DUBAI 2021

A HYBRID MEETING TO REMEMBER

By Mr JAYANT AGRAWAL, RT 1, Nepal

WHAT A YEAR…a year of fear, anxiety, the loss of loved ones, depression, and many more. This pandemic took a toll on all of us, but the zeal for tabling remained the same. We were forced to become an example of living to our motto Adopt, Adapt & Improve, our Tablers missed the core of tabling: travelling and meeting new and old friends.

Looking at the possible window of meeting and celebrating this great year (20/21), our past president, DK Singh and his board organized a hybrid world meet at the end of September in under 25 days. Their efforts were remarkable, living to the 'Lead The Change' theme.

Tarun Jain from RT India and DK Singh took responsibility for this amazing show. It was wonderful to see the excitement and interest among all Tablers. Though travel was complicated due to the COVID restrictions, counsellors and Tablers from more than 15 countries participated in the event. The icing on the cake was members from the Round Table Family, Femke and Yvette from LCI and Chris from Agora joining us for the event.

NATIONS NIGHT lived up to all expectations of our globally connected brotherhood. There were stalls from different countries with local delicacies filled with friends in their national costumes. The attires were colourful and vibrant. People were proud of their countries, and at the same time, they showed respect for the cultures of others. Though it was termed a much smaller event than usual, the enthusiasm and passions were grand.

THE HYBRID MODEL of the counsellor's meeting and the AGM worked well, and was followed by the gala dinner. After two years, we all got the opportunity to witness the official handover ceremony from one president to the next. It was a culmination of mixed feelings where one board leaves its footprints to fulfil its commitment towards its position. In contrast, the new incoming board shows their total energy and responsibility for the coming year. DK's thanking and goodbye note melted everyone's heart and made all of us very emotional. At the same time, Graham's words of determination and encouragement brought the energy back to the audience to continue the legacy and take it to greater heights. Being present physically and taking over was in itself a matter of pride and satisfaction to the new board who committed to the theme "Stronger Together."

Overall it was a good constructive meeting with bonding and fellowship, spreading happiness and smiles around during the tough times.