Melawati Vibes - July 2020

July 2020 Issue 1

MELAWATI VIBES RC Melawati Official Monthly Newsletter

Meet Every Wednesday | 8 PM | Rotary Melawati Community Centre

PROJECT ZOO The Covid-19 pandemic has not only affected humans, but also animals. The long lockdown period has affected the animals' wellbeing. RCM members take turn in feeding them. p. 05

HANDING OVER TO NEW BOARD

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Rotary Club of Melawati's leadership changed baton at a Handing Over Fellowship held on 3 July at Hee Lai Ton, PJ. p. 06

Read about the genesis of the Club and how it evolved over time, only to get better and stronger. p. 08-09

MENTAL WELLNESS: RESILIENCE TO THRIVE DURING STORMS

by PAG Shanti Jayaram, Vocational Service Chair Rtn Dr Indigo, who is a renowned Mind & Success Practitioner had our guests glued to the screen (and seats) when she delivered the topic dubbed as the next pandemic. A hybrid session that gathered almost 80 pax from as far as Mexico and the US, was one of the Women Empowerment Series organised by Vocational Service Committee. RC Melawati established new connection with Alor Star Baha'i Communty; Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled; Malaysian Invisible Illnesses Association; AIIMS New Delhi, and ALFA Forensic Group, India as well as rotary clubs from India, Mexico and Sri Lanka.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT SERIES

Leadership during these years I was attending regular meetings and projects more often. Despite not assuming any major roles, I still attended District Seminars on The Rotary Foundation, District Conferences and Assemblies. It made my touch with Rotary alive!

In the last 5 years I was approached continuously to take up the Presidency but I was not ready. Finally I took up the challenge as President Elect(the 2nd time)in 2019 and assumed my Presidency in 2020.

As the President of this “Vibrant” Rotary Club of Melawati in this Rotary Year 2020/2021, I’m truly excited with my exceptionally dedicated Board of Directors and ever supportive members! I am confident that as a club, all our 40 members are committed to give their best to the community and the world.

TOGETHER, WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE President Siva Kumar Raghavan My journey in Rotary started after I bought my house in Melawati in 2005 and when I bumped into my long lost friend. That long lost friend, Rotarian Shanti, introduced me to the Rotary Club of Melawati (RCM) in 2006. It was great for me instantly to be acquainted with new Rotarian friends and their families as I was very new in Taman Melawati. I hardly knew anyone in Melawati before that.

The first year as I joined the Rotary Club of Melawati, I was assigned an important task! That is to handle RCM’s Annual Installation Souvenir Book. I guess I did well hence it became my duty thereafter every year. In my second year with RCM I was the Vocational Service Director (during President Sree’s year), the year after Community Service Director (President Shanti’s year) then I became the Honorary Secretary (President Nick’s year). I did not assume any post during President Chandra’s year. The following year in Rotary Year 2011/12, I was the President Elect for President Sudhaharan Nair. Guess I was climbing up the ladder too fast.

Unfortunately by mid Rotary year 2011/12, in January 2012, being the President Elect, I had to give up my post due to a major illness. I was unable to attend Rotary meetings or even any projects for 2 consecutive years.

However, I refused to leave the club and I continued paying all my dues. My only reason hanging on to Rotary was the belief that I was still helping someone out there despite my own condition. I truly believed it and I held on to it!

Slowly I was coping with my health condition and it was getting better. Then I came back as the Membership Chair during President Dr Dhileepan Nair’s year and then lay low again for the next few years. Nevertheless

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

In this first month of Rotary Year 2020/21, we are already overwhelmed with excitement and achievements. Firstly, we must highlight the great spirit of democracy portrayed during the selection of the name of our Monthly Magazine. Kudos to our Honorary Secretary, Rotarian Raja Yasmin, who managed to steer up the vibes of our members. Through a fun and fair process we managed to come up with “Melawati Vibes” as the brand name for our club’s Monthly Magazine.

Then we were geared up for an ambitious Monthly Women Empowerment Series (WES) programme. First speaker to be introduced for the WES was none other than our own Dr Indigo. High credit must go to the Organising Chair cum Vocational Service Director, PAG Shanti Jayaram and the Sound Engineer, President Elect Mahendran, the Liaison Chief, Honorary Secretary Raja Yasmin and the Zoom Host, Past President Surindran. They were simply awesome!

As expected Dr Indigo ended her fabulous presentation with an overwhelming applause from all our 80 over participants via physical attendance at Rotary Melawati Community Centre and through Zoom from Mexico, USA, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. Bravo Rotary Club of Melawati!

And as a sweet finale of our first month of RY2020/21, we are inducting Sreeganesh Vasudavan as our 41st member of Rotary Club of Melawati.

Today, as I am writing this note to all of you, it feels as though it is just the beginning for me in Rotary! I believe there is so much more that we can do to the world through Rotary and it is in abundance that Rotary gives back to us. The only way to enjoy Rotary is through engagement. And there are more than one way to engage with this wonderful organisation.

Let’s Engage and Enjoy Rotary! #RotaryOpensOpportunities.

Yours in Rotary.

02

Leadership

ROTARY CLUB OF MELAWATI NEW BOARD FOR RY20-21

President

President Elect

Immediate Past President

SIVA KUMAR RAGHAVAN

MAHENDRAN JERRY DANIEL

RAJINDRAN IRUSAN

Hon. Treasurer

Hon. Secretary

Community Service Chair

PAG SUDHAHARAN NAIR

RTN YASMIN YUSOF

CP DR NAVIN PATEL

Membership Chair

Club Admin Chair

Vocational Service Chair

International Service Chair

PP SURINDRAN RAMASAMY

RTN MARK KRISNAN

PAG SHANTI JAYARAM

RTN OOI SOO KANG

Rotary Foundation Chair

Youth Service Chair

Public Image Chair

Sergeant-at-Arms

PAG DR SELVA KUMAR SIVAPUNNIAM

RTN SOM PHONG KLOP

RTN SALINA HUSSEIN

RTN AKSHAY KUMAR MALHOTRA

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

03

Club Calendar

ANNUAL PLAN FOR RY2020-21

COMMUNITY SERVICE

MEMBERSHIP

CLUB ADMINISTRATION

Encourage Rotarians to offer service to their communities.

Main activities: Project Zoo, Vision of Hope, Free Medical Camp and Medical Counseling, Rotary Day & Training for Teachers of Special Needs Children

Increase membership and retain members by encouraging participation and enjoy their Rotary experience.

Main activities: Prospects Database, Induction of New Members and Fireside.

Plan and conduct activities to ensure effective operation of the club including organizing people and resources to achieve common goals.

Main activities: Preparation for weekly meetings and fellowships.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

YOUTH SERVICE

Recognize the worthiness of vocations and promoting professional expertise in addressing community needs.

Main activities: Women Empowerment Series, Field/Vocational Trips and Vocational Award

Stimulate members and Club to improve lives and advance world understanding, good will and peace.

Main projects this year: International fellowship and projects and strengthen ties with Sister Clubs

Develop younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

Main projects this year: Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, Conference and Fellowship

ROTARY FOUNDATION

PUBLIC IMAGE

Make contributions and transform them into projects that change lives.

Main projects this year: Global Grant Workshop, WGM

Manage communication and strengthen Rotary and Club image.

Main projects this year: Branding, People of Action, Visibility at Social Media

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

04

Club Highlights

JULY 2020 DIARY

PROJECT ZOO

03 06

Rotary involvement comes a full circle.

Tan Sri Vic Hudson was the President of RC Kuala Lumpur (RC KLDiRaja) when the Club founded Malaysian Zoological Society that started Zoo Negara. Today, RC Melawati is undertaking Project Zoo Negara in collaboration with Zoo Negara on a number of initiatives.

Since 10 April 2020, following the MCO, the Club has collected and delivered surplus produce from Village Grocers Melawati Mall, EkoCheras, and MCity to the animals at the Zoo. To date, more than 30,000kgs surplus produce have been collected and delivered.

PICK-UP & DELIVERY SCHEDULE VG MCITY AMPANG Tuesday Som Phong Thursday Dr Navin Saturday Yasmin Raj / Shanti VG EKOCHERAS Monday Available slot Wed Available slot Friday Dhileepan

The Club's first meeting on 8 July 2020 was a hybrid meeting. PP Surin, Rtn Mark and PE Mahen rearranged the layout of the Rotary Melawati Community Centre to ensure we comply to the SOP. We only made room for the first 15 pax of members who signed up to be physically at the Centre. The rest joined the meeting via Zoom. To ensure our Zoom meeting was smooth, PE Mahen took care of the online-tech needs by installing WiFi broadband modem and did all the required installation, setting up and testing. RCM is indeed ready to embrace the #newnorm.

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

BOD MEETING #1 Rotary Melawati Community Centre

07

BIRTHDAYS Rajoo Mayalagu Som Phong Klop

08

WEEKLY MEETING #1 Rotary Melawati Community Centre & Zoom BIRTHDAY Lachman Das

11

BIRTHDAY Shanmugam Ramasamy

13

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY Shanti Jayaram Dr Dhileepan & Sneha

15

WEEKLY MEETING #2 Rotary Melawati Community Centre & Zoom

19

BOD MEETING #2 Rotary Melawati Community Centre & Zoom

VG MELAWATI MALL Monday Mark Friday Siva Kumar

HYBRID MEETINGS & SOP COMPLIANCE

HANDING OVER FELLOWSHIP Hee Lai Ton, PJ

21

TALK ON DAGES BY PP DR DHILEEPAN @ RBCU Zoom Meeting

22

WEEKLY MEETING #3 Rotary Melawati Community Centre & Zoom

23

BIRTHDAY Anita Koch

27

PUBLIC IMAGE SEMINAR ZONE 12 Zoom Meeting

29

WEEKLY MEETING #4 Rotary Melawati Community Centre & Zoom

31

EDUCATIONAL VISIT Rotary Peace Park

05

Club Highlights

HANDING OVER FELLOWSHIP 3 July 2020 @ Hee Lai Ton, PJ

We must strive to expand our reach and enhance the quality and impact of our services to the community in need, locally and abroad.

- DG KS Teoh.

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love."- Lao Tzu Our newly minted District Governor KS Teoh shared such an inspiring quote in his speech that befits what we do at the Handing Over Fellowship, the first physical gathering we had since the lockdown. Preparation was meticulously done to ensure compliance with the required SOP. It was challenging and self-control (to give physical hugs and pats) was never before put to such 'grueling' test. We were only restrained by social distancing, not camaraderie.

The evening indicated a good start in navigating through RY20-21 journey successfully - 97% attendance by members, clear vision and targets by the leaders, and beautiful friendship with other clubs. Astt Governor Philip Wong was also present. President Elect Mahen did a wonderful job as the organising chairman. Putting up the "show' in less than two weeks was indeed commendable, supported by his very abled team.

The handing over and transition were smooth. Imm. Past President recorded his appreciation to his RY2019-20 Board. President Siva Kumar Raghavan then took the stage and introduced his new Board and shared his vision and plan for the year. It will be a busy year! The evening also celebrated award recipients during RY2019-20.

BIRTHDAYS & FELLOWSHIP 15 & 22 July 2020 Birthday babies PAG Shan, PAG Shanti, Rtn Anita and Rtn Som Phong treated members in conjunction with their birthdays during our weekly meetings.

We wish love and happiness. Stay blessed and stay safe!

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

06

Club Highlights

FIRST BOD MEETING 06 July 2020 The first BOD meeting was full attendance!

Plans and goals were discussed and firmedup. Club dues and the well-being of our members were also top priority. Given the COVID-19 situation, expenses have to be prudently managed. Also all programs need to be SOP compliant.

The BOD also agreed to ensure higher awareness and visibility of our activities by maximising the opportunities on social media. Beginning with the Women Empowerment Series spearheaded by the Vocational Service, more Zoom forums will be tapping on global opportunities for connection and engagement. The BOD is bullish on realising the full potential of #RotaryOpensOpportunities

INDUCTION-RCM'S 41ST MEMBER 29 July 2020 The Club warmly welcomed our latest addition, Sreeganesh Vasudavan at the Club's weekly meeting.

Also present to witness this joyful occasion were Assistant Governor Philip Wong and our members, zooming from various locations and also being physically present at the Rotary Melawati Community Centre. Sreeganesh, 44 and happily married is an alumnus of UKM and the founder of SKP & Partners. He's not a Liverpool fan but ehemmm Sreeganesh, here in RCM YNWA. Welcome Ganesh and Enjoy Rotary!

ROTARY PEACE PARK 31 July 2020 It rained heavily in the early hours but that did not dampen the spirit of 60 rotarians, families and friends to be at the Park for an educational visit organised by District Action Group Environmental Sustainability (DAGES) led by our very own PP Dr Dhileepan. Other partners included Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) and Global Environment Centre (GEC).

Besides RC Melawati, other clubs that joined were RC Bandar Utama, RC Bernam Valley, RC USJ, RC Seremban, RC Titiwangsa, RC Bukit Jalil, RC Cheras and RC Puchong.

The highlights were briefings by LUAS, GEC, and Rtn Nirinder on floating solar panels for energy generation; and also tour of the park including demonstration on tree care, organic farming and community food garden project.

RCM members and families totaling 20 pax had a great time experiencing nature.

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

07

Anniversary Special

THE PRESIDENTS RY2000/01 CREATE AWARENESS,

THE BIRTH OF A TRUE COMMUNITYBASED CLUB

TAKE ACTION RY2001/02 MANKIND IS OUR BUSINESS Dr Navin Patel

RY2002/03 SOW THE SEEDS OF LOVE Latchman Dass

RY2003/04 LEND A HAND Darul Abdullah

by Charter President Dr Navin Patel

RY2004/05 CELEBRATE ROTARY Dr Sarmukh Singh

My close association with Rotary in India as the Rotaract President for 2 years brought me up close with Rotarians there and their passion for community service. This made me determined to follow their footsteps and give back to community when the right time comes. The right time came after nearly 10 years in Malaysia when I could fulfill my dream of becoming a Rotarian.

I roamed around several Rotary clubs as guest but was not happy until I decided to set up the Rotary Club of Melawati that should be a true community club with like-minded members of the community, meeting in community and doing service projects predominantly for the same community. It took nearly one year to give a form to my dream.

RC Bangsar was chosen as the mother club but real support came from Past District Governor Dr Ganesan from RC Petaling Jaya who taught us ways of running the club and conducting meetings. Against advice from several senior Rotarians from the district not to take in lady members, we proceeded to charter the club with 20 members including 10 ladies who formed the backbone of RC Melawati. Real boost came from community support that we received during 'on the spot art contest' we organised as a provisional RC Melawati.

Several charter members left due to turbulence in early days but the core of loyal and dedicated members remained. We were further strengthened by several Rotarians from other clubs who joined us. Year after year we grew in maturity, passion, friendship and dedication. Each President poured their heart and soul and attained higher standards for RC Melawati.

The highlight activities included Training of Trainers for Special Children through the involvement of RC Ichucha Muama, Australia. Organising Rotary Youth Leadership Award gave us the status at district that got greater with more projects and involvement of the Club's members at district level. We are now regarded as one of the best and most dynamic clubs with great fellowship.

Every member has contributed in this success story but as a Charter President, I feel a sense of pride and satisfaction that is truly the highlight of my life.

RY2005/06 SERVICE ABOVE SELF Doris Chang

RY2006/07 LEAD THE WAY R. Shanmugam

RY2007/08 ROTARY SHARES P. Sreetharan

RY2008/09 MAKE DREAMS REAL Shanti Jayaram

RY2009/10 | THE FUTURE OF ROTARY IS IN YOUR HANDS Nithiananthan Nair

RY2010/11 | BUILDING COMM. BRIDGING CONTINENTS Chandra Subramaniam

RY2011/12 | REACH WITHIN TO EMBRACE HUMANITY Sudhaharan Nair

RY2012/13 PEACE THROUGH SERVICE Shahema Baiza Yip

RY2013/14 ENGAGE ROTARY CHANGE LIVES Sunthar Raj

RY2014/15 LIGHT UP ROTARY Raja Renno

RY2015/16 BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD Dr Dhileepan Nair

RY2016/17 ROTARY SERVING HUMANITY Shuseela Devi R.S

RY2017/18 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Surindran Ramasamy

RC Melawati should be a true community club with like-minded members of the community, meeting in the community and doing service projects for the same community

RY2018/19 BE THE INSPIRATION Ramesh Parmanand

RY2019/20 ROTARY CONNECTS THE WORLD Rajindran Irusan

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

08

Anniversary Special

From KKlub to a hub for community activities

ROTARY MELAWATI COMMUNITY CENTRE

By Past President Dr Dhileepan Nair

RCM truly fulfills the Rotary’s objectives of a community based Club, where it is supposed to be and serve where most of its members are from.

RCM operated from KKlub for a long time renting a conference room for our weekly meetings and catering food from the restaurant on the ground floor. When KKlub decided to close in 2014 we had to find new premises for our meetings. We decided to shift our meetings to the present location which was being rented for our Resource Centre/ Scope.

Resource Centre/Scope was established by RCM in 2010 to provide vocational training/ guidance to special needs children and funding for its operations was through our project funds and corporate sponsorship.

The meeting room was branded as Rotary Melawati Community Centre with it serving multiple purposes. A Community Centre to provide service to the community and a venue for various activities. The Centre has been used for Malayalam classes, hobby training courses for the community, SeeGEM meetings, medical counseling, etc.

There were also plans to use it to provide tuition to students from nearby orphanage homes. We have also conducted talks for our community at the Centre. During some weekly meetings we have invited friends of Rotary and our community residents for public talks given by guest speakers.

We co- shared the premises with Scope ( rebranded name of RCM Resource Centre). Our meetings were conducted at the back portion of the present premises and both the back and the front portion was used for Scope activities during daytime.

Our Centre is progressively becoming a brand name among the community. Our location provides our out-of Melawati members a convenient location for laundry services, exercise classes, convenience marts, eateries, banks and a Mall for shopping etc before or after our weekly meetings.

In the later half of 2015, the licensed operator of Scope decided to pull out which left Scope with no official permits to legally continue operations. We could not find a licensed operator and we had no choice but to close down Scope by the end of 2015.

RCM has been acknowledged by the District as a truly community based Club. Rotary International charters Rotary Clubs based on a geographical location name with the prime intention that it serves the community where it is supposed to serve and where most of its members are from.

Most Rotary Clubs in Klang Valley operate out of the zones of influence and really do not serve the communities based on their geographical name.

A decision was sought from our Club members on the choices available including floating around restaurants for meetings, renting a hall for weekly meetings or to rent a portion of the present premises. All options were explored.

The present premises was accepted by the majority of the members with preference to move to the front portion of the building ( where we are now). The back portion was returned to the owner. The Club agreed on the rental amount and the amount was to be paid from members' dues. This required an increase of RM30 in monthly dues. Every member was personally approached to obtain their consent and the agreement from the then 42 members was unanimous.

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

Our Club’s zone of service over the years have covered primarily Melawati, Hulu Kelang, Wangsa Maju and Setapak and have extended up to Selayang and Ampang areas basically the northeast conurbation of Kuala Lumpur. 16 members have a Melawati address and a total of 23 members live within RCM’s zone of service.

Due to its mountains, fresh air, green environment, pristine rivers, sparkling drinking water and friendly locals, RCM has attracted and inducted members as far away as Seremban, Kajang, Rawang, Raub and Subang Jaya. We have a member based in Chittagong and two honorary members in Pune and Hobart. Truly a community based and global Club.

09

Members Lounge

RC MELAWATI FAMILY Siva Kumar | Dr Navin | Sudha | Mahen | Surin | Shanti | Som Phong | Ooi | Dr. Krishna | Raja Renno | Pushpa | Rema Paul | Shanmugam | Ramesh | Dr. Dhileepan | Nithiananthan | Shuseela | Sunthar Raj | Mark | Sreetharan | Suresh | Doris | Akshay | Anita | Dr. Premela | Kumanan | Lai | Ratnam | Rajes | Rajoo | Salina | Rajindran | Salmah | Dr Selva Kumar | Asha | Dr Indigo | Apsara | Zulkifli | Sreeganesh | Soundarajan | Yasmin | The frame was creatively done by PAG Pushpa for the Club's 20th aniversary celebration

NAIL BITING FINISH AT RC MELAWATI BULLETIN POLLS, EC UNDER SCRUTINY

By Reporter Surin, MalaysiaKuno

Kuala Lumpur, 10 July - RC Melawati's attempt to resurrect its Monthly Bulletin was filled with drama right from the starting blocks. The polls to decide on the new bulletin name generated overwhelming response from members and the results hung in the balance and a another poll is looming.

I proposed MELAWATI VIBES and the majority voted for it - without political trading nor any foul play. It was a fair win!

- Shan, YNWA

The EC added to the cliffhanger situation when it suddenly released the interim results mid-day fueling speculation of foul play. Bersih Taman Melawati Chairman, Sudhaharan Nair issued a strongly worded statement urging EC not to release interim results as it has never been the case in Malaysian history.

RCM President Siva Kumar, in an attempt to calm the situation has urged members to keep calm and refrain from inflammatory postings on Official Group. He has assured all members that the situation is under control. His deputy, Mahendran who was on a working visit to Cameron Highlands is said to be rushing back to Melawati where the mercury is set to rise again today.

Meanwhile Ampang Police Chief ACP Patel has confirmed that brothers Shanmugam and Surindran were detained at Restoran Curry Prata yesterday evening for illegal assembly. ACP Patel has warned all warring factions to toe the line, he said " you may have freedom of speech, but not freedom after your speech".

One thing is for sure, the Editor in Chief of the upcoming RCM Bulletin has done a fantastic job to rekindle members interest in the Club Bulletin, let's wait for the photo finish today, while the political horse trading is expected to continue even after the results are out.

In Hyderabad, one family's door lock got damaged. They had to urgently attend some function at home in Mahaboobnagar. Locking door is not possible. The family cleverly put a notice on the door COVID- 19 POSITIVE: DO NOT ENTER, and went away. On return, they found a new sticker replacing the old SANITISATION DONE. HOUSE EMPTIED. ALL CLEAN. NOW STAY SAFE! đ&#x;˜†đ&#x;˜‚ JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

BY PAG SUDHA

10

#MyRotaryStory

Aside from contributing, I receive much more than I give.

SERVICE TO OTHERS IS THE RENT YOU PAY FOR YOUR ROOM HERE ON EARTH

By Rtn Dr Indigo, Mind Wellness & Success Practitioner I was born in Chicago, Illinois - USA the birthplace of the Rotary Club. I grew up knowing about the organization. My initial impression was that it attracted people who were of influence and contributed to society, which is great. But, it’s far more than that. I was invited to join Rotary many moons ago.

Being of service is in my DNA. So, I was excited about being tapped to join this incredible organization; however, at that time, clubs were allowed to only have one professional representing an industry. So, I couldn’t join any club in my area.

It wasn’t until I attended functions and experienced Rotary Club Melawati with Mahendran Daniel who sponsored me that I knew Rotary was a piece of the puzzle that was missing in my life. I have always been involved in charity and community work, but when you blend the camaraderie with volunteerism being a member was something that I not only wanted to do but needed to do.

I’m learning about Malaysia from various perspectives such as its cultural and environment which allows me to be of further service. RCM community trips allow us to visit important sites such as Rotary Club Melawati’s Vocational Trip to Sime Darby Palm Oil Experience Centre (POEC), Carey Island prior to the MCO. What a great way to spend a Saturday learning and having fun.

Aside from the volunteering, relationships are the foundation of Rotary. And, RCM exemplifies such! The sister/brotherhood that I’m experiencing across Malaysia has been life changing. I cannot say enough about this so I will end with “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” Muhammad Ali. It’s a blessing to pay this rent and to be a tenant in a home filled with people whom I love and who loves me. That’s what I call a blessing.

Since being a member, I’ve been able to utilize my talent and time towards initiatives that are meaningful. As a Mind Wellness practitioner, I am committed to Rotary District 3300 Action Group on Mental Wellbeing led by DGE Dato’ Bindi. This committee is working diligently to launch a commission that will be impact mental health. The people of influence that I’m meeting and supporting truly allows me to be my authentic self in an up close and personal way. Aside from contributing, I receive much more than I give.

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

11

Rotary Malaysia

DISTRICT GRANT OPEN FOR SUBMISSION Rotary clubs can now submit their applications for the district grant. It is valid for all projects that are planned throughout the RY 2020-21 beginning 1 July 2020.

3 MEMBERS ATTENDED THE SEMINAR Former and current Public Image Chairs - Rtn Suresh Unnikrishnan, and Rtn Salina Hussein, as well as Rtn Yasmin attended the Seminar.

Rotary Malaysia speakers included District Public Image Chair, Past Asst. Governor Rajj from RC Subang and ARPIC Karthi from RC Central Damansara. Optimisation of social media, crafting Rotary experience and emphasis on effective branding were some of the topics discussed. There will be The People of Action poster competition (opens from 1 July until 31 Oct 2021).

ROTARY MALAYSIA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT CAMPAIGN Following MCO, the Rotary Club worked round the clock to ensure as many deserving people as possible received the care they needed. Over RM1 million was raised in donations, which was promptly disbursed to supply needy families with food aid. Now that restrictions in movement are greatly relaxed, the Rotary Club has set out with a new objective: reminding Malaysians never to let their guard down. Launched on 30 June 2020, the video on Rotary Malaysia YouTube channel has garnered 1300 views.

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

12

Rotary Information

ABOUT ROTARY

Attendees at Rotary’s first convention in Chicago in 1910.

Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the convention ended.

WHY ROTARY YEAR BEGINS ON 1 JULY Ever wonder why 1 July is the beginning of the Rotary year?

Initially, our conventions played a key role in determining the start date of our fiscal and administrative year. Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the first convention ended, on 18 August 1910. The 1911-12 fiscal year also related to the convention, beginning with the first day of the 1911 convention on 21 August. Attendees at Rotary’s first convention in Chicago in 1910. Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the convention ended.

The next August, the Board of Directors ordered an audit of the International Association of Rotary Clubs’ finances. The auditors recommended that the organization end its fiscal year on 30 June to give the secretary and treasurer time to prepare a financial statement for the convention and board, and to determine the proper number of club delegates to the convention. The executive committee agreed and, in April 1913, designated 30 June as the end of the fiscal year. This also allowed for changes to the schedule for reporting club membership and payments.

Rotary continued to hold its annual conventions in July or August until 1917. The term “Rotary year” has been used to signify Rotary's annual administrative period since at least 1913. Since the executive committee’s decision in 1913, the end of the Rotary year has remained 30 June.

Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/history-why-rotary-year-begins-1-july

RY20-21: ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES RI President-elect Holger Knaack’s theme for 2020-21, Rotary Opens Opportunities, asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.

JULY - NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH Each year Rotary Clubs and Districts across the globe induct new leaders.

Our leaders exemplify all of the qualities that make our members extraordinary; integrity, expertise, and commitment to service.

For more information: www.rotary.org www.rotary3300.org

JULY 2020 | NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

13

EDITORIAL BOARD Advisor

PRESIDENT SIVA KUMAR RAGHAVAN Contributors

CP DR NAVIN PATEL PP DR DHILEEPAN NAIR RTN DR INDIGO PAG SHANTI JAYARAM PAG SUDHAHARAN NAIR PP SURINDRAN RAMASAMY PAG PUSHPA Editor

RTN YASMIN YUSOF

CONTACT US Rotary Melawati Community Centre 311-A, Lorong Kedah, Melawati Square Taman Melawati 53100, Kuala Lumpur Honorary Secretary Rtn Yasmin Yusof +6016.4174570 | ryasminy@yahoo.com