his hand in the jaws of the beast. Though, this all time greatest Epic's of universe “Mahabharata” has “Lord Krishna” as the real hero but, I was fascinated by the BHISHMA – THE GREAT character DIGVIJAY DASTURE “Gangaputra Bhishma”. He was not just a SON OF MRUNALINI & DEODUTTA character but “Mahanayak”. He was very DASTURE polite, brilliant, Hello Friends ! ! ! brave, courageous. He sacrificed his whole I am Digvijay studying in Std. 7th. Since my life for the country “Hastinapura”. Grand son childhood I was quiet curious, about the name of king of our Bharata, son of king Shantanu, Dewrath Great Nation ! I got heard about it from my (Bhishma) in young age only took pratigya of

Hey young friends…

This year we have decided to give you youngsters an opportunity to contribute to the Golden Orange through one whole page by you, for you, with lots of experiences, facts, trivia and entertainment sent by your friends. Since this is a monthly feature, I request more of you to contribute. Feel free to participate in this page. Share your talent, views, fun experience etc. I am just a call away.

Do contact me on 9923022299 or on mamtakanga @gmail.com or on facebook ;-)

MY PASSION FOR SWIMMING – HARITI SHAH DAUGHTER OF PARUL & RAJ SHAH Everyone has some or the other passion, my passion is swimming. I started swimming at the age of six. After a few years I started participating in competitions like inter house and interschool. When I won those competitions with a good timing my swimming coach selected me for the school team . In the team I participated in competitions at the CBSE levels I got good rank there and was selected for the nationals .

I like swimming so much that I do not miss my swimming class ever.Because of these competitions and good timings, I have immense interest in swimming . I have a dream to represent my country.

not marrying and not to become the king. Dewrath was awarded with a boon by his father king Shantanu, that “he will die as per his own wish”.

Dewrath was on death bed of Arrows in the war of “Mahabharata” for about 10 months, just to see his Hastinapur safe, what a great Patriot !!

He was the Greatest Warrior “Bharata” has seen and will never see one like him.

“Gangaputra Bhishma” has put the greatest example of sacrifice.

LITTLE HEARTS – ANANYA NAIDU DAUGHTER OF MADHAVI & VIJAY NAIDU Me and my sister.

Hello, my name is Ananya Naidu, I am 9 years old. I love to paint, play with my friends, take pictures, listen to songs, eating chocolate, help my mom cook, I love sweets my favorite are strawberry cheese cake and chocolate mousse. I like to cycle but I don't know when I am going to be allowed to cycle on the road? :( I want to be a photographer when i grow up and now i am troubling my dad to buy me a good camera. On tv my favourite show is Tom and Jerry. My mom does not believe me but i watch a lot of tv because I miss my sister a lot :) I miss playing with her, I miss troubling her. The house is very empty and my room is very clean without her :) When she comes back and reads this, she is going to be very very angry :) but that is ok, I will hug and kiss her and she won't be angry anymore.

I have saved some crackers so when she is back in India we will burst them together. I want her back home soon because I love her.

-Mamta Kanga

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OBSCENE SESSION

DIMAAG KHARAB

Quick ! Name the ugliest city in India this month. Hint : It's not Lucknow of the “Mayawati Statues” fame. Another Hint : It's not New Delhi because it registers the highest sales of cosmetic products. Last Hint : It ceases to be ugly in the last week of December. If your answer is Nagpur, you are bang on! Now the only question that begs answer is why? Oh God! Why??

The amount of oversized, ugly faces glaring at you from billboards all over town is absolutely unfunny. Cronies welcoming their political masters, contractors exhorting the non-existent virtues of their patrons and wannabe leaders saluting their sinister seniors spring up everywhere when the winter session comes around each year. They glare at us from every available advertising space till we have nightmares about them. I mean they literally take over our homely city and leave it looking like a rape victim in a matter of days.

Suddenly you find more cops than people on the roads, whereas throughout the year you have to hunt for them with microscopes. They swarm all over the place, directing traffic with a gusto absolutely alien to their everyday stupor. Chaos reigns supreme as Morchas and marches block arterial thoroughfares for hours, while the Babus and Netas have undisturbed rides on emptied roads so that they can attend to matters of life and death. No matter if an ambulance is stranded in traffic with the patient in urgent need of medical attention, a real life and.

Then let's talk about the condition of the roads themselves. While the official areas are swept clean, paved afresh and painted, the roads to nowhere (every other road) are the same death traps waiting to be sprung. With potholes the size of meteoric craters, poison spewing vehicles, road-hogging buses, shopkeepers encroaching upon pavements, animals strolling nonchalantly, mobike maniacs breaking every rule and broken signals standing mute witness to hell on earth.

Not to forget that on these roads our ultra-alert, dynamic, proactive police department finds itself understaffed.

So what does this obscene session achieve? Going by past experience ... absolutely nothing. They descend upon the city in hordes, lay siege to its hospitality, ravage resources, lord over it like kings and depart having zip to show for their time spent here. And then they have the cheek to ignore Nagpur when it comes to business and industrial opportunities. Why should we take this ignominy year upon year I ask?

Just for the dubious tag of being the “winter capital” of the state? Crores of Rupees are wasted in vain, normal life is disrupted without cause or concern, Government machinery is kept at the ready to serve every fancy of these worthless wonders. And they go away gallivanting to repeat the process all over again next year. The craze, haze and daze they leave behind takes weeks to clear. The effect on the collective psyche on the people of Nagpur, the raised frustration and rage levels, the feeling of helplessness and inadequacy ... all intangible yet real ... all leaving us feeling impotent and abused. As Mark Twain said ... No Man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.

-Sohrab Kanga

LET’S GET PERSONAL Hi friends, After an overdose of weddings and our own Charter Nite, I think we are all catching up our breaths while we gear up to ring in the new year.

The world, they said would come to an end in 2012.

We are all still alive and kicking so I guess we should be counting our blessings.

Ankit, son of Kanak and Arun Bhargav tied the knot with Yashasvi of Mumbai on 27th.

Farah, daughter of Vindhya and Jimmy Sanjana, cleared her Masters with flying colours from the London School of Economics.

Congratulations!

Meena Malji recently had a surgery.

So also did Mrs. Chhabra, mother of Dinesh and Priti.

We wish them both a speedy recovery.

December- January is the time when our NRIs generally visit.

A lot of Rotary families have a special glow on their faces as their children are visiting.

May the New Year bring more smiles and happiness and good health and peace not only to our Rotary family but all round.

Wish you all a very very Happy New Year.

Cheers!

-Manju Shahani

MICRO CREDIT

Micro credit was disbursed to the needy working women from Khamla area. They were identified by PP Chandru and were given Rs 10,000 each. These women were given credit earlier too. Present on the occasion were Pres Atul Shah, PDG Vishwas, Hon. Sec. Shabbar and Chairperson Deepa Kale.

2013 Polio NID Dates in India announced The Government of India has announced the 2013 NID dates in India: Sunday January 20, 2013 Sunday February 24, 2013

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MONEY MONEY

BIRTHDAYS

Investment Tips

15 JAN. to 14 FEB. JANURY Rukshad Bhagwagar Ritu Agrawal Raj Shah Rajiv Behal Kantilal Singhee Bina Jaiswal Bela Thapar Anita Sutaria Shashi Thapar Charudatt Joglekar Mahendra Kamath Gurmeet Singh Vij Nakul Malani Ranjeet Singh Khanduja Jyoti Goenka Laxmi Wadhwani Aspi Bapuna Sunil Bhatia Renu Chopra Gunjan Deveshwar Vivek Bhangde Sunanda Sahasrabhojanee Prakash Jain Daksha Mandhaniya Fatema Shakir

15 15 15 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 26 26 26 26 27

Sarang P. Kale Namita Sharma Manjiri R. Datar Priya Sahu Dr. Ajay Sood FEBRUARY Pavneet Singh Sudeshna Chourasia Vaibhav Jaiswal Dr. Anil Choudhari Hiralal Mulani Dr. Manmohan Daga Yatin Malji Mehernosh Rana Noorddin Rana Rajiv Bhargava Asha S. Kakar Dr. Neena Parekh Hendrikus Kolkman Sharad Paliwal Dr. Nirmal Jaiswal Sangita Parekh Amina Vali Dr. Nandu Kolwadkar Sanjiv Nahar Parheez Gimi

27 29 31 31 31 01 03 03 04 04 05 05 05 06 07 08 09 09 10 11 11 13 13 14 14

15 JAN. to 14 FEB. ANNIVERSARIES JA N U ARY Akash & Shilpa Agrawal Ashish & Mamta Mehadia Vinita & Anil Bhatia Rahul & Divya Sharma Ashok & Savita Mokha Mohan & Aarti Anand

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15 15 15 16 16 17 Surinderpal & Rajbir Kaur Singh 17 Shivkumar & Geeta Rao 18 Rajesh & Gira Soni 18 Vishal & Anagha Jaiswal 19 Rajiv & Rita Bhargava 21 Bharat & Jyoti Goenka 21 Bobby & Prema Srinivas 21 Bhupesh & Bhavna Kalra 22 Sanjay & Punam Sahu 22 Sunil & Manju Sahni 22 Gagan & Reema Sial 23 Bunty & Sonu Rawal 23 Manmohan & anita Sharma 23 Habeeb & Smita Khan 23 Vishal & Alpana Agrawal 24 Prakash & Jaishree Jain 25 Anupam & Mamta Rai 26 Aspi & Mehru Bapuna 26 Abad & Villoo Bapuna 26 Dr.Nikunj & Darshana Pawar 26 Renu & Sunil Chopra 26 Parag & Varsha Paranjpe 26 Dr.Hargun & Rajni Sangtani 27 Farooq & Farzana Haque 27 Neelesh & Alka Agrawal 28

Dr. Ravi & Kiran Wankhede 28 Vinod & Pranoti Parekh 28 Pratap & Jayshree Chandarana 29 Nilanjan & Sushmita Bhowmick29 Jagdish & Prabha Agrawal 29 Anand & Parul Gadodia 31 FEBRU ARY Girish & Gayatri Deodhar 01 Prem & Sangeeta Grover 02 Brijesh & Priya Sahu 03 Kapil & Anita Sutaria 03 Dr.Rajesh & Neeta Singhania 05 Sandeep & Sarita Pathak 06 Rohit & Pooja Agrawal 06 Vilas & Neeta Kale 07 Anuj & Preeti Badjate 08 Prashant & Vaishali Rajurkar 09 Ashish & Sujata Kaswa 09 Rajeev & Vanita Shukul 09 Shabbir & Jumana Shakir 10 Vipul & Shalini Gupta 10 Vijay & Madhavi Naidu 11 Shree Krishna & Devyani Buty 11 Rahul & Ruchi Chaudhary 12 Shreeram & Mrinalini Marawar12 Sunil & Asha Kakar 12 Ashok & Premlata Malani 14 Kishor & Smita Sheth 14 Shridhar & Veenita Pasari 14 Giriraj & Jayshree Singhee 14 Shilpi & Ajay Bagdi 14

KYA AAP PANCHAVI PASS SE TEJ HAI? The producers of the game show obviously do not think so. (Otherwise they would not have taken risk fielding an adult answering questions from 'Panchavi class!!) But let's accept the fact. Shahrukh Khan, with all his charisma and screen presence could not generate good television rating points. Does that mean an adult is dumb than a child? I leave it for you to judge.

You might be wondering why I am discussing about a game show in an article meant on money. The reason is simple. As we grow older we tend to ignore some basic concepts. We learn these concepts by heart in 'Panchavi class' but fail to realize their potential. This is also true in case of investing.Throughout our lives, we keep thinking about earning money and growing wealth. But in this mad rush, we forget the simple, yet very powerful concept of compounding.

To put it in simple terms, compounding means interest on interest. I am using interest as broad term. It can be dividends, appreciation or whichever term one may use to describe earnings. Wealth creation is nothing but enhancing the future value of our investments. The future value can be increased with the help of compounding. No wonder Albert Einstein called it the eighth wonder of the world.

Let us revisit this fascinating formula of compounding once again.

FV = PV (1+r) ^n This simple formula contains in itself a very powerful tool of wealth maximization where, FV is the future value or the value you are targeting.

PV is the present value of your investments. In other words, the amount you put in as investment. r is the rate of return n is the period It can be restated as; Wealth = Investment * (1+Rate of Return) ^Time Mathematics is interesting. (Most people however may not agree!!) If you analyze this formula more carefully and any 'Panchavi Pass' can vouch for it; the Future Value (FV) can be increased when we have either higher R (returns), or large N (period) or high PV (investments). The point I'm trying to make here is not the formula per se but the way it has been structured. All the variables here are in multiplying mode.

Meaning the increase in any of the variables will lead to higher FV. Thus either increasing the investment, raising the rate of return or extending investment period, can increase wealth.

Of the three variables PV, r and n, two (PV & n) are very much in our control while the third, r is uncertain. Take Present Value. As an investor each one of us can decide how much we can invest in a particular class of asset. We can also decide on the time frame for our investment. What is really uncertain is the rate of return. So, the only care we need to take is to keep 'r' always positive.

But ironically, most of us spend 90% of our time and energy deliberating on how much we can expect from a particular type of investments. Just look around and you will find people searching for that one stock which will double in 6 months, that one mutual fund scheme which has given 80% return in last year etc.

Isn't it surprising that we have 2 factors out of the 3 that are in our control and still we ignore them and chase the illusive third? Is it not possible to plan the time frame of investment? Is it difficult to decide the quantum of investment? I don't think these are difficult questions to answer. Common sense suggests that we must put our efforts on something, which we can control and not worry about the rest. If investing is an exam with three questions, two questions are knows to us. Not only do we know the questions, we know their answers as well. We are already through with the exam with 67% marks even before appearing!!!! But alas we spend the night before exam looking for illusive third question!! In the process missing the first two and ultimately flunking the exam.

-Parag Paranjpe

BEST CHAIRPERSONS AWARDS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

Best chairpersons for Fellowship Committee to Madhavi Naidu, for District Interact Meet to Anmol Badjatia, Mamta Kanga & Dipesh Ajmera, for Slum Upliftment Committee to Ragini Sahu & Pinky Batra. Awards were handed over to last Month's Best Chairperson Beena Mathew & Sapna Vastani.

PDG Vishwas releasing GO of December

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