Mar 2013 - The Golden Orange

MARCH 2013

R. I. President : Rtn. Sakuji Tanaka

UDAAN HOPE FLIES HIGH

WALKATHON

District Governor : Rtn. Sanjay Meshram

NID PULSE POLIO

SCHOLARSHIP DISTIBUTION

Club President : Rtn. Atul Shah

VOCATIONAL VISIT

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

TRF AND MATCHING GRANTS

TRF Trustee Ashok Mahajan

Pres Atul with Wilf

Wilfrid J Wilkinson, The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustee Chairman and Past President of The Rotary International (20072008) along with Vice Chairman Rotary Foundation (India) and Trustee, The Rotary Foundation Rtn. Ashok Mahajan visited Matru seva Sangh, Sitabuldi,Nagpur on 14 th February 2013. This was a visit to the Matching Grants Project # 78438 of The Rotary Club of Nagpur. Rotary Club of Nagpur, along with the Rotary Club of Emmaus USA, Dist.7430 are creating a premature baby and newborn Intensive Care Unit in Women and Child Charitable Hospital to serve the Poor Population of Central India at a minimum cost.

A tertiary level facility which would include newborn baby ventilator, phototherapy units, warmers, Infusion pumps etc would be in

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VISIT OF WILF WILKINSON

Director Manjot goes auspicious

TRF Trustee Chair Wilf Wilkinson

Cheese!!!!!

place before this Rotary year ends. being in the heart of the Country, this facility would create ,not only increased survival rate of children ,but, would also provide a better and more productive life to these children with the State of the Art Facility.

The group also visited the other important facilities of Matru Seva Sangh, namely, Snehangan (A n indoor facility for handicapped children), A Cancer Detection Centre (Charitable).

They also saw one of the Most useful matching Grants project of Rotary Club of Nagpur along with the Rotary Club of Harwich Dennis (USA) – A fully equipped mobile dental clinic (THE BOB STONE DENTAL CLINIC) given to The Maharogi Seva Samiti,

Warora. This Van has catered to a large number of Tribal Villages for the past 7 years and is still usefully employed in Door to door Dental care services for the Poor, under privileged and tribal population of Central India The District Governor, Rtn Sanjay Meshram, The District Rotary Foundation Chair Rtn. Jagdish Khatri, PDG Vishwas Saharabhojnee and Satish Sule were prominently present in addition to a large number of Rotarians from Rotary club of Nagpur headed by Pres. Atul Shah. The Full management of Matru Seva Sangh, headed by Mrs. Babhulkar (President)were excellent and hospitable hosts for the occasion.

-Dr Mannu Daga

Stop Prezz.....

Dear Rotary Families, The month began with a bang – Walkathon ! It is my favourite project/ program / event in our Rotary Calender. The “sea of humanity” in motion with happiness and cheer all round is my Rotary moment. It is incredible program of our Club where thousands of Nagpurians participate with complete zeal and enthusiasm. 9 years since we started this event and its popularity is growing every year.

Truly a magnificent gift of our club to Nagpurians.

It was an honour for all Rotarians of Nagpur to be in the august company of Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair and PRIP Wilf Wilkinson – 82years and globe trotting !! His energy levels were unbelievable – and inspiring!

Our Sports Carnival for physically challenged

children Udaan was blessed this year with the presence and visit of more than 100 Rtns.

Meticulously planned and executed program, where all 700 plus children experienced the love and care of Rotarians and Rotaractors.

The delight on the faces of these children was worth all the effort. The Udaan team needs to be applauded for their dedication and commitment.

Both – Walkathon and Udaan are wonderful creations of our club, something we all can feel proud of !

Month of March is designated to Literacy. We will see the first batch of our “Office Assistant” Training program successfully completing the program and hopefully we will be able place those seeking career opportunities.

Finally, I salute Team Walkathon – each of you who made this “Dream” come true!

Dream ? – Probably more about it, if and when I start getting nostalgic and philosophical about the year !

Until then look forward to an entertaining fellowship and an amazing International Food Festival!

Cheers !

Wonderful

Atul Shah

Hear Me Out.....

Freedom of Expression!

If there is one thing that every Indian is aware of, it is his freedom of expression. And if there is one thing that every Indian is unaware of, it is others' freedom of expression. Akbaruddin Owaisi and Pravin Togadia are classic examples. They can spew venom in the name of religion, hide behind the guise of 'freedom of expression', justify it as a reaction to someone or something, smile all the way to the vote bank and enjoy their positions of power. The 'hate' speech is 'loved' by their audience. They are unrepentant and repeat their act given the slightest chance. The indulgent faces of the audience are a repulsive sight. They lap on to every word, root for more and are seldom disappointed. If such speakers are criminals, those who appreciate their speeches are coconspirators.

Vishwaroopam by Kamal Hasan is a different case in the 'freedom of expression' domain. There were sporadic protests because the film purportedly hurt the sentiments of a certain section. The liberals were united in their cry for justice. Freedom of expression was being denied. The media was up in arms; the intelligentsia was uncompromising in its stand and the art fraternity keen on proving a point. Unity, here, was not the prerogative of the liberals. The bigots were stubbornly united too. Their logic was simple. Accused of stymieing someone's freedom of expression, they opined that protesting was THEIR freedom of expression. Beat this logic if you can!!!!

For politicians and bureaucrats who have committed the gravest of crimes and are fed up of being rammed and questioned, there is a way out too. All it needs is a bit of ingenuity. They can have a case filed against themselves on the particular issue. After that, they are not answerable to any one because the matter is sub-judice. No one can speak ill about them, no one can speak on the topic, no one can question them. So much for 'freedom of expression'!

Recently, it was very well said by an activist, though in a completely different context, “It is the certainty of punishment and not the severity of punishment that acts as the best detterent”.

Moral of the story- it is easier to 'impress others' than to 'express yourself'!!!!!

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 multitude of people at Walkathon was a treat to watch Udaan witnessed these special children having a time of their life!!!

PP Dr Mannu Daga explains the Matching Grants Project

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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, PP Dr Sanjiv Chugh, as a President took a bold step in transforming the GO. A man with a mind…..an intelligent mind! He will be remembered as a great President and a great Editor.

GUEST EDITOR PP Dr Sanjiv Chugh

THE VETERANS As the guest editor for this issue of the Golden Orange I have chosen to get inputs from a few long standing members who have for some reason themselves not offered or have not been asked to give their services to the Club in a Club leadership role as office bearers.

Most of them have continued to be members and contributed their best when asked to but have seldom taken the initiative. Though some have been directors for a term, they have chosen not to rise further.....The criteria of selection for this article being a member of more than 15 years standing who continues in the Club as an ordinary but loyal and committed member!! They were

asked to voice their views in response to the following questions without necessarily having to either answer all of them nor to limit their responses only to these questions…..

The questions were: • Why did you become a member?

• What stops you from being office-bearers?

• Have you led any other Club or trade organization? If yes, then what stopped you from taking a more positive leadership role in Rotary?? Would you even now be willing to be an office bearer??

• What keeps you going as a member of our Club?

PREMRAJ GUPTA: (Inducted 1968) Before joining the Rotary Club of Nagpur I was a Mason & a member of the Lions Club. At the behest of PDG Bobby Srinivas I joined our club in the year 1968. So far I have enjoyed the Fellowship& Social Service Projects our Club undertakes. I regret the fact that I always refused to accept an Office Bearer's post as there was no time available due to my professional and business commitments and the fact that I stayed in Kamptee.

Even today I have time constraints but I enjoy the weekly meetings & activities of the Club whenever I can. I think we should take action on those who mark their attendance & walk away after the refreshments or during the meeting / guest lecture as this is very insulting to the Speaker….!! I wish the Rotary family many years of good work & fellowship.........

ANIL SAHASRABHOJANEE: (I- 1991) I was attracted by the genuine service projects involving a cross section of Rotarians like Dr Baban Goverdhan, Dr Papa Jaiswal, Kakasaheb Kulkarni, Dr Satish Sule, Kumar Sathaye et al.:I have been a Director, but perhaps with my age now, it's enough! I was President of Lions Club of Nagpur South, and Vice President of Indian Institute of Architects, and CREDAI, (Real Estate Developers) Nagpur. With brother Vishwas and Son Anshuman involved in Rotary, I chose to hold the fort. No, I am not interested in being an office bearer any more!..... Yes, perhaps as an Arbitrator to resolve mutual disputes, wine taster at our fellowships, Judge for best joke of the week emailed to me!

What keeps me going as a member is The warmth in our members' handshakes.

What I like most about our club is our truly cosmopolitan texture. I Hate nothing, but am disheartened by low percentage of attendance and involvement of members in projects and meetings. I am perfectly OK with the Club as it is today? One thing I would like to change is that we we could have an additional Joint Secretary, and more Directors to meet the challenge of so many projects, or else, we may face 'burnouts'! One thing I wish never changes is the camaraderie among members of all ages! Our fellowships are quite nice...thoughtful, meaningful and sumptuous !

Keep it up!!

Rina Sinha: (I – 1998) When you say 'Leadership Roles' are you implying that becoming the president alone means that you have served the club? Every member need not do this and also requirement of time and the unofficial 'conditions' to become the president laid down by the club may not be acceptable to all!

Our Club has given me a lot of joy, good friends and an opportunity to contribute to the society at large. But I believe in empowering the new members and not in being omnipresent, which seems to be the trend, which is not only interfering and overpowering but also time-wise ill-

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• •

What do you like most about our Club?

What do you hate or dislike most about the Club?

• Are you OK with the Club as it is today?

• One thing you would like to change?

• One thing you wish never changes?

• What do you think about the fellowship and the service activities of the Club?

About 70 per cent of the members to whom these queries were addressed responded; the rest either just excused themselves or promised to respond but did not come through. Here are the responses:

ABNASH CHANDER KHURANA: (I – 1984) I was inducted in 1983/84 and served as Director twice, but could not do full justice to Rotary Service due to my business and other commitments. At the time I was Chairman C.P. Club, President Punjab Association, Vidarbha Brick Manufacturers Association and Vice President of Lions Club. Much has changed in Rotary since. Membership has grown, but unfortunately most of our new members are usually dormant, and interaction with them is non-existent.

They need to be activated to attend regular meetings and/or Community Projects. However, with the active participation of Lady Rotarians and Rotary Anns, Community Service projects and Fellowship has improved greatly. If new members are to be added, preference should be given to the ladies. It is time now for the Youth to take Rotary Forward and Senior members to enjoy Fellowship.

KAPIL BAHRI: (I – 1994) I became a member for two reasons. a) Rotary touches many lives and I wish to contribute to some good and b) People who constitute the club are outstanding individuals. To be with them would only urge me to be better. What stops me from being an office-bearer? Nothing!! For every stage of life one has a different goal. That stage will come. I have had the pleasure of leadership in other organisations. Time will come when I will take up more contributory roles in Rotary.

What keeps me going as a member of our Club are the same reasons which brought me to the fold. What I like most about our Club is that the vibrancy is infectious. It is large and lively with freedom of participation. I am happy. One thing I would like to change is the format of the Club Assembly. I feel it lacks in direction & achievement. One thing I wish never changes is the dedication to serve. The service projects of the club are outstanding. Take Rotary Home should be a must for all to host and not only to attend.

affordable. I have taken up higher offices in VED as the Vice President. It's a forum where using my skill sets I can contribute better towards the economic development of this region. It gives me a platform to explore unique solutions to a wide range of issues affecting our region. I strongly feel that we are in Rotary DUE TO OUR Vocation and shouldn't make Rotary OUR Vocation!

I would like to see more delegation and decentralization. I would prefer to have my family and staff enjoy Rotary with me. Not write me off for 365 days waiting for me “To Come Back Finally”!!

VILAS KALE: (I-1988) Why did I become a member? I had gone on GSE team to USA in 1977. The experience was excellent, and I made a commitment to myself that the day I finish with my active career in Jaycees, I will join Rotary and become a Paul Harris fellow, so others can benefit from GSE, like I did. What stops me from being an office-bearer? I did a year as director, but my innings at Jaycees was a long 12 years in office, right from Youth club to International Executive Vice President....and every year I was an officer. I felt in Rotary it was the same kind of stuff, and decided I had enough of it ...let me enjoy just being a member.

Then VED happened in 1995...it was a larger canvas that went into the core of the society and development issues ...I was 4yrs the Secretary and for 12 long & active years its President......No, I am NOT willing to be an office bearer even now, in Rotary. What keeps me going as a member of our Club?....Good people to be with, enjoy the fellowship, and respect the community service Rotary does.

What I like most about our Club? Punctuality & the enthusiasm to work.What I hate or dislike most about the Club?....Not hate, it's too harsh a word, but there are too many members, so the essence of fellowship, knowing one another is lost. Am I OK with the Club as it is today?....I guess so , except for some overreactive , and un-sporting conduct in matters of selecting/ electing officers especially in the District.

One thing I would like to change?...My own attendance record!! One thing I wish never changes.?....The spirit of our club.

What do I think about the fellowship and the service activities of the Club?... Its a reflection of our common ethos, and I am quite ok with it, as long as I have the freedom to choose when to get in & when to stay out. As far as service activities go ...hats off !! Jeete raho , aur aisa hi seva dharam karo….

KUMAR KALE: (I – 1989) I was a member of the Rotary Club of Raipur Midtown for 4 years beginning 1984 where I served as Vice President and then I moved to Nagpur and joined our club in 1989. I have never aspired for any office in the club and therefore never gave it a thought. Now I would just like to remain as an ordinary member.

Rotary club offers the best platform for its members to grow, to meet new people and to serve the society. A very large section of the members are involved in some activity or the other. Of late, there is groupism and politics in running the affairs of the club, which is highly undesirable. Since our club is too large with 300+ members, one does not really know everybody and at times, feels lost. There should be a freeze for admitting new members as the purpose of our club is not served. It is also worth mentioning that our Club is very vibrant and is on a fast track as far as projects goes, be it fellowship, be it service, all avenues are served with full enthusiasm.

YATIN MALJI: (I – 1992) I have interest in doing social work with no intention of going for any key post at all. I enjoy fellowship and the unity which is among members in the club. I am sorry to note poor attendance at meetings compared to the strength of the club. I would like to suggest for at least one musical programme of members and their families every quarter and at least 2-3 outings in a year. This will definitely help in improving attendance. Similarly it is suggested that there should not be more than 1 project in a day and that too only 3-4 days of the week!! In fellowship meetings more care is towards non-veg food than vegetarian which is pointed out by members or spouses usually!! This should be rectified.

ABHAY CHANDURKAR: (I – 1994) It was in 1994 that I was invited by one of the members of our Club to join Rotary. To be invited was considered an honour then. I attribute various reasons for my joining and they are i) For bettering our community, ii) For enhancing leadership skills iii) For giving something back to the community iv) For getting opportunity to work with international projects and v) Fellowship.

For the first ten years, I was quite active and attended most of the meetings, participated in the Club Projects and contributed in my own way to take the Rotary service forward. In recent years due to increased responsibility in my DR HARGUN SANGTANI: (I – 1994) The reason I business, I feel that I will not be able to fulfil the commitment, if made. If some became a member was to serve the society which responsibility (not a heavy one) is given to me, then definitely I can meet the is difficult to do individually, I was an office bearer at expectations of the Club. some stage and was regularly operating on the Rotary has changed my life. Over the past few years I have made many good children from Untkhana as well as children sent friends in Rotary. Our weekly meetings must have good speakers. We should from Hemalkasa free of charge, also providing the have no politics in the Club. Let us work together with a positive spirit. I medicines. I would have taken more responsibility in the club continued to be a member as service above self has a lot more meaning. only if my profession had allowed. I am not saying other That's why I joined and that's why I stay and continue in Rotary. I need Rotary professions are not as busy but somehow I have not been able more than Rotary needs me. to take up the job because I know that I won't be able to do full justice at least for now. I continue to remain a member mainly HIRALAL MULANI: (I – 1994) I became a member because I feel that maybe one day when I have less professional Rotary is the best platform for doing social work. Am occupied so commitments then I will take an active role in Rotary affairs. much in self business that I can hardly find time at a stretch to take Since I am hardly ever there in the club I am not in the position to on the responsibility of being an office bearer. What I like most make any comments but I know that a lot of good work is being about our Club is that there are good people from all walks of life. done by our club through the Golden Orange and sms. The one There is nothing that I hate or dislike about the Club and would not like to change anything. Our club is the best not only in Nagpur, but ours is one thing I like most about our club is the fellowship because those are the only occasions I am sometimes able to attend. of the best clubs in India.

So these are some of the 'young and not so young' veterans of our Club. There are no 'old' veterans as no Rotarian ever becomes old as long as he continues to be a member!! They are a rare and important resource as any President will tell you and all future Presidents need to remember.

More power to them and let's hope they continue with our Club for long, exhibiting more verve and energy than they have done so far, but that we all know they are very very capable of. Ciao, Adieu, Sayonara, Shabba-khair, Bye--bye, Phir-Milenge…………..Sanjiv

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LETTERATI

- Letters To The Editor

BEST LETTER To The Editor, Shabbir, I've been meaning to write to you, or rather to congratulate you for two years of superb editorship! After one and a half years of being editor of the G.O. you already have your share of letters expressing how wonderful the bulletin is. I couldn't agree more. But the reason I write this, is not just for the magazine, but specifically for your editor's column "Hear me out"! Our magazine more than covers the rotary news, but what I particularly like about the editors column is the variety of topics, which have been tapped. Whether it is about parenting, teenage children, the crime scene of our country or plain and simple human habits, you've managed to make, if not all, at least 350 plus members of our club take notice.

It won't be fair to the magazine, if I didn't mention how readable it is. Thanks for letting me share my views and of course keep up the good work -Anita Chitaley There will be a best letter prize every month.

So keep writing.

Also mail your photograph along with your letter.

Dear Editor PP Shabbir, I would like to heartily thank you for elegantly & elaborately presenting my 'Guest Editor column' in the February issue of The Golden Orange.Indeed you have done justice to the matter and 'the Superstars of Yesteryears'!

Here I would like to mention that in my musings, I inadvertently missed out a jewel from our PPs, who no more is our member. Dr V.S. (Baban) Goverdhan was our President in 1986-87. He not only spearheaded the club beautifully, but added a new dimension to our Club's humanitarian service by pioneering our flagship project 'Hemalkasa Surgical Camp' along with PDG Dr Satish Sule.

Baban was bestowed with Rotary International's highest honour , the 'Service above Self' award in 2005-06. Baban enjoyed hearty fellowship, is a true friend and his Christmas parties were talk of the town in those years!

-Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee

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A wonderful initiative PDG Vishwas, profiling the past presidents of our illustrious club! By highlighting their achievements and the club profile in their year, you have very astutely brought these past presidents update with the present members of our club. The club does do it's bit by honouring these past performers every year but this brief retrospect gives them a proper respect.

Best wishes -Bharat Goenka Dear Shabbir Shakir, Editor Golden Orange, Guest editor of Golden Orange February 2013 issue, PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee has compiled the activities of superstars of yesteryears very well. Now all members would like to preserve this issue of Golden Orange. This issue has added colour and importance to our magzine Golden Orange.

-PP Arun Bhargava Dear Shabbir, Apropos your editorial in the Feb '13 issue of GO, indeed the idea is scary if crimes are committed by culprits who want to beat the system on technicalities.

However, unfortunately and sadly I have not come across any comments on how real prevention can be effected. Should there not be a mechanism to track individuals either suffering from abandonment issues or who are from broken / disturbed families living on the fringes of society to identify would-be frustration / rage / anger who could potentially turn to crime of such violent nature as seen in Nirbhaya's case?

Perhaps here lies an opportunity for our club to experiment on monitoring residents of slums where we have ongoing projects?

Bobbyuncle's reference to the discussions in the January business meeting is a study in contrast to Mahendra's report of the same meeting! Which leads me to question whether any contribution / report / other content should be published verbatim? I would say, no. Certainly, if there are obvious misses / errors, we must rectify / amend /correct but retain the writer's intent. I am sure minor language changes or corrections would do not harm, nor hurt the writer's sentiments.

While GO has evolved and improved year on year almost entirely due to the singular efforts of successive editors, I would like to use this forum raise a few questions, looking to its preeminence in the scheme of things wrt our Club. We have entire Board's and President's in waiting, but no Editor in Waiting? Should the GO be a one-man(woman) effort or should there be a team of sub-editors /contributors handling different parts of the content? Will this not create a talent pool who can eventually graduate to higher levels and evolve as Editors in future? Will this not also reduce the burden on the one-man army who is today's Editor? Will the support team not enable better, error free content since today the Editor is always running against time and perhaps is unable to proof -read?

Lastly, I suggest that we should consider some form of standardization in terms of advertisement placement to preserve standard page structure and also in terms of limiting the size of articles so that too much playing around with spacing and fonts can be avoided.

Having mentioned restriction on size, I have just realized that this letter is too long winded and needs to end.

Regards -Nimish Sutaria Dear Editor Shabbir, Thank you for the article 'Superstars of Yesteryears in the February issue of Golden Orange. The highlights of yesteryears Past Presidents from Bobby to Tauby was an excellent round-up of our Club - a theme chosen by PDG Vishwas.

It has brought back happy memories of all the good work and service projects of our Past Presidents. I'm sure all our members would enjoy reading these columns in the Golden Orange.

Cheers!!!

Rtn. Sati Khanna, President 1990 - 91

BUSINESS MEETING

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7 FEBRUARY Hazra; for District Events Committee to Sunil Thapar.

Hon. Sec. Shabbar Shakir read the minutes of last Business Meeting held on 3rd Jan. House confirmed the minutes with minor change suggested by PDG Vishwas Sahastrabhoja-nee with respect to resolution passed by Board. Treasurer's Announcements were made by Alok Atul is pensive, Shabbar busy, Alok watchful Goenka.

Business Meeting was held on 7th Feb., 2013 Information about upcoming program – Udaan at “Udyog Bhawan”. President Atul Shah was given by chairperson Rita Bhargava. called the meeting to order. He welcomed the Sapna Vastani informed about the Library members and requested for half a minute being donated by Rotaract Club of Sadabai silent prayer.

Raisoni College at Antarbharti Ashram.

President announced the Birthday & Information about next week's program was Anniversary greetings to members and given by Dr. Ravi Wankhede. Jt. Sec. thanked members who sponsored the snacks Mahendra Kamath informed the members for the meeting. about the fund raising for Lok Biradari Prakalp Awards were announced for best chairper- being organized by PAL. Chairperson Sunil sons for Hemalkasa Non Medical Committee Bhatia informed about the huge success of to Rajesh Datar, Kapil Sutaria and Ashish Walkathon. Rotary information was presented Mehadia; for Hemalkasa Medical Committee by Dr. Bharati Gidwani. to Dr. Anne Wilkinson, Dr. Sameer Jehagirdar, Sunil Thapar informed the members about the Dr. Dipak Deshmukh and Advisor Dr. Surjit forthcoming visit of Rotary Foundation Trustee

LADIES MEETING

AAP KI ADAALAT It was excitement, thrill and adventure called again in Aap ki Adalat Season 2...... again there was a judge, a straight forward and harsh public prosecuter and the 3 accused.....

Anita Chitley performed the honorable judge's part very well and left a mark. All the accused were so sharp...... Jumana replied so confidently......manju took them very lightly and was smiling all the time and shilpa was too

Chair PRIP Wilf Wilkinson and requested the members to register for the same. PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee informed the house about Rotary South Asia Summit.

President Atul Shah informed about commencement of Vocational Training Program for office assistants at Panchpaoli Slum and excellent response received for the same.

President Atul informed the house about the important decisions at Board Meeting. It was proposed that the club should start accepting membership for one person from Corporate mainly public limited companies or PSU's who have been associated with our club in any project by contributing more than or equal to Rs 2 lakhs. It was proposed to waive initial induction fees in such cases and charging only normal half yearly fees. The house accepted the proposal.

Award for Best Letter went to PDG Bobby Sriniwasan, for Crossword to Manju Bhatia and the winner for lucky draw in ladies committee meeting was Neeru Bhatia -Mahendra Kamath

good...... It was the audience who made it simply superb, their laughter filled the hall with fun..... They all were shocked when Jumana was asked "Aap bhaiya aur saiyaa dono ko nachati ho" and Manju was questioned "Aap idhar ki udhar kyon karti ho" and then Shilpa was asked to answer "aap itna matakti kyon ho?" But these 'teen deviya' answered them in quite an intelligent way and then were left

'baaizzat bari' by hon judge.

The whole concept,dialogues,idea and script was composed by none other than our chairperson Veenita Pasari. 3 cheers for her and team especially Sonal who coordinated the show very well......An entertaining courtdrama!!!!!

-Veenita Pasari

The women enjoying seeing one of their own grilled

MEDIATION

Adv. Jaiswal

REGULAR MEETING

The fellowship started at 6.30 PM and meeting was called to order at 7 sharp with 1 minute silence in memory of Mrs Zarine Cassad Mother of Khushnoor Chugh and Shahrukh Cassad.

Senior Judge Adv. Jaiswal was the guest speaker and spoke on Mediation. He explained that going to court is a win - lose situation, where only one person wins and the

other looses and the dispute does not end there but continues with appeals and goes to higher courts. This leaves distaste for the person who loses but mediation is different in all aspects. It is a mutual agreement arrived at by both the parties in consent and is basically a win - win situation that leaves everyone happy and satisfied. Once it is done there is no question of appeals.

-Mohammed Master

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REGULAR MEETING

Dr Ravi Wankhede receiving SERVICE ABOVE SELF Award

Thursday the 14th February meeting was all about sharing of organs to give a lease of life to the needy. A matter of solace of having converted their grief of loss of near and dear ones into happiness of others and the fact that they would continue to live in several other living individuals.

The meeting started with presentation of seven memento's to families who consented to donate the eyes (corneas) of their loved ones by the initiatives of Rotary members.

This was followed by a audio-visual talk on

REGULAR MEETING Last week of February '13 was eventful for Nagpur and Vidarbha region. Big tickets events were hosted to boost the economy of the region. While one focused on industrial development, the other was to promote this region as tourist hub.

The Thursday meeting of the club was part of 'Wagh Utsav' (Tiger Festival) being organised

by Vidarbha Economic Development Council to promote Nagpur as gateway to Tiger Country.

Many of our Rotarians are actively involved with VED and Wagh Utsav and it was fit enough for club to lend support for this beneficial cause.

The coordinator of the program was Rtn Vilas Kale. He explained the concept behind VED's effort of promoting Nagpur as Tiger Country.

Geographically Nagpur is the only place with an international airport and Tiger population of approx. 300 plus spread from Panna, Kanha, Pench, and Satpura to Melghat, Bor and Tadoba. This luxury is not accorded to any city anywhere in the world. A huge area with immense potential is within reach. This festival was an excellent platform to showcase to the world that development and conservation can go to gather.

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ORGAN DONATION Kanha – Pench Corridor

Deceased Organ Donation by a leading expert on the subject. Dr. Sunil Shroff, professor and head of the department, Urology and Renal Transplantation at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai and Founder of Mohan Foundation (Multi Organ Harvesting Aid Network), an NGO that is involved in popularising organ donation. He spoke and gave a detailed information on the subject. It is because of Mohan Foundation Tamil Nadu is fifteen times ahead of National average of organ donation following brain death. He emphasised on the fact that Brain death is a permanent & irreversible condition with the organs kept alive due to Life support machines (Ventilator).

Families of such patients if consent can donate several organs such as two kidney's, liver, heart, liver, pancreas, intestine, etc.

Besides these life sustaining organs other tissues such as skin, bones, heart valves, tendons can also be donated. He also said that all major religions of the world allow organ donation and hence before cremating or burying the bodies, organs can be harvested

for a helping the needy.

D r. S h r o f f informed that most cases of Brain death in India are caused by road accidents which are highest in the Dr Sunil shroff w o r l d .

Unfortunatel y due to unawareness of the subject organs are not harvested and hence the deceased organ donation is dismal. Rotary Clubs can help in spreading the awareness of the subject to bring about awareness and contribute to the highest altruistic act of organ sharing. Dr. Sunil Shroff was earlier introduced by Rtn. Dr. Ravi Wankhede. President Atul Shah assured Dr. Sunil Shroff that Rotary members would join in the movement. Vote of thanks was proposed

by Rtn. Shiraz Doongaji. - Dr. Ravi Wankhede

SPLENDORS OF TIGER COUNTRY – A VISUAL TREAT First to take stage were Mrs Anuradha Paul and Mr Asit Sinha. They shared the information on off beaten tracks near Nagpur. The first was Devgarh fort.

Incidentally our club had organised The Panelists on a Tiger Trail….. adventure tour to this place few months back and hence many were months also witness the famous Kunwara aware of this place. Nonetheless the Bhimsen Festival near the temple at Parseoni. information had few surprises. The fort had Two young photographers from the city Samadhi of first Gond King 'Jatba' and a captured the visual treat of Tiger Country. beautiful Kali Temple. The fort had unique water Indraneel Dani and Shreewardhan Dhanwatey storage system and was known for more than spoke about the trials, frustration and ecstasy 900 Baudees (Ponds), 400 temples and over of capturing the wild and the beautiful nature.

1000 wells within its principles. Very few of Indraneel and Harsh both were excited to them are left now. Kachargarh Cave, a set of narrate the encounter with Tiger and other majestic caves near Gondia is more than 25000 animals from close quarters sometimes as little years old. These are huge which can as 6 feet!! But the efforts as shown in various accommodate more than 2000 people. The pictures were worth gold. entrance to cave itself is 50 feet high. Hazra falls is majestic fall near Dongargarh and is The meeting room was packed and members named after an engineer who diverted the loved every bit of it. Rtn Monal Malji proposed -Parag Paranjpe rivulet for laying railway line. March and April vote of thanks.

CATARACT DETECTION AND SURGICAL CAMP

EYE CHECK UP CAMP

The patients wait patiently

Dr Shaunak provides light

Photo Op!!!!

A Cataract detection camp was held by Rotary Club of Nagpur in association with 'Parivartan Citizen Forum' and Anjani Eye Hospital on 24th March at Ganesh Temple, Mohan Nagar.

This is the second year of the camp and the success can be gauged by the sheer number of persons who came for the check-up, in all

140 persons were checked by the team of Anjani Eye Hospital ably led by Dr. Shaunak Mokadam, 36 patients were detected with cataract and were given dates for operation which will be conducted at Anjani Eye Hospital, Lokmat Square.

The members of 'Parivartan' distributed

leaflets and put banners in surrounding areas for publicising this camp.

President Atul Shah, Hon. Secretary Shabbar Shakir, Fatema Shakir, Shriya Mokadam, Dinesh and Kanchan Naidu attended the camp.

-Dinesh Naidu

LIBRARY

AT ANTAR BHARTI

BY ROTARACT CLUB OF SADABAI RAISONI WOMENS COLLEGE On 9th February 2013, Rotaract Club of Sadabai Raisoni Women's College held an inauguration ceremony of the library which has been set up by the Rotaractors of S.R.W.C., at Antar Bharti Ashram.

It's an initiative taken up by the Rotaractors for the children of the ashram under the guidance and motivation of Rtn. Sapna vastani. The library includes story books, board games ,puzzles, blocks, building sets, and soft toys which will make learning fun for the children

and also introduce the world of fairy tales to them.

President of Rotary Club Rtn. Atul Shah inaugurated the library and motivated the Rotractors for making it a habit of spending time whole heartedly every month with the kids. The President truly inspired the Rotractors .

The Rotractors distributed packets of biscuits and Rtn Mamta Jaiswal distributed bananas to the toddlers of the ashram. The rotract club members will be going to the ashram every month and read stories to the kids and also

interact with them using the educational toys and games that they have donated.

We were happy to have Hon Sec. Shabbar Shakir, Rtn. Mamta Jaiswal, Rtn. Sapna Vastani, Principal of S.R.W.C Mrs. Amina Vali, teacher Incharge Miss Shama, Rotary IYE students, principle of ashram Mrs. Prabha, Kusum tai and Wing Commander grace the occasion.

-Pres. Isha Khurana R. C. of Sadabai Raisoni Women's College

The lovely kids, a not so lovely but beaming President, the dignitaries and the library books

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BLOOD DONATION The month of February witnessed 3 blood donation camps organized by the club.

On 17th February the camp was held at Hotel Bollywood Centre Point. The hotel belongs to

VOCATIONAL VISIT

FEBRUARY 2013 our member Mickey Arora. 37 units were collected from staff of the hotel.

ESMS regularly holds blood donation camp for the new trainees at their Butibori unit. This month the camp was held on 18th February

and 45 units were collected.

The last camp was held at Charmakar Samaj, a social organization at Kamptee. The turnout was large and a total of 65 units were collected.

-Parag Paranjpe

PARLE FACTORY

Every picture is testimony to the good times that all had th

On 24 Feb 2013, a vocational visit was arranged to M/s Shivam Foods, Umred Rd. Nagpur. They are manufacturers of Parle-G Biscuits. Parle-G is the biggest selling brand in

the world. The visit was a successful event with about 40 Rotarians and family getting together at Rotarian Sunil Bhatia's residence.

The Bhatia's had arranged excellent breakfast. Everyone enjoyed the breakfast

and then the visit. We thanked the management and staff of the company, who took all of us for a round in the unit and also gave gift hamper to the kids. -Rajesh Yadav

KIN OF EYE DONORS BEING FELICITATED

Dr Deepa Jamwal

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Mrs Silloo Bhagwagar and Dinaz

Dinu Bhagwagar

WORKSHOP AT INDORA SLUMS, PANCHPAOLI.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Sadhana Paliwal explains and dcemonstrates A Two day workshop was organised for the second session they were taught to make floating residents of Indora Slums to make Malas from Rangolis on transparent plastic thick films using ribbons & permanent Rangolis as well as floating stencils & again using Artificial gems, beads and Rangolis from affordable material. The main object other decorative stick-on. of the workshop was to provide part time and home Both the days Sadhana Paliwal conducted the manageable vocation to the dwellers of the slum to workshop which was attended by around 45 supplement their income in a respectable manner. residents of various age groups and even by boys.

On the first day of the Workshop, the participants The Workshop was graced with the presence of our were taught to make Malas using Ribbons and Club President Atul Shah, Sect. Shabbar Shakir, beads, about 15 variants of these were taught and Sharad Paliwal, Neerja Shukul, Pinky Batra, Ragini also made by the participants.

Sahu, Kusum Pandey. Mrs Shalu Potpose and On the second day they were taught to make other members of the centre of IIYW praised the permanent Rangolis using ply cut-outs and venture and the initiative taken by Rotary Club of colourfully decorating the same by various colours, Nagpur.

Artificial gems, beads, and ceramic works. In the The Highlight of the workshop was that around 15

The women are all ears

OFFICE ASSISTANTS COURSE

Shiv Kumar Rao trains

The Vocational Training Committee organized a 15 days training program titled as 'Office Assistants Course' at Panchpaoli. A group of 22 children who have passed 12th standard were identified by the Slum Development Committee. This program was conducted in association with Centre Point College.

Amit Arya & Shrey Shukla were the trainers who did a fabulous job in training the children in basic office skills. The participants will be

The end products are for all to see unemployed and underprivileged youths of the area had also registered for the Office Assistant Training to be organised at the same venue.

-Sadhana Paliwal

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

undergoing practical computer training at Centre Point College after the program.

The program concludes on 4th March, 2012. The participants are The students absorb employable as front line assistants and I would urge Rotarians to give the participants a chance in their establishments.

-Shivkumar Rao

NID

PULSE POLIO

Jhangu leads from the front

Others pose

Shefali drops‌.polio drops

The 2 National Immunization Day for Polio in th 2013 was held on 24 February 2013. We all assembled at 7 AM at NMC office Zone 7, Shatranjipura, near Itwari Railway Station.

President Atul and First lady Shefali and Secretary Shabbar along with PP Gulab

Mahant, PP Rajan Bhatia, IPP Tauby and a host of other members were there to help in distribution. In all we were allotted 90 booths for distribution. The distribution of the drops and food packets for volunteers started immediately. All the distribution was over before 8 AM and all the booths started on time.

Dr Mushir Ahmed of NMC and his staff was very cooperative. In all 20,615 children were immunized in our allotted area. All members left after a cup of steaming tea and snacks.

Director- Manjot Singh Kahai Chairpersons – Sameer Agarwal & -Jehangir Doongaji

nd

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WALKATHON 2013 Sea of Humanity, People enjoying and having fun, Laughter club members taking the lead role & involving en-number of people to make & drink tea on roads, youngsters showcasing their feelings on a placard, kids having fun on Sunday morning, this was our Walkathon.

WALKATHON was held on Sunday 3rd February 2013 at Walkers Street, Ramgiri, Civil lines.

“Walk for life” was the theme for this year's Walkathon, participants from all age group were encouraged to make walking a daily routine to prevent heart diseases.

A project which starts at six in the morning and finishes in three hours and still is branded as the biggest PR exercise of our club, LOT many PEOPLE MIGHT WONDER WHY? To begin with ….

A forecast of number of participants is to be made and based on that assumption Funds are to be raised to execute the project.

As early as August 2012 we set ourselves a target of 4000+ participants and by September title sponsorer was finalized, by end of November all sponsorers namely Arneja Heart Institute, Axis Bank, Godrej Ananadam & PDS oil along with Times of India were committed for the project.

Every possible PR tool was used to promote the event, like….

1. Walkathon jingle was prepared to reach out to young crowd 2. Digital marketing team was hired to promote the event thru face book and twitter.

3. Posters at high footfall areas were placed 4. Flex Banners were placed in more than 35 corporate offices.

5. Registration was carried out in malls and high foot fall areas.

6. Walkers in 25 parks were approached across city for registration in early morning hours.

7. Hoardings were placed thru out the city for more than 60 days to create awareness.

8. 15 days of visibility campaign thru advertisement and edvitorial in print media to reach out to 50000 possible participants was also done.

9. More than 50 Rotractors were part of the promotion campaign.

10.More than 150+ members & spouses actively involved themselves.

11.Personally (between both of us i.e. myself & Manish) we attended more than 1500 phone calls in last two days.

12.I would like to specially mention here that each edvitorial covered all major projects of our club under the title “ 68 years of self less service” Talking about changes in Walkathon …. We believed that : Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

We are the change that we seek.

1. For the first time Colorful T shirts were introduced in place of whites .

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Pictures on Centre Spread

2. A calculated risk of increasing the registration charges from Rs.50 to Rs.100 was taken.

3. Many corporates were approached and results did paid with handsome numbers participating for the cause.

4. Paid snacks were introduced for the first time, I am sure everybody must have enjoyed the spicy Pohaa and the Hot Idlies.

The early Sunday air which had chilling effect but that did not deter Nagpurians from participating in Walkathon, more than 4500-5000 participants of all ages from 4 to 86 years participated in large numbers in the event which promoted good health and healthy society.

First race of 9 km walk was flaged off at 6.30am by the hands of Mrs.& Mr. Dr. Jaspal Arneja, Mr. Puneet Sehgal from Axis Bank and President Rtn. Atul Shah, in which nearly 400+ people participated. Second race of 6 km was flagged off by the hands of Mr. T. S. Saxena, Chief Commisioner Income Tax, Nagpur at 7 am, in which nearly 1500+ people participated. The last race of 3 km was flagged off at 7.30am by the hands of Mr. Pravin Darade, Municipal Commisioner, Nagpur. This race was the crowd puller with more than 3000+ people participating.

One could not see an inch of road if a person is standing at Ramgiri sq. facing towards Police Gymkhana sq. it looked as if tons of people have joined for some special occasion.(Most Delighted view).

A road map has been laid for Project Walkathon to achieve the target of 10,000 participants in next two years, a vision seen by our PP Dr.Sanjiv Chugh few years back.

Lot of organization in Nagpur promote a cause and plan Walkathon.

This year we started with a simple objective & I take lot of pride to announce that we have succeeded in our objective of establishing a fact that the biggest and best Walkathon is the one, which is planned and executed only by ROTARY CLUB OF NAGPUR. Lastly I would say….

Walkathon ? ?? ? ? ???? ?? ? ? ?baaki hai dosto, Jindagi ? ?k kai imtehan ? ? ?baaki hai dosto, Abhi to naapi hai mutthi bhar zamin humne, Abhi to sara aasman baaki hai dosto…

Our team consisting of chairpersons Sunil Bhatia, Vipul Gupta, Amitabh Sharma & off course Director Manish Bhati, worked day in day out for this mega event to become so big and successful.

My sincere thanks to every member of our club, specially our President Atul Shah & the Board Members, Director Manish Bhati, IPP Tauby, PP Shabbir Shakir, Parag Paranjape and my committee members for making Walkathon touch new milestone which is like a Feather on the Cap. Thank you, Sunil Bhatia, Chairperson Walkathon 2013

UDAAN '2013 – HOPE FLIES HIGH Valentine's Day is all about spreading the message of love and happiness. On the eve of Valentine's Day, Wednesday 13th Feb 2013, Rotary Club of Nagpur in association with Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Social Welfare Department -Zilla Parishad Nagpur and Hotel Centre Point celebrated this day with a difference. UDAAN - A Day long Sports Carnival for Specially Abled Children was organised at St Ursula School Ground at Civil Lines Nagpur.

The venue was decorated with colourful flags and balloons. Children started arriving from 8 AM. Many of the schools were from interiors of Nagpur district like Kampthee, Kanhan, Takalghat, and Shirsi etc. At 9 AM Opening ceremony was held, where children from schools participated in the March-Past on the tunes of band played by Girls of St. Ursula School. Flag hoisting was done at the hands of District Governor Sanjay Meshram and President Atul Shah.Shri Ashish Deshmukh of Lata Mangeshkar Hospital lighted Sports Festival Torch (Mashall). Shri Surendra Pawar Social welfare officer, Zilla Parishad released balloon and thereafter the meet was declared open. Director Parag Paranjpe administered the oath to all the participants. Chairperson Dr.Rita Bhargava conducted the proceedings.

The festival saw 650 special children from 45 different special schools of Blind, Deaf and Mute, Mentally Challenged and Physically

Disabled category competing in 70 sports events like – Relay, Fancy race, Shot-put, soft ball throw, three legged race, sac race, Pick and Run races etc.

These sporting events wereheld from 9 am to 2 pm. Apart from 650 special kids, around 120 teachers and technical staff from various schools were present to conduct events. More than 100 Rotarians and 80 Rotractors volunteered in different capacity for smooth conduct of this mammoth exercise. The highlight of the event was a showcase volleyball match between team of deaf &mute students and team of youth wibes. Team of deaf & mute beat the other team by the margin of 2-1.

The objective of Rotary Club of Nagpur was to make this event into a “Sports Carnival” where these kids were served sumptuous Breakfast to begin with followed by sit down Lunch courtesy Arora family - Hotel Center point at noon time. Energy drinks, chocolates, Ice candy, popcorn were distributed through out the day. The Rotarians, Rotaractors and staff of Centre Point Hotel served breakfast and lunch to these children and made them feel special and comfortable.

Along with sports, it was a joyous day that will remain in the memories of these wonderful kids for long time as they were entertained by Cartoon Character Artists and Musical Program by Singer Niranjan Bobde and his

AT ST. URSULA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

150 children of St.Ursula Girls' High School had lots to cheer about on Friday, 15th February, 2013 when they met their sponsors from Rotary Club of Nagpur. The sponsors had a one on one interaction with the children they had sponsored and one could see the keenness with which both the sponsor and the student exchanged information both about the child's studies as well as other general details.

It was also encouraging to see the sponsors going beyond enquiring about the child's academic welfare and also offering to assist in additional areas such as extra coaching, medical assistance etc. Principal Rtn Rachna Singh highlighted the achievements of various beneficiary students who are excelling in their

academic and sports activities.

At the outset, the Rotarians were accorded a formal welcome by the teachers and students. The students offered their daily prayers after which, besides the one on one interaction, PP Vijay Naidu, Rt. Ann Amita Behal and Rtn Sandip Dhodapkar addressed the children and emphasized on the need to perform well in studies in order

Pictures on Page 14-15

team. Niranjan and his team presented many wonderful feet taping numbers and children just could not resist dancing to its tune. All participants were given gift hampers, Tshirt,and caps apart from the medals and prizes for the winners.

Like every year Shri Ashish Deshmukh from Lata Mangeshkar Hospital made generous contribution for this event. Shri Surendra Pawar District Social Welfare Officer, Zilla Parishad along with Shri Umesh Wajurkar and his team provided technical assistance for the event. President Atul Shah, Hon.Secretary Shabbar Shakir, Director Parag Paranjpe and Chairperson Dr.Rita Bhargava and her team were there to oversee the project. A small word thanks but nevertheless needed to the Gift hamper team- Jumana Shakir, Fatima Shakir, Varsha Paranjpe, Smita Bhargava, Manju Bhatia, Ritika Singhvi, Richa Sethi and Vandana Agrawal. No words of appreciation are enough for Rotaract Committee led by Sapna Vastani and Jatin Sampat. They were in fact the hands required to run this mammoth event smoothly. Rtn Cyrus Watchmaker and Ashish Mehadia were rock solid in handling the entire food court. Thanks to Shiraz Gimi for the Ice Candy. The endeavor of Rotary Club of Nagpur is to instill confidence in these special kids by giving them opportunity to showcase their talent, encourage them and give them self-confidence to excel.

-Rita Bhargava

SCHOLARSHIP that they too become benefactors some day.

The meeting was attended by President Atul Shah, Secretary Shabbar Shakir, Treasurer Alok Goenka with Rt. Ann Anula Goenka, PPs Vijay Naidu and Akhtar Parvez Maimoon, President Elect Prashant Kale, Rtn Kusum Pandey, Principal of St.Ursula Rtn. Rachna Singh along with other Rotarians and Anns.

-Sandip Dhodapkar

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UDAAN '2013 – HOPE FLIES HIGH

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

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UDAAN '2013 – HOPE FLIES HIGH

15

WALK ATH O N Walk For Life The Fellowship

The Walkers

The Working

The Prize Distribution

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WALK ATH O N Walk For Life The Fellowship

The Walkers

The Working

The Prize Distribution

16

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KUMBH KARMA-GLIMPSES OF THE KUMBH

Baba Naushad looking out for an alternate profession!!!

Naushad & Tauby Bhagwagar share their experiences of the Maha Kumbh.

The Maha kumbh, basically the baap of Kumbh melas comes only once every 12 years and this one was supposed to mark the end of one era and the beginning of another era. So, this one was obviously a once-in-alifetime event. Having been to the last Maha Kumbh 12 years ago & the Ardha Kumbh in 2006 Tauby & I were sure we would go this time too.

The Kumbh Mela is a mélange of people, with all kinds present. The poor, the rich, the beggars, the businessman, the crafty, the simple, the concerned and the ascetics, all sorts! There is just too much to take in. There could also be one thing in common between the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad and a discotheque in Goa. Both are visited by smoked up people gazing dazedly into bright psychedelic lights and tripping on them. And you can't blame them, the whole atmosphere is so intoxicating and contagious!

All the excitement and the enormous hours on the road from Katni to Allahabad made us hungry, so the first thing we did after checking into our tents was to find ourselves a place which served us piping hot chole puri, gulab jamun, aloo bonde and delicious pakoras. And we washed it down with a delicious glass of gadha doodh, needless to say the thought of calorie-consciousness didn't even enter our minds.

Gloating over the mythological significance of where we were and smiling contentedly over the deliciousness of the snacks we'd just consumed, Tauby & I proceeded the first evening towards places known as akhaaraas, the places where saadhus and babas put up along with their followers/sects. The akharas smelt like a post pooja -havan night, semi-

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burnt, partly cooled and filled with a burning ghee smoky kind of scent…. it was like some kind of 'holy smog” which is actually quite nice.

Stark naked sadhus squatting in huddles, their faces ashen (with the smeared raakh or ash), the dreadlocks falling on their shoulders, their glazed eyes stared back at me with a mutual sense of wonderment. There they were the Naga saadhus we've all heard so much about.

They live in another world mostly silent & quite indifferent to whats around them. They're either very resilient or very oblivious to the harsh biting cold as well as the curious pairs of eyes of the million visitors staring at them. One particular Baba among these had been sitting with his arm hung in a sling for the last 4 years as some form of tapasya. His nails had become talons, skin and hair coated while his eyes looked vacant. Another one was Khada baba who has been standing upright for as long as his faithful followers can remember.

Six months ago this land was under 30 feet of water. Now this has become the largest city on earth, the largest single-purpose gathering of humanity in history. Every 12 years, when the moon and stars are aligned, this becomes the most auspicious spot in Hinduism. The Maha Kumbh Mela drew close to 200 million people over the last eight weeks, with as many as 30 million gathereing there on the 10th ofFebruary.

Early next morning as the sun rises on the banks of the holy Sangam, bare feet make their way towards the glistening river shimmering in the morning sun. Among the many men, women, children, the elderly and the frail Tauby and I too headed to the Sangam. This is the most important ritual, the symbolic bathing which rids one of all the sins committed over the past 12 years. There was color everywhere: bright reds and greens and yellows and oranges….. On the turbans, on the sarees, on the flags, on the walls. And

there were songs, incessant, loud and mostly pious. There was the smells, of incense, and prasad of marigolds and humanity. And as the millions walked to the Sangam, so did we,… all with one purpose, to become a bit closer to God. Everyone was resolute in step, but not hurried, we were carefree but cautious. We were happy, they were accommodating. They were joyous a dense, teeming mass of Snaanarthis, punctuated by billowing bright sarees drying in the wind. Bathers frolicked in the water. Commuters lounged where they could. The otherwise demure Indian homemakers stripped down to their petticoats to bathe in the river. As we along with the crowds moved closer to the river, we could feel the energy, our sins perished & our heart surrendered in devotion. The multitudinous Kumbh visit especially the bathing ritual in the sangam was truly a hypnotic experience.

The kumbh represents much more than just a religious conviction rather, it give its followers with an entire worldview, a true way of life and with an articulate and lucid view of reality. It has fullest of life, color, faction, devotees who will search their interest indefatigable from the first day of bathing to the last propitious one. A person of any spiritual path will enjoy sharing this divine experience with their fellow beings as we fully did.

-Naushad Bhagwagar

PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS & BODY LANGUAGE Students at Sadabai had a wonderful session on the topic Public speaking skills & Body language lined with a whole lot of activities like quiz, the walk of confidence, story bldg activities, voice modulation acts, etc. amidst laughter, cheers, whistles, claps & energy. It was indeed a practical walk- through for

Beena tells and hears

everyone in the whole session with students totally charged up as active participants & performers putting into use their skills positively. Overcoming stage fear & connecting with the audience were the highlights of the workshop apart from the different funny moves of the trainer to explain the nuances & effectiveness of fine gestures & postures during public speaking. Definitely any workshop makes them aware about

ROTARACT PROJECT certain aspects of a topic as there is always demand for more as in this case the girls in their feedback desired for weekly workshops.

The facilitator was Rt Beena Mathew Prez Atul Shah & Sec Shabbar Shakir's presence gave a lift to the workshop apart from Principal Amina Ali & staff of the college.

Mukund Navle sir,Amrapali Jaya from Mathew Academy were present. More than 70 students participated in the workshop.

An interested and interactive audience

GROUP DISCUSSION Exactly after one week the students had another wonderful & very useful session on G.D skills by our own Rt Girish Deodhar who was able to guide the students beautifully through stories & slide shows on different types of G.D's (structured & unstructured) throwing light on the techniques of being good participants. When u enjoy the topic yourself u can make others enjoy & when you teach in playful manner it becomes all the more relishing & memorable & this is what the trainer did. Any Topic becomes palatable if the trainer handles it effectively.He conducted 4 G.Ds highlighting various points during participation specially body language & relevant points. The students could easily relate to him & they thoroughly enjoyed this valuable session.

Rt Sandeep Pathak Dir Youth services & Rt Jatin Sampat were present apart from the staff of the college. Students need continuous sessions like this to enhance their confidence.

The Rotaractors from the college specially Shalaka Gambir & Isha Khurana along with the able leadership of Jatin Sampat & the Rotaract team made all required

arrangements, Cheers to their team spirit! The Rotaractors get to learn many skills -Beena Mathew

Girish Deodhar adds value to the GD

WORKSHOP AT TULI COLLEGE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT The students at Tuli Management College had a workshop on Stress Management by Mr Mukund Navle in order to help them face interviews & exams in a stress free manner.

The trainer in the initial half explained all the

aspects of how stress is developed & then in the 2nd half he took interactive sessions with the students for different techniques to overcome stress in various situations. By & large the students benefitted from the

workshop making them aware the futility of stress in their life & how much havoc it can create.

Rt Namita Sharma & Rt Jatin Sampat were present at the occasion.

-Beena Mathew

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ROTARY & YOU(TH) RI President-elect Ron Burton will ask Rotarians to Engage Rotary, Change Lives in 2013-14.

He unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2013 International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA, the annual training event for incoming district governors.

“If we really want to take Rotary service forward, then we must make sure that every single Rotarian has the same feeling about Rotary that each one of us here has today,” Burton said. “We need to make sure that every Rotarian has a meaningful role to play, that they're all making a contribution, and that their contribution is valued.”

Burton said the July launch of 'The Rotary Foundations new grant model, Future Vision, makes it an exciting time to be a Rotarian. He said the new grant model, which has been used by about 100 pilot districts since 2010, represents a new era for the Foundation, and will help Rotarians get excited about Rotary's ability to change lives.

ENGAGE ROTARY, CHANGE LIVES “It takes everything that is wonderful about Rotary and raises it to a new level — by encouraging bigger, more sustainable projects while providing increased flexibility for local projects, both of which address the needs of the community being served,” he said.

Burton asked the incoming district governors to take the lead in helping their clubs through the transition, with the assistance of their district Rotary Foundation chairs, who also attended the assembly this year. The training sessions are focusing heavily on equipping these leaders to go back to their districts as experts on the new grant model.

Before the assembly, Burton asked each of the incoming governors to make a donation in their name to The Rotary Foundation in order to demonstrate leadership by example. At the assembly, he announced that all 537 governors-elect had complied; along with donations from all RI Board members and Foundation Trustees, the contributions totaled US$675,412.

“Now, I have to believe that some of this is money that The Rotary Foundation probably would not have received had I not asked. And I think that this is an important lesson” he said.

“If you want somebody else to do something, you can just sit around and wait for them to get the idea, or you can ask.”

Burton applied that lesson also to membership development, which he insisted is the responsibility of every Rotarian. He told the audience that although he had been an active member of the Key Club, a youth program of Kiwanis International, he went on to join Rotary simply because the Rotary Club of Norman, Oklahoma, invited him to.

“You have to ask,” he said.

But Burton emphasized that the job doesn't end when a new member joins: “It's not done until that new member is engaged in Rotary, inspired by Rotary, and uses the power of Rotary service to change lives.”

-PP Vijay Naidu

NEWS YOU CAN USE 1.Human Bone is as strong as granite in supporting weight. One inch of bone can support 8.6 tons, i.e., 4 times as much as concrete can support.

2.The focusing muscles of eyes move around 1 lac times a day. To give leg muscles the same workout you would need to walk 80 kms every day.

3.A man's testicles manufacture 10 million new sperms each day, which is enough to re-

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populate the entire planet in about 12 months.

4.1,500 kgs dal, 1,700 kgs ghee, 500 kgs dry fruits, 2,400 kgs sugar, 1 kg saffron and the labour of more than 100 men went in to make the world's biggest laddoo at the Mallikarjuna temple in Bengaluru in September 2012. It was distributed as prasad among the devotees on the occasion of Ganeshotsav.

5.As per the available latest information, India is about 1/3rd the size of the United States, yet it is the second most populous country in the

world, with a population of 1,166,079,217.

India is the seventh largest country in the world, at 1.27 million square miles.

6.The Shaheed Baba Nihal Singh Gurdwara near Jalandhar receives unique offerings from its devotees – toy aeroplanes! Punjabis believe that offering a toy model of an international airline to the shrine will guarantee a chance to settle abroad. Hence, it is better known as the 'Hawai Jahaz Gurdwara'.

-Girish Deodhar

GREAT PARSI BAWA MOVIES Once again the “Great Dictator” a.k.a. Shabbir (Editor G O), is pestering me for my article for the next issue & judging from his last SMS, he was pretty desperate. His charming Ann, Jumana confided in me that he has practically given up eating and sometimes gets up in the middle of the night muttering dire consequences to, what sounds like “that bearded good- for- nothing chap” or it could be “ that good ole bearded chap” !! I prefer to think it's the latter!

However, to put him out of his misery I thought I'd surprise him by submitting my piece early, but for the life of me I could not think of anything to write about. So when I'm stuck I turn to friends to suggest something. This time friend Jimmy Sanjana sent me a list of “Parsi

Bawa Movies” you are not likely to see, ever!

The list is long but Jimmy has very thoughtfully catagorised them, so here goes: The Classic Shakespearean remakes: : Rumi & Juliet : Much Bhonu about nothing : The taming of the Kekashrew Other Classic : Moby Dikra The erotic Classic : Cama Sutra Classic WW2 films : A bridge too Farokh : Battle of the Bulsaras : The Rhyme of the Ancient Nariman : When Homi Met Salli : The Mehroo Wives of Windsor.

GIMI MORE Don't forget Tom Hanks in “ Kastiway” and the great Bollywood cricketing epic “Lagaanu Bhonu” The perennial favourites are : Pearl Harbourwalla : Kersiblanca : Pretty Boman : Dirty Dhansak : Guns of Navroze : The Good, the Kekobad & the Dagli : Bend it like Behram : One flew over Cusrow Baug Sorry to say none of them won any Oscars this year also! Thanks anyway Jimmy -PP Shiraz Gimi

IN LIGHTER VEIN! Did you know?! -- An arboretum refers to a place designated for cultivation of trees, shrubs and woody plants for ornamental, scientific and educational purposes.

Arboretums are open to the general public and visitors can learn about the plants and trees grown there by taking a guided tour of the place. Arboretums may also act as laboratories for developing new varieties of trees and shrubs. They are usually ffiliated to universities and colleges. The first scientifically arranged arboretum was established in France during the first half of the 18th century. Today, arboretums are also referred to as botanical gardens. The famous Government Botanical Gardens in Coonoor near Ootacamund (ooty) in Tamil Nadu has

the largest collection of roses in India. (From One India One People magazine) · Sucheta Kadethankar, 33, is the first Indian to have walked across the Gobi Desert, Asia's largest and world's fifth largest desert. She was a part of a 13 member team, comprising members from Australia, England, Scotland, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. The exedition startated 25 May 2011 and ended 15 July 2011 covering 1,000miles. That's certainly a feather on the cap of Indian woman! · A market researcher is conducting a survey in Bhatinda. He goes to Santa Singh to ask him a few questions: · Market researcher: Sardarji, aap kaunsa sabun istemal karte ho?

· Santa (very proudly): Bajrang da neem wala sabun! · Market researcher: Aur toothpaste kaunsa istemal karte ho? · Santa: Bajrang da ayurvedic toothpaste! · Market researcher: Aur shampoo kaunsa istemal karte ho? · Santa: Bajrang da herbal shampoo! · Market researcher: Aur hai oil? · Santa: Bajrang da amla tel! · Market researcher: Sardarji, maine Bajrang ka naam kabhi nahin suna. Yeh kya yahan ka koi bahut mashoor local brand hoga · Santa: Nahin ji, Bajrang mera room-mate hai -PDG Bobby Srinivas

21

TAKE ROTARY HOME

AT THE HOME OF RINA & AMITABH SINHA

Hosts Rina and Amitabh watch as their guests are hard at work, the ladies splendid in their smiles, Dr Vivek Harkare happy with a gift and Madhavi pulling off her hair!!!!!!

The Take Rotary Home held on 8th February at the newly constructed 'The Corner House' of Rtn Amitabh and Rina Sinha confirmed three things.

One, Rotarians & spouses of our club have excellent knowledge of Rotary as most of them cracked the Rotary Quiz with remarkable ease. Two, they are creative and came up with wonderful adjectives starting with the first alphabet of their own name to describe their partner and Third, they can act extremely well to describe movies in a game of dumb charades even if a movie is non existent like 'Hatt buddhi Diwal Giri'. These and few games by chairperson of TRH set the tone for the evening at the beautiful home of Amitabh & Rina. The fellowship was great and food was tempting. The weather couldn't have been better and 40 odd members thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

-Parag Paranjpe

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RI PRESIDENT'S MONTHLY MESSAGE - MARCH 2013 Dear fellow Rotarians, When I was a young man, I wanted to travel the world. But in those years, I could only dream about travel. The world outside Japan seemed far away. But like all Japanese students, I studied English in school. I still remember my first English book. The first page said, "This is a pen." That was almost 50 years ago, and the world has changed a lot since then. As president of Rotary, I now travel more than I ever dreamed.

In every new place, I find a new language. I find new people and new customs. I do my best to learn from everyone. I believe that every person I meet has something to teach.

Perhaps because of this, I feel that I understand Rotary Youth Exchange better.

And I understand even better what a great gift Rotary is giving through Youth Exchange.

Youth Exchange opens minds. It builds confidence and communication. It brings

together people from different countries and backgrounds.

Every young person who goes on a Rotary Youth Exchange will learn a great deal. Youth Exchange students learn how people who seem so different are really the same. They begin to appreciate what unites people everywhere. They have a broader understanding of the world. They come back as different people.

They no longer know only one language, only one culture. They have connections with their host country, and with their fellow participants from other countries. At the end of their exchange, they are part of their host families.

They are also part of the Rotary family – the largest and most international family in the world.

Rotary's Youth Exchange program has continued for more than 40 successful years and is now part of the fifth Avenue of Service:

MADAN PANDE

Rotary has banished my lonelinessMadan Pande He's the silent warrior of our club, always there to support a project or an individual without throwing his weight around. Yet, the benign smile on Rotarian Madan Pande's face never wavers. These are the qualities that have

made him the 'GO TO' man of the club, and many of the presidents have relied on him to ensure that the attendance of the members stays at decent levels at all times. After all, the man who has always had a 100 percent attendance himself, is a perfect role model to inspire others to attend the club meetings.

A member of 29 years' standing, Madan is basically a simple, unassuming man. And behind his smiling countenance, there is a lot of pain that he manages to hide rather well.

But, the composure slips somewhat when you ask him -why didn't he choose bigger roles in the club, which were offered to him. “I and my wife separated long back. So, I had to manage my home and office single-handedly. Hence, it was difficult to take greater responsibility in the club, although I have served as a director in one of the boards, as well as the chairperson of programme committee. My services were also dedicated to attendance committee for

New Generations Service.

This avenue also includes service through Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and many club and district activities that involve people up to age 30.

When we focus on young people, we are focusing on building the future of Rotary and a more peaceful world. When we serve youth, we help to bring Rotary to a new generation.

We spread understanding among nations and cultures. We teach the importance of service to others, and pass on our core values. By doing this, we help to build peace.

Youth Exchange plays an essential part in Rotary's global mission of building peace by helping to build, one exchange at a time, good relationships between nations.

Sakuji Tanaka President, Rotary International Source : Rotary International

UNSUNG HEROES more than 15 years,” says he.

Ask him if there's anything that he would like to change about the club, and Madan says in his inimitable simplistic manner: “Honestly, I like everything about our institution. It's a model club, which inspires envy and awe among other clubs. So, who would I want to change perfection?”

These days, Madan's health is going through a delicate phase after a major operation. “I have to restrict my movement now after the surgery, even though it gets to be very lonely at home.

But, I have found a family in the club members, who are forever concerned about me. So, the club has banished my loneliness, which is a blessing indeed! I feel the burden of life has been shared and my myriad friends in the club have become a reason for my joie de vivre,” says he getting emotional and signs off.

-Vinita Chaturvedi

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TREASURE HUNT March 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, Manju Shahani , Jerestine Watchmaker, Nakul Malani and Neeru Bhatia.

Now this treasure hunt is the Fifth 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 leaders in their vocation dish out more than 300 projects year after year and serve Rotary objectives. In our club, we work hard and play hard!

In the puzzle above, you have to search for surnames of at least 24 Rotarians and/or Rotary Anns who were born in Rotary's Literacy month of March. No Rocket Science this..... All that you have to do is to pick up the

E V A D A Y D J I C J R

R B I T D O A V H A E R

I L A E H I H H H K A D

A L M T S G A A A G O H

H H A W N B G M A O R O

A R A I R I H S N A L D

Club Roster, turn to Page 186, get surnames of March 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 March born Rotarians/Anns, you will be left with 12 unused letters spread here and there! Using all these, in proper order and adding letter H, build up the name and surname of author of Rotary Four Way Test,

K L S A R C R G W R A A

L E T D T I A E S N W P

A R A A H J L L H E A K

H R W S I A L A E J R A

E T K A P Y O K T A G R

B K H A N A R U H K A R

who was RI President when our PDG Bobby Srinivas was the District Governor.

Solve the puzzle, photocopy /email the all correct response to me at <vishwasdg3030@yahoo.com> and call on my cell no.94221 06570 before 25th March, 2013. Lucky winner will be decided through draw of lots from all correct entries at the business meeting scheduled in April 2013.

Everyone in the Rotary family of our club and District is eligible to contest.

Come on! Participate!! Enjoy ....Good Luck!!!

-PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR ROTARY This past year was one of major accomplishments for Rotary and your Rotary Foundation.

Extraordinary progress was made toward the eradication of polio. We made history when India was removed from the list of polioendemic countries â&#x20AC;&#x201D; leaving just Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. A difficult road lies ahead, but thanks to the commitment and generosity of Rotarians and friends, we are confident that Rotary will lead the way toward a polio-free world.

We also expanded Rotary's reach in new and effective ways by entering into partnerships with Mercy Ships and UNESCO-IHE. And we built on our record of humanitarian service by continuing our strong relationships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, Aga Khan University, Oikocredit and the Rotary Peace Centers.

Over half a million young people worldwide participated in our New Generations

24

programs. Their involvement in Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotaract and Interact clubs, and RYLA events helped them develop skills that they'll need to become service-minded community and global leaders - and future Rotarians.

In 2012, The Rotary Foundation also earned top marks from several independent charity evaluators, including the American Institute of Philanthropy, Charity Navigator and the Wise Giving Alliance.

As we look ahead, we can be proud of all that Rotarians have accomplished. I am pleased to share the digital version of the 2011-12 Rotary International and Rotary Foundation Annual Report(click here), which offers a firsthand look at how Rotarians are working to improve the lives of people in need. I encourage you to review our annual report carefully, and to share it with others who may be interested in joining, partnering with, or donating to Rotary.

Thank you for helping Rotary achieve lasting change in your community and around the world.

John Hewko, General Secretary -PDG Vishwas Sahasrabhojanee

The question this month is addressed to a few Rotary Anns.........

X PRESS We have recently had the first lady President from our Club and she gave us a fantastic year. We also have a few other lady and spouse members who are doing a fantastic job for the club!

You and a lot of other Anns in our Club are equally successful in their vocations, but have chosen to serve the club only as Anns rather than fullfledged members!! All of you have the potential to be involved more actively as Directors and office-bearers and rise to being Presidents in the coming years!! What holds you back from becoming a spouse member and thus give the Club the full benefit of your involvement? What would it take to make you take the last step??

Dr Archana Patel: The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and a d v a n c e w o r l d understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders....and Rotary Anns can provide such services....without being spouse members.

Their involvement or potential to do service need not be limited because they are not full fledged members or office bearers. For me service is the last step and there is no step beyond that.

Rita Dhodapkar: My objective of serving humanity is fulfilled by being an Ann in our club. All the avenues of service are open to Rotarian spouses too. Moreover, I do not harbor any ambition to be an office bearer or have aspirations to be Director. With the few years of association with Rotary club of Nagpur, I have also realized that one needs to dedicate a fair amount of time for full involvement in the activities of Rotary. My career requires my full attention; being in research I have a time taking job. I do hope that the club still benefits and I am proud to be associated in some manner with Rotary.

Dr Sabiha Maimoon: In today's competitive world, for a working woman with a vocation like mine - it is total involvement of the mind, body and soul!! Well, even with grown up children it does not end there as the domestic and social responsibilities follow.... which actually leaves little time for other pursuits. But then our deepest fear here is not that we are inadequate, but powerful beyond ................ hence we leave it to the males mostly to be in the forefront and limelight while silently supporting them from behind.

Shilpa Agrawal: I really admire, appreciate and applaud Tauby, for doing full justice to her dual role as businesswoman and as a committed member of our club!!! But for me, at present my passion and top priority is my business which is in expansion mode and consumes most of my time!!! I am still young and in future I would definitely like to become a spouse member & get involved in the capacity of office bearer of our prestigious club!!!

Dr Arti Anand: That a lady president gave a fantastic year is no surprise as women have proved themselves equal and at times better in every role they play! Having said that, it is also true that sometimes women just don't want to be in those roles. They will go up the ladder and look ahead and see how people above them are giving up so much and not paying attention to their families. It is a choice that women make sometimes even though they are qualified. "Women are born multi-taskers” is a clichéd phrase we have all heard time and again. I am not a fan of multi-tasking! I find it leads to divided attention and distractions, lapses in concentration, poor results and less fulfillment. Therefore I believe in prioritizing.

Accordingly at the moment I have limited my involvement as an Ann to those projects where my contribution gives the club benefit and gives me equal satisfaction. When I finally become more involved I want to enjoy the experience rather than getting stressed out by the demands on my time.

Monica Bhagwagar: The bottom line of Rotary is to serve! To do so by being either in the front or behind the scenes!! And for some reason most Rotary Anns prefer to choose the latter!! I personally believe if you are able to give your total 100 percent, only then become a Rotarian. If there is any scope of doubt, then there is no point really. Just to become a Rotarian for the sake of it or to fulfill – a 'Presidential target number' truly makes no sense or serve any purpose whatsoever. If we are working women & working housewives & working mothers then one must not compromise with any of our roles. And particularly so if we become Rotarians!

Besides, if I may add one thing, some of us Rotary Anns end up doing much, much, much more than some Rotarians!!

Anula Goenka: I completely agree that the first lady president of our club gave us a fantastic year.

Personally,there are lots of issues that hold me back from becoming a spouse member....Doing voluntary work is great but at the same time I must balance my home, children & job in that order before I give my commitment for a mammoth task....The first lady president has raised the bar so high, that it would be difficult to match up! Plus, it is also a matter of interest!! I have never wanted to be so actively a part of the club as I feel one family member is enough to give time to the organization!!

Well you have it there now!! All these very intelligent ladies have adroitly side stepped the issue of becoming spouse members!! At the risk of incurring the wrath of the ladies, I may say that most of the very active members of the club, both male and female, are also very busy people in their vocations and are not known to shirk from their family and parental responsibilities!! Taking on an extra responsibility does not always have to mean neglecting other existing responsibilities!! The soft option is to say “I don't think I'm ready for it yet; I have too much on my plate; maybe sometime later OR “Tum aagey badho, hum tumhare saath hain”!!

C'MON GALS, LET'S HAVE MORE OF YOU GIVE IT A SHOT!! The club will surely be the better for it!!

(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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would rather my children begged in the streets than went into politics"... These are the startling words uttered by Sonia Gandhi, years before her husband's entry into the Indian political arena, that was to eventually claim his life, like his brother and mother's, before him.

'Durbar' the latest offering from Ta v l e e n S i n g h , i s a n unputdownable saga of gossipy anecdotes and real time reporting, which take the reader on a 25 year long, very personal journey,full of reminiscence , from the anglicisation of the ruling classes of the Gandhi/Nehruvian era, to today's newer, rougher breed of politicians-set against the unlikely backdrop of India's turbulent political scene.

Starting her journalistic career as a fledgling reporter at the premier newspaper of that time-The Statesman, Tavleen's personal background of belonging to the colonial Indian upper class -gives her an automatic in-- into the drawing rooms of the rich and famous.

Rubbing shoulders with erstwhile princes, upcoming reporters,or budding politicians, the friends she works and parties with ,are a virtual who's who of Delhi society.

Her story begins with her job as a cub reporter -which coincides with the declaration of emergency by Mrs. Indira Gandhi in 1975. Within 5 weeks, fundamental rights are suspended, press censorship is imposed and the reckless policies of Sanjay Gandhi, her younger son, are unleashed on an

26

DURBAR--BY TAVLEEN SINGH unsuspecting public.

Being in the midst of it all, Tavleen notices that despite all this, a small influential section on Delhi's society remains strangely unaffected by the perilous state of the nation.

by the Janata Dal, the coming of Moraraji Desai, ,the Khalistani movement, operation Bluestar, the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi, the emergence of Rajiv Gandhi as the one true hope, the Bachchans, the Kashmir problems and Sheikh Abdullah, the rifts in the S c i n d i a f a m i l y. . . t h i s i s a documentary that enthralls.

This book runs on multiple tracks all at once. Cozy tete a tete's , tid-bits about Navin Patnaik, Romi Chopra, Nina Singh, Jayanti Natrajan,George Fernandes, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the rise of M.J.Akbar, and the ups and downs in the fortunes of the people who populate different Durbars.

A recurring strain, is Sonia Gandhi's standoffishness coupled with her reputation of being a very good friend. Her comfort level with the one couple with whom she feels most relaxed- Ottavio and Maria Quattrocchi. And the metamorphosis from the Sonia Gandhi who only wore frocks and dresses to the sari-clad ,hindi speaking neta of today...

It is a fascinating account of what goes on in the drawing rooms of the capital.

Shortly after, members of this circle get entrenched in key positions in the government.

From the emergency,to Sanjay Gandhi's draconion and iron-fisted efforts at population control , to the overthrow of the congress party

As the fly leaf says: " A remarkable memoir, vivid with the colour of election campaigns and society dinners, low conspiracy and high corruption, 'Durbar' rewards us with this truth: If India is to achieve a better future,the past can no longer be ignored or forgotten.â&#x20AC;?

-Vindhya Sanjana

BOBBY'S BUBBLES

A MEANINGFUL LIFE Happiness, one of the most important things in life, comes from within. Those who look for it outside are almost never able to find it. It doesn't mean that others can't make you happy. As you would have experienced, there are many people, incidents or experiences that have satisfied you spiritually or emotionally. The mental satisfaction is precious and rare. Those who have it are happy people.

Here's a through-life narrative account of cab driver for those who actively seek a meaningful life. It's definitely seeking a meaningful life. It's definitely food for thought.

It makes you realize what's important in life.

Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living.

Once I arrived in the middle of the night for a pick-up at a building that was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window.

Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. So I walked to the door and knocked.

'Just a minute,' answered a frail, elderly voice.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.

When we got in the cab, she gave me the address and asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way, ' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said in a trembling voice. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.'

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long. 'I quietly reached over shut off the meter.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as a janitress. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now.' We drove in silence to the address she had given me.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small

20 Marie biscuits 2 Tbsp cocoa powder

To serve: Whipped cream 1.

1 cup dessicated coconut

2.

3.

Condensed milk as required

4.

1 Tbsp coffee powder

Crush the Marie biscuits in the mixer to make a fine powder Add cocoa and coffee to the powdered Marie Add enough condensed milk to make a smooth, pliable dough. Keep aside For the filling, knead together the dessicated

woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said.

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I said. And almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.

I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware – beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

-By Bobby Srinivas

MASTER CHEF

CHOCOLATE PINWHEEL Makes 20

suitcase to the door. The

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

coconut and condensed milk Place the biscuit dough on cellophane paper and roll into an 8”x5” rectangle Layer the coconut filling over it evenly Roll both layers to make a swiss roll Refrigerate for an hour and cut into roundels Serve chilled topped with whipped cream - Khushnoor Chugh

27

KIDZZZONE 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 ;-)

Creative works in Focus – Neerja Sutaria Daughter of Sharmilla & Nimish Sutaria Hi, I'm Neerja! I'm fifteen and I love singing. I have been learning Shastriya Sangeet since I was about five. I've passed three exams, i.e., Prarambhik, Praveshika Pratham, and Praveshika Poorna; I plan to complete all

seven. Along with classical, I also learn a bit of Hindi movie songs.

I have participated in numerous competitions and have performed on stage. Despite this, I don't like singing in front of people. I have, on occasion, performed at Rotary Fellowships. I enjoy singing on a karaoke machine, especially with my father.

Recently, I participated in a contest organized by the Gujarati Samaj of Nagpur, as well as in the bienniel concert of my school. Both were exciting opportunities, as they were solos.

My favourite kind of music is retro Hindi music.

I idiolise Asha Bhonsle and Shreya Ghoshal. I am contemplating a future in the music industry.

Kaylea Eyre – Rotary IYE exchange student from Canada Staying with PP Vijay Naidu & Ann Madhavi writes about her experiences in her exchange year So far my exchange to India has been amazing. I have met so many great people, and have had many new experiences. I really love both of my host families. They have taught me so much about the culture, and welcomed me into their families with no hesitations. In the beginning of the year we had many classes of yoga, hindi, sitar, and kathak. I really learned a lot from our yoga teacher. Im not very fond of yoga, and i dont believe many of the things he says, but he really taught me a lot about selfless service. To give to others endlessly and never expect anything in return. I think i will remember him for my whole life. Sometimes its tough dealing with things on my own, but overall it has made me grow as a person and become much more confident. India is so diverse, and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to see it. There are so many different foods, clothes, religions, and languages. During my South Tour I have seen this many times. My favorite cities that we visited were Ooty, Mamallapuram, and Cochin. If I had to choose my favorite thing about India I don't think I could pick anything. Everything is so different then I'm used to, and I really love it all! My exchange has only 3 months left, but I'm sure I will be back to India soon.

Little Hearts - Prisha Bhati, Daughter of Manish and Divya Bhati Hi . I am Prisha Bhati , I study in class I in centre point school Dhaba ( CPS ) . My hobbies are skating, gaming & writing.

I used to accompany my sister Reshal to skating ring and then I also started skating when I was 5 yr old. Mummy takes me to skating class every day for two hours.

Last year I was second in Nagpur district and stood at 8 th position in Maharastra Roller skating championship at pune. My coach kishore sir trained me for one year and this year I won Nagpur district championship and was runner in 300 m and winner in 500 m in Maharastra Roller skating championship.

I like Rotary club , Rotary has got Talent is my favourite, I along with my sister Reshal performed this year. Whenever we go out to eat my order is same all the time….FRENCH FRIES. I love French fries. My favourite pass time is playing games on WII - Nintendo. I and papa play it all the time. I like Watching cartoons and I also like to collect shells. I like my sister Reshal very much, she makes me laugh all the time by behaving funny. If she is not at home I feel very bored. I love my Dadaji and Dadiji and I think I am favourite of my Dadiji. She never scolds me. Even for my mistakes, Reshal gets scolded by her.

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-Mamta Kanga

UNGODLY PRECEDENT

DIMAAG KHARAB

There is something about the highest office in the land that brings out the best in humans. They use it to touch levels of greatness seldom achieved by mere mortals. They change destinies of their nations with acts of courage, wisdom and international consequence. Unless, of course, that country happens to be India.

Where this office is traditionally ornamental and the occupant almost always seems to be a has-been, a suck-up, or a threat to the PM's post candidate. So they get back at society in ways that harm, more than help. This is not to take away from luminaries such as Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad & Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who lent the office an aura of credibility and greatness sadly lacking in the more recent candidates. The last two of which, really take the cake.

Hon'ble Ex-President Pratibha Patil. Not only did she look like an Ekta Kapoor serial version of the scheming grandma, she also behaved as such and her excesses are legend. From shielding her brother in a murder investigation to covering-up financial frauds by her and her family members to the tune of crores, to misusing her office even after retirement, she comes across as one mean machine. Her favourite subject seemed to be international understanding because she has gone down in history as the most widely travelled Indian President. Ever! Her wanderlust has cost the public exchequer a whopping Rs.205 crore on her foreign visits, surpassing the record of all her predecessors.

In mostly all her official trips abroad she was accompanied by a number of relatives. As a parting gift to the nation, she almost grabbed 5 acres of land for her post-presidential home in Pune, until ex-servicemen activists put an end to the farce.

Hon'ble President Pranab Mukherjee. Perceived a threat (of two) to Yuvraj Rahul's ascendancy to the Prime Ministerial position, Pranabda was s'elected' President of India. Promptly upon assuming office, he started playing God. Where his predecessor pardoned an unprecedented 30 people by commuting their death sentences, our man from intellectual Bengal went about executing criminals with a vengeance. Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist of 26/11 was secretly hanged ending years of speculation, setting off new theories on whether he died of dengue fever or was actually hanged. Within 3 months, Afzal Guru, the 'conspirator' in the Parliament attacks, was hanged despite his involvement not being proven 'beyond reasonable doubt'. The day the Supreme Court rejected Afzal's appeal in August 2005, all the judicial avenues available to him were exhausted. Still why did it take eight years for the “menace to become extinct”?

The opposition parties allege that the UPA regime decided to hang Guru now in order to reap the rich dividends in the forthcoming elections. Some even go on to speculate that Guru was hanged to neutralise the emerging Narendra Modi threat to the prospects of Rahul Gandhi's becoming prime minister after the next elections.

Our honourable President has questionable integrity and lacks transparency in his various dealings. He has escaped accountability for many years by virtue of his powerful and influential role with Congress. Despite serious, evidence-based concerns, no inquiries have been conducted to date. He is unable to conduct himself as a proper statesman and clearly does not have much regard for fairness, justice and public confidence. Not only does he fall asleep in parliament, but his colleagues are unable to stay awake during his speeches. He distorts facts while answering accusations on his credibility. And now he is playing God with the powers bestowed upon him by the people.

Seriously ... God help India. And by God I do not mean Mr. Mukherjee.

-Sohrab Kanga

LET’S GET PERSONAL Hi friends, Seems like the most happening thing currently is, visiting the Kumbh Mela.

Setting the trend, Tauby & Naushad Bhagwagar spent 5 days at the Sangam and had a time of their lives.

Pramod Jamwal, went minus wife, as Deepa has her focus only on Sharav ( her grandson) these days.

The Kales' also plan to go, when the days get a little warmer.

Guess, between all of them, they'll manage to wash off the sins of the whole club.

Thanks guys. Hamare bhi paap dhul gaye...

Dr Manmohan & Shobha Daga and Bharat & Pushpa Parikh, washed their sins in Thailand.

6000 ft. above ground at ChiangMai they felt closer to the Almighty.

Usha & Deepa Kale went for an exclusive trip to Combodia & Vietnam. Must have spent some quality bonding time!

While the youngsters were busy, celebrating Valentines' Day..... not very old himself, Dr. Akshay Daga started a new Dental Clinic to take care of all Oral Problems.

Special about this clinic is, that he shall be charging nearly nothing from those who cannot afford to pay.

God Bless You Akshay ! May your tribe rise...

You shall earn your Punya in Nagpur itself.

We are, I think finally done with the weddings for this season.

Time for exams now. Moms & Kids Wish you all Good Luck.

Dads don't come in the way, for your own good.

See ya next month.

-Manju Shahani

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MONEY MONEY

BIRTHDAYS 15 MAR. to 14 APR. MARC H

Usha Kale

29

Neeta Kale

15

Sylvester Isaacs

29

Jigna L. Thakkar

16

Ashish Neb

29

Vishwajeet Kshirsagar

17

Dr. Anil Masand

29

Mamta Jaiswal

19

Shantala Bhole

29

Syed Anwar Khatib

19

APRIL

Abdul Ghafoor Parekh

20

Beena Isaacs

01

Kiran Rathod

21

Pinky Batra

02

Zulekha Abdul Parekh

23

Archana H. Panchmatia

04

Shyam Dewani

23

Anushka S. Kale

04

Jehangir Doongaji

23

Zamin Amin

05

Shabbar Shakir

23

Rajiv Mittal

06

Rajesh Yadav

24

Priti Badjate

06

Dr. Ujjwala Agashe

24

Meenu Moryani

07

Kishore Sheth

24

Sachin Palewar

26

Amita Behal

26

Priti Chhabra

26

Dr. Gira Soni

27

Manju Bhatia

11

Sharad Bhattad

27

Dr. Deepa Jamwal

12

Rita Dhodapkar

28

Archana Singhal

12

Gurinder Kahai

28

Adarsh Daga

12

Durriya Ahmed

28

Abnash Chander Khurana 29

Madhu Mrig

07

Anjali Chaudhari

08

Shailendra S. Agrawal

09

Deepika Mehta

10

Harsha Doshi

11

Shreeram Marawar

13

Mohd. S. Vali

14

15 MAR. to 14 APR. ANNIVERSARIES MARCH Dr. Vivek & Smita Harkare 17.03.2013 Zamin & Rasheeda Amin 30.03.2013

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APRIL Binita & Anil Goenka 05.04.2013 Sharad & Prena Bhattad 06.04.2013 Rajiv & Amita Behal 07.04.2013 Sohrab & Mamta Kanga 10.04.2013

Four Stages of Money Maturity Greg Chappell, the great Australian cricketer on being appointed as coach of Indian national cricket team did what every right thinking coach or an advisor should do. He asked the team members to go back to the basics. That means for batsman; importance of running hard between the wickets, cutting down on risky shots for scoring runs and for bowers; keeping control over line and the length. For mavericks like Virendra Sehwag and aristocrats like Saurav Ganguly, this was pretty harsh!!

His tenure may be controversial but the message was clear. One can achieve success by being disciplined and consistent in approach. Australian cricket team dominated the cricket world for so long by not doing anything extravagant but with this simple philosophy of hard work and discipline.

It is the same in case of our financial life. Success depends on adhering to basic principles of prudent financial management. Investment world may be complex but life can be simple. Don't make it complicated; there are already enough bright minds from management schools adding difficulty levels every day. As a sensible person, our objective should be to achieve complete financial independence and make life simpler. The stage of financial independence can be reached where money is working for you instead of you working for money. Instead of you toiling hard 24*7 let there be passive income. The problem however is the approach we follow. Let's discuss it one by one.

The first is 'Earn-Spend-Save'. We earn and then spend it for EMIs of home, car, household expenditure, entertainment, eating out, travelling etc. What is left is the savings for the month. So e.g. out of Rs 100/- that we earn we spend say, 85/- and rest Rs 15/- is the savings. This approach according to me leads to what I call is the stage of 'Financial Disappointment Disaster'.Here savings is dependent on expenses. Instead of cutting down on expenses, we are compromising on savings.

Are we working for banks to which we pay EMIs or ITC, HUL, PVRs of the world for consumer durable, entertainment etc.?PAY YOURSEF FIRST. First week of the month should be allocated for your SIPs, RD and forced savings. EMI can wait till month end. Logical. Isn't it?

Next stage is 'Earn-Save-Spend'. Slightly better than earlier stage, but still one is dependent on earnings alone to manage the entire finances. It however does bring is some discipline in the process but eventually lead to the stage of 'Financial Dependence'. The savings and the expense will still be prone to risk.

This leads us to third stage.It is the stage of 'Earn-Protect-Save-Spend'. Here we try to 'protect' the source of our financial well being. Protect earnings by way of protecting earner (Life Insurance), protecting against the risk that can derail earnings (Health insurance, asset protection etc.) The biggest confusion is at this stage. We mix protection with savings. These two are entirely different from each other. By mixing the two we are compromising on both. Protection on a stand-alone basis is very cheap but mix it with savings and we have a problem. Buy insurance for protection and not earning.If we tick all the boxes here, we have achieved 'Financial Security' Think for a while…something is still missing. We are away from that coveted status of Financial Independence. And this can be done only when the savings get converted to Investments. That matured stage is 'Earn-Protect-Save-Invest-Spend'. While a savings denotes no or low risk, investment will essentially have risk. All we have to do is to manage it properly. How, when, where to invest is altogether different topic but this conversion from savings to investment is of utmost importance without which passive income and eventually financial independence cannot be achieved.

Get ready, work hard;there are plenty of Johnty Rhodes around, very excited to run you out!!

-Parag Paranjpe

BEST CHAIRPERSONS AWARDS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY

Dr Sameer Jahagirdar, Kapil Sutaria, Dr Surajit Hazra, Dr Anne Wilkinson, Rajesh Datar and Ashish Mehadia for Hemalkasa Surgical Camp; Sunil Thapar for District Events

NEW MEMBER INDUCTIONS

PP Arun Bhargava Releasing Go Of February

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