METRO MUSING 17

Dear Friends,

WISHING YOU ALL HAPPY TO NEW YEAR! I pray to the Almighty for a much Better, Meaningful and Successful New Year to you all. Since we are taking leave of absence for 9 days on account of our trip to Malaysia, I am putting down below the Minutes of BoD held on 29th December, 2009, hosted by Rtn. Nilesh and Sheetal Taunk in which 10 Members remained present.

President welcomed all the Board Members. Many topics were discussed. The gist of the same is as follows (certainly it requires ratification in the Business Meeting on 7th January, 2010):

SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2010

3rd - Project Atmanirbhar at Dashrath

7th - Business Meeting over Hi-Tea at Hotel Surya Palace at 7.30 p.m.

10th - Polio National Immunization Day

16th / 17th - Project visit to AASTHA & NISHTHA

21st / 22nd ? - Joint Meeting of all Clubs of Baroda for GSE

29th to 31st - 'JALSA' - 40th Rotary Conference at Hotel Daman Ganga Valley Resorts, Silvassa.

OTHER DECISIONS

1. Board agreed to host PETS & SETS for Central Gujarat on 4th April, 2010, provided registration charges are uniform for all the PETS. Possible venues were discussed.

2. It was decided to induct two new Members - Mr. Sudhir Sethi and Mrs. Leena Smart as they have completed the formalities and Board has accepted their proposal. It was decided to induct them from 1st January, 2010 though official induction will be in a family meeting later on.

3. President invited Rtn. Nilesh Patel to give update of Atmanirbhar. He appraised and discussed points like 2nd camp in Dangs on 21st and 22nd of February, 2010, attendance of Members, Expenses, Core Group Orientation, Letters of Gratitude to Donors, etc.

4. President conveyed compliments to Rtn. Sunil Vakil for BLINK, Rtn. Nilesh Patel for Atmanirbhar and Rtn. Dr. Manoj Desai for successful operation of the first patient (who has gone back home happily).

5. Rotaract and Interact need to be activized, especially for Polio NID. Rtn. Pinky and Rtn. Nilesh have taken the responsibility to streamline the same.

7. Polio Plus Chairman Rtn. Manisha will appraise you after discussing with Revenue District Coordinator Bhupendra Parikh as well as Vadodara Municipal Corporation doctors about our role and support.

8. January, 2010 is month for Public Relations and the plan of action was discussed. Chairman Rtn. Savir Julka will finalize and update to you.

9. Rtn. Premal accepted the responsibility to send two pictures (one each of Project Sanjeevani and Atmanirbharwith small write up) to Rotary News for publication.

10. President Elect Premal Smart announced his Board and everyone appreciated and pledged support to him for his year.

Lastly, President thanked the Hosts Nilesh and Sheetal as well as charming daughter Vishaka who served with a smile.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 16

GLIMPSES OF BLINK

Dear Friends,

A meaningful and different event !
Worth watching !
Listening to GENEXT !

These are some of the expressions that have come for this event. Kudos to Rtns. Sunil and Alok who have made it happen.

Total Number of Entries - 13 Teams
Winners - First - Coffee Collars from BBA, Baroda. Totally 4 Teams have qualified for the final round.

Sharp at 2.30 p.m. everybody was seated and at 2.45 p.m. the event took off after Rtn. Sunil's opening remarks and rules of the game. Then President Sharmishtha welcomed all and conveyed her best wishes to the participants.

The stage was ready, enthusiasm was at its peak and the affect of adrenalin rushing through the arteries and veins was felt by everyone present ! Witness the same in the pictures which I have taken and uploaded herewith.

Rotarians - Nilesh, Manoj, Pinky, Vrajesh & Shama Hakim were present in the Inaugural Session to encourage the participants. The rainbow spectrum of ideas was unbelievable. It started from 'Waste Management' to 'Coffee Collars.'

Prizes and Certificates were given to all the participants of Central Gujarat Clubs. The event lasted till 7.00 p.m.! I am sure this would be an on going activity under the banner of RCBM for the Youth Services.

Long Live RCBM Clan of Difference Makers.

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

Dear Friends,

Last Meeting - 18th December, 2009
Number of Attendees - 26
Venue - Relish Resorts, Old Padra Road, Vadodara.

The meeting started a bit late then usual due to late arrival of many people. In the meantime DVD on Project Atmanirbhar created by Rishiraj was shown to those who were present and could not see the same on the blog.

President started the meeting with Opening Remarks about December as "Family" month. She welcomed Senior Rotarian Raja Guman of RC Agola, District 3030. His expression of RCBM is as under:

"In my 39 years of Rotary career as 100 Percenter and after visiting more than 25 countries for Rotary Projects, let me express that I have witnessed one of the best clubs in India - RC Baroda Metro. The kind of projects and the celebration by the family in today's meeting that I have observed alongwith 'musical fellowship' is outstanding!"

President then gave a brief introduction of me! I made my presentation 'Jashan' (for the first time - your feedback will help me to improve upon it) and I ended on the required steps for Project Atmanirbhar.

Then came the much awaited moment - a big cake was offered by President to celebrate two occasions - (1) Birthday of Hon. Secretary Pratima Bordevekar and (2) Marriage Anniversary of Ann Kavita and Rtn. Savir Julka. Everyone applauded them while singing the Birthday song ( I am awaiting the pictures from those who have taken it to put them on the blog).

Then the floor was given to Rtn. Manisha R. Bhatt who had thoughtfully planned Antakshri for all. She divided the club into four groups with special names like Pan Pasand, Mango Bite, To fee Delight, etc. Someone has said; "There is child in everyone" and all the children came alive in the last meeting while singing the songs. The rainbow spectrum of the songs started from the 70s' to the latest. Quick fire around was played between Manisha, Pratima, Sonal and Sheetal. In true Rotary Spirit Manisha adjudged everyone as the winner and gave gift.

Fellowship over the dinner was outstanding. Overall a good meeting and those who did not come really missed something as I cannot do justice to describe the same.

IMPORTANT NEWS

1. The first patient of Atmanirbhar - Vipul Vasava was successfully operated yesterday. Surprisingly, inspite of amputation, he is very comfortable and is thanking Rotary for relieving him of a big suffering. Isn't this a good blessing in disguise? When are you visiting him?

2. Please remember to attend BLINKS today at BBA Hall at 2.30 p.m. for the Inaugural Session. Many teams are participating and it would be wonderful to witness the show and inspiring hard work put in by Sunil and Alok.

NEXT MEETING

1. See you all at Tanushri's Wedding on 26th December at Shiv Mahal Palace (this is in lieu of our regular meeting of 24th).

2. Board of Directors' meeting will be held at Sergeant-at-Arms Nilesh Taunk's residence at 8.00 p.m. on 29th December. He has already sent email to all the Board Members so those who have not confirmed, please confirm your participation.

Let me end on the following inspiring thought:

The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked.

"There is a scratch on the nose of the idol." said the sculptor, still busy with his work.

"Where are you going to install the idol?"

The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high.

"If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?" the gentleman asked.

The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said, "I will know it."

The desire to excel is exclusive of the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not.

"Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside.

Excellence is not for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction and efficiency...

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES - DECEMBER 2009

LIST OF PATIENTS OF DEDIAPADA CAMP FOR OPERATION

METRO MUSING 15

Dear Friends,

Last Meeting held on 4th December, 2009 - Attendance 14 Members.

President called the meeting to order and prayer was recited by all. The 4-Way Test was recited by Rtn. Sumul Patel. Rtn. Vijay Bhatt who has come to the Rotary fold again introduced himself in a very brief way. He is a man of action rather than words. He preferred to talk about his impression about Atmanirbhar Project at Dediapada. His actions will be highlighted in the later part of this blog.

President gave opening remarks about December - "Family Month" with the following lines:

1. "We cannot choose our family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them." (Desmond Tutu)

2. "Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see past, present and future."

3. "The only rock I know stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family." (Lee Iacocca).

President offered pins to following Star Performers:

1. Rtn. Alok Desai for his excellent steering of Kalyan Banerjee Felicitation Function.

2. Rtn. Rishriraj Mistry for his excellent DVD on Project Atmanirbhar - Dediapada Camp.

3. Rtn. Vijay Bhatt for making Dediapada Camp a grand success.

NEXT MEETINGS

1. 6th December - Project Atmanirbhar at Dashrath.

2. 10th December - Adjusted against Project Atmanirbhar at Dashrath.

3. 17th December - Family Fellowship & Foundation Talk at Relish Resort at 8.00 p.m. planned by Rtn. Manisha R. Bhatt.

4. 19th December - Regional round of Business Idea Contest BLINK in Baroda at I.G. Patel Auditorium (inside Social Works Department Campus) from 3.00 p.m. onwards.

5. 24th December - Adjusted against 26th December - Wedding of Tanushree (Rtn. Bharat Mehta has invited all personally)

President narrated the above mentioned schedule of meetings alongwith other Board decisions, which are as follows:

1. President welcomed Rtn. Iqbal Hakim as President Nominee 2011-12. He would be attending all Board meetings from now onwards in his new capacity.

2. President informed that she has received names of Rtn. Sunil Vakil and Rtn. Rachna Garg for District Sports Events.

3. RYLA for the youth was highlighted.

4. Polio NID will be held in January and February 2010 and we have to start planning for the same under the guidance of Rtn. Manisha M. Bhatt.

5. IPP Rajan reminded every one for the Piggy Bank Project of this year.

6. Dediapada Camp was a grand success and we have learnt some lessons so that next time we are still better organized. Everyone agreed that we should go to remote areas where help is not reaching like Dang and Tejgadh.

7. President informed all regarding Board's decision for Seminar for Teachers for differently abled children to be conducted in later half of January, 2010, which would be of 4 hours on Saturday afternoon over hi-tea. Details will be finalized by Committee Members - Rtns. Manisha M. Bhatt, Mitesh, Premal, Shehnaz and Sonal under the name of 'Project Tare Zameen Par.'

8. Accounts for the year 2008-09 - IPP Rajan tendered his apologies and committed to circulate soft copy in 2 days time. Rtn. Sunil Vakil volunteered his help for going into the details of the same in order to follow club's final guidelines, which was accepted by IPP Rajan.

9. President informed Rtn. Premal Smart, President (Elect) to decide his Board before 31st December, 2009.

10. Everyone present whole heartedly agreed to go ahead with Polio Reconstructive Surgery of the cases identified at Dediapada Camp. Dr. Manoj Desai will perform surgeries free of cost but medicines, plaster, anesthesia and stay would be costing approximately Rs.3500 to Rs.4000 per patients.

11. There was a brief discussion about how to improve Public Image of Rotary in the month of January, 2010 and it was decided to explore - (1) Mr. Nafiz Khan (Rtn. Iqbal Hakim to explore) for showing Atmanirbhar DVD on VNM. (2) Handbill highlighting our activities to go as newspaper inserts and (3) Rtn. Vijay Bhatt to give pictures with small write up to print media.

BREAKING NEWS

Rtn. Vijay Bhatt was so moved by the sufferers of Dediapada Camp that he decided to act fast. He showed DVD (Sanjay Drashti) of Dediapada Camp, which is already on the blog, to his friends and collected donation of Rs.1,01,001 in less than 12 hours (as under) - that is called 'Man of Action' friends, that is called 'Empathy. ' The world is full of 'Sympathizers' but this kind of 'Empathizer' will definitely get us smiles on the faces of underserved ones of Dediapada.

1. Shri Atik Desai - Rs.10,000

2. Shri Chintan Patel - Rs.11,000

3. Shri Chandan Gyanchandani - Rs.10,000

4. Shri Mukund & Archana Baxi - Rs.10,000

5. Shri Dinesh Khedkar - Rs.10,000

6. Shri Hitendra Upadaya - Rs.10,000

7. Shri Kirit Patel - Rs.10,000

8. Shri Vijay Bhatt - Rs.10,000

9. Shri Arvind R. Haribhakti - Rs.5,000

10. Ms. Hema Kalyan Haribhakti - Rs.5,000

11. Shri Deepak Shah - Rs.5,000

12. Shri P. Uma Maheshwar Rao - Rs.5001

MAY GOD BLESS THE LARGE HEARTED DONORS FOR A WORTHY CAUSE.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

Dear Friends,

Here is the video of Dediapada -Aatmanirbhar camp.

It is proven that EMPATHY raises the IMMUNITY....I request you to spare only 7.45 mins. to view the video to see what RCBM has done at Dediapada.

Pl do attend tomorrow's high-tea meeting at Hotel Surya Palace at 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Also please remember new idea...of BLINK. I am pasting Rtn. Sunil's letter for details:

Dear All,
This week we have finished/pursued following activities in connection with hosting a regional round of Business Idea Contest BLINK in Baroda
In consultation with the coordinator from MSU Prof. P M Shah, 11 colleges/faculties of undergraduate courses at MSU were identified. BLINK literature and forms of participation were personally delivered to the Dean/Student Coordinators of those faculties.
Date of contest was finalized as 19th December, Saturday from 3.00 pm onward. Venue will be I G Patel Auditorium inside Social Works Department Campus
Other private institutions in Waghodia and Por were approached. Parul Institute, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Sigma Institute and Bavaria Institute were visited and the letters as well as Forms were handed over to the Heads/Senior Professor of the respective Institutions. Parul, Sigma and Bavaria, which are affiliated to Gujarat Technical University have a limited/negligent chance of participation as they all have end of the term examinations of all their undergrad students throughout the month of December....
Regards
SUNIL VAKIL

Good day !

Manoj

ATMANIRBHAR - I - DEDIAPADA CAMP

Dear Friends,

You should have been there to witness and feel the difference making Atmanirbhar Project in the real tribal area of Dediapada.

The facts and figures are as follows:

Total No. of patients - 142

Orthetic Aid (Prosthesis, Calipers, Crutches, etc.) - 64

Tricycle cases (non-operable) - 11

No. of Patients where no help could be rendered as they were either Cerebalpalsy or Deformity due to Myelitis, Meningitis or Sickle Cell Disease - 40

No. of patients requiring operation - 17

The expressions that I have heard from Rotarians are as follows:

1. "This is real Rotary."

2. "Each smile is worth a crore of Rupees."

3. "Unbelievable - lets have more projects like this."

4. "This is the need of the hour."

5. "Rotary means to reach out to have nots."

Friends our journey started at 7.00 a.m. from Baroda. Time Management was so good that three cars from different areas gathered after 1 & 1/2 hours drive to have a cup of tea at the road side (Picture 003).

Rtn. Nilesh had planned the camp with the help of Mr. Rajesh Zaveri and Bharat Sevashram Sang, Dediapada (Picture 068).

The scenic beauty that we saw enroute cannot be described in words and hence I am just uploading the pictures of lush green area at Visalkhadi (Pictures 005 & 009). Everyone was so motivated that we decided to keep this in mind as a picnic spot - could be overnight or morning till evening.

The challenges that we saw in the camp cannot be described in words. You can see patients with their relatives (Pictures 015, 020, & 022) come down from long distances and there were long queues.

How difficult life can be of these physically challenged people with various deformities (Pictures 013, 018, 024) ? Look at the size of the legs versus hands due to inability to walk since birth (Picture 031).

Personal touch and involvement of Rotarians was seen at all levels - whether it was prosthesis (Picture 019) or Calipers (Picture 042) or even distribution of food to the beneficiaries (Picture 037), registration, convincing patients' relatives, etc.

I got an opportunity to see some real tricky (more than 42 patients) and challenging cases, not seen in cities (Picture 057).

Each picture is a thousand words and I have got 70 pictures all of which I cannot upload and hence I would conclude by saying that this was the first time that city people visited Dediapada and organized a camp. Picture 061 & 062 shows delivery of caliper and "smile of hope." Picture 064 shows delivery of caliper and 065 shows giving up stick for the first time in life. Satisfied relatives (Picture 063) or innocent smiles or sheer joy.

Friends, time has come to rethink - would you like to make this camp more successful by your commitment of time (10 volunteers out of 43 Rotarians can be improved upon. Isn't it?) and participating in different activities with excellent planning! Cases of operations need your help. those who have never walked can definitely be made to walk with minor operations, provided somebody sponsors their cases. Mr. Zaveri has promised us to bring (using his own vehicle) the patients to my hospital. I will certainly do the operation free of charge but some cost is involved towards anesthesia, drugs, etc. Would you like to be a friend of these "have nots" and make them Atmanirbhar?

Do not forget to see the video that I would upload in the next two days with my Sanjay Drashti Rishriraj.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

FIRST TIME EVER...VIDEO...KB FELICITATION

Dear Friends,

I am uploading on our blog the edited copy of video captured by Rishiraj of Kalyan Banerjee Felicitation Programme. Kindly view it.

This is the first time that we have done something totally different. This gives me idea that we can definitely put marriage ceremony videos or many other videos on the blog for those who cannot remain present.

Enjoy it!

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

BREAKING NEWS

Dear Friends,

Here is the Breaking News of having a complete family (Rotaract + Interact) with the birth of INTERACT CLUB DIVINE at M.P. Patel High School, Dashrat. On 14th November 2009 Charter Presentation took place and all the three power houses of our club namely President Dr. Sharmishtha, Hon. Secretary Pratima and Director - Youth Services Pinky Patel presented the Charter during a sober function in the morning hours at the school. Due to working hours there was very thin attendance from the Club Members.

I have received the pictures today morning and uploading the same immediately for your knowledge.

It seems to me that there is competition in our club for the star pins !? Do you remember, they were offered to Directors - Club Services Mitesh and Manisha for great performance. Who will be the next ? President Sharmishtha is going to find it difficult whom to give the pin amongst these 3 perfomers ! (1) Director - Vocational Service Bharat Mehta who has already proven his performance for Vocational Awards. (2) Now it is Director - Youth Service Pinky Patel aiming at the same. (3) How can I forget our AG Alok Desai & Sonal Desai for the great success of Pride & Privilege Function! All 3 have kept the flag of RCBM flying high.

I must say that Director - Community Services Nilesh Patel is waiting in wings to take off the first camp of Atmanirbhar on 28th / 29th November who has already taken a trip to Dediapada alongwith Rtn. Vijay Bhatt for the same (await the details of the camp from Director - Community Service Nilesh Patel and President (E) Premal Smart). Mind you, it is not only the Directors, any Rotarian can perform and claim for the pin. I can see Vijay has already given time once ! We await to see your action at the time of Atmanirbhar Camp.

Remember RCBM is a club of Pathfinders, Trendsetters and Difference Makers. We await your participation in any of the three categories.

Reminders

Enjoy this Thursday evening with your family as there is no meeting and re-charge yourself for Atmanirbhar Camp.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

RCBM President & Secretary with school authorities

President & Secretary with Office Bearers of Divine Club & their Incharge Teacher

Director - Youth Services Pinky Patel with President of Interact Club

METRO MUSING 14

PRIDE & PRIVILEGE -

FELICITATION FUNCTION OF RIPN KALYANBHAI & BINOTAJI

Total Attendance - 364 - Vow !! - All 19 Clubs remained present.
Our Club's Attendance - 38 Rotarians and 6 Guests making it to 44 - Kudos !?

An Evening with RIPN Kalyan and Ann Binota Banerjee was attended by all the Clubs of Central Gujarat, applauded by all present and will be remembered for a long time to come. Some of the expressions that AG Alok Desai received are as follows:

"Grand Success."
"Crisp Function with many surprises"

"Wonderful Show"

"Captivating"

"Sweet & Short - Baroda Style"
"A Sheer Beauty"

"Well Managed Function with Excellent Time Management"

The function started at 7.45 p.m. with 19 Presidents receiving Kalyan'da and Binota ji.

Major Sharma and 3 Assistant Governors received them at the entrance of the hall and led them to their seats after meeting all the Past RI Officers of Central Gujarat, except PDG Dr. Bakul Joshi as he was out of station on account of Conference.

The camaraderie was obvious in the song which was being played - "Sathi Haat Badana Sathi Re...." The moment DG Major Sharma escorted RIPN Kalyan'da and Binota ji to the dias, the melodious voice of Master of Ceremony Radhika flowed and audience was in rapt attention, not to miss anything.

The meeting was called to order by Rtn. Rajiv Gehlot of RC Baroda Sayajinagari.
Prayer was recited by Miss Ishira Baxi of RC Baroda Jawaharnagar.
Then came the surprise as Master of Ceremony Sarmir was missing who was actually present in the audience and he picked up the thread and requested young Rtn. Atman Shah of RC Baroda Airport to recite the 4-Way Test. You would not believe but young Rtn. Atman recited the same in a crisp way without any hesitation or referring to any paper. All present applauded him.
Then MoC welcomed all the dignitaries and attendees. Floral welcome was done by all the 3 Assistant Governors.
Then DG Major Sharma expressed is feelings on behalf of the entire District. He poured his heart out by rendering a beautiful couplet.
Then it was the time for me (Manoj). After thinking a lot I preferred to introduce Kalyan Banerjee and used language of heart in Urdu and Hindi, rather than in English. Repeated claps of audience, even in those 4 minutes encouraged me a lot. In the given 4 minutes I completed introduction of Kalyan Banerjee as "Karmayogi," "Big B of Rotary," "Khatron Ka Khiladi," "Sapno Ka Saudagar" and "Allama." I realised that I missed out to highlight 40 years of marriage life and hence I took the liberty to invite Binota ji to let us know how 40 years with Kalyan’da have been.
Everyone present in the hall appreciated Binotaji's 4 minutes straight from the heart talk and she was adjudged as highlight of the show by one and all.
Then PDG Ashokbhai narrated their time together – back to back years and conveyed his best wishes in chosen words.
Then the video interview of Kalyan’da was shown, just for 7 minutes. Kalyan’da thanked Alok and Rishiraj for their support in making his video presentation.

"Rajyabhishek" Ceremony was done in a befitting "Gaekwadi" style by PDG Ashokbhai in presence of DG and all RI officers. Smt. Binotaben was offered a "Shrifal" by Ann Meena Bhatt. During the entire ceremony a beautiful song of Jodha Akbar was played in the background.
PDG Mayur Vyas and PDG Jatin Bhatt narrated their experience with Kalyan’da and Binota ji and committed whole-hearted support.
Then followed the terrific performance of Rtn. Nilesh and his Group on the following 7 songs in flat 7 Minutes. The innocent smiling girls conveyed great meaning what it is to be a Rotarian.
1. Vaishnav Jan..
2. Aakhoin Mei Sapna…
3. Kisi Ki Muskurat…..
4. Heal the World…
5. Chodo Kal Ki Baatein..
6. Mile Sur Mera Tumhara..
7. Jai Ho…
The stage was then set for Kalyan’da. Next 28 minutes was a real treat for all who remained present. His year’s logo and theme were weaved in his talk while asking for support to break the record at Bangkok Convention. The entire audience said, “Yes, we will come.” Kalyan’da used SMS twice and received thunderous applause. Spontaneous standing ovation by one and all itself was the proof of how they felt about Chasm-o-Charag’s speech.
Felicific Plaque by 19 Presidents of Central Gujarat was presented to Kalyan’da. We were made proud as the only Lady President of Central Gujarat – our President was given the honour to offer the same. Yet another honour for our club was that the words on the plaque were aptly selected by Sunil Vakil, who expressed his feelings for Kalyan’da while Samir invited him to share his feelings.
Vote of Thanks was given by President (Elect) Rohit Shah of RC Baroda.

Everyone enjoyed -enough time to relish excellent varieties with 'sit down' arrangments and the fellowship continued till 11.20 – can you believe it more than one and half hour for dinner? Old bonds were renewed, shake hands were exchanged and lot of smiles were poured.

What more do I say – Yeh Dil Maange More…. This kind of function is certainly a rarity and a great expression of joy for one of us creating a new milestone ! Enthusiasm of 364 Rotarians and Anns of Central Gujarat was greatly appreciated by RIPN Kalyan'da and Binota ji.

Kudos to our own AG Alok for the excellent planning and effective execution. Rtn. Sonal Desai’s help for this needs to be appreciated by all of us (it is a secret that I am revealing now).

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 13

LAST MEETING...BUSINESS MEETING AT HOTEL SURYA PALACE - 7.30 to 8.30 p.m.
President welcomed all after praying together.
The 4-Way Test was recited by Rtn. Iqbal Hakim.

President gave good news that Rtn. Iqbal Hakim has finally accepted to be the President Nominee of our Club for 2011-12. Everybody applauded the same.

Then Board Minutes were read out and unanimaously passed.

MoM of BoD MEETING HELD ON 2ND NOVEMBER
Host - Rtn. Anil Bordavekar
Total Number of Members present - 9

President welcomed all BoD Members and informed all present that Atmanirbhar Camp will be started now with full vigour. She then thanked Rtn. Bharat Mehta for sponsoring the Vocational Awards and organizing the meeting conducted last Thursday.

President was happy to announce that our Candidate for GSE - Miss Niyati has been selected for GSE Team to Sri Lanka and all present conveyed their congratulations

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS DISCUSSED

1. Atmanirbhar Gujarati Banner to be made for all camps

2. Committee to be formed soon in the next meeting for Dediapada camp in the last weekend of November.

3. 15th November - Felicitation of RIPN Kalyan and Binota Banerjee at Hotel Surya Palace. Total 40 Members have committed to attend the function. Chargers per person is Rs.300 for spouses or guests.

4. Dress Code for 15th - Black Jacket + Tie + Black Trouser for Gents and Silk Bhandani for Ladies.

5. A picnic / musical programme is being planned and Rtn. Utkarsh, Nilesh and Manoj gave ideas. Everybody appreciated Nileshbhai's idea of Undhiya Party with Musical programme - may be for fund raising in the next month.

6. Last week of December is for Family Meeting and Entertainment.

7. It was decided to have a T-Shirt for Club members, which would be sponsored by President. Our Ambassador Manoj had gone to Tirupur for TRF Seminar and got the samples as that is the place!

8. Extension of lease of building at Sindhrot - Atmanirbhar. Rtn. Rajan Bhatt and Vijay Bhatt will take care of this issue - getting papers, meeting Collector, etc. IPP Rajan Bhatt also informed the members about finalization of accounts of last year soon. Everybody opined that Sindhrot property as well as possibility of new land should be explored simultaneously. Rtn. Vijay Bhatt is the key person for the same ably supported by Premal Smart for the Project Report.

NEXT BoD MEETING WILL BE ON 7TH DECEMBER TO BE HOSTED BY RAJANBHAI.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 12

VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDS AND FAMILY GET-TOGETHER
Total Attendance – 27

Excellent time management as the meeting was completed exactly in 60 minutes. Salient features of the meeting are as under:

President welcomed Members and the Guests. She also gave crisp opening remarks and highlighted two important upcoming events on Sunday:

1. TRF Seminar at Bharuch
2. Project Atma Nirbhar

Those of you who wish to go to Bharuch for the Seminar kindly inform President or Secretary. IPP Rajan and Bharatbhai have decided to attend the TRF Seminar at Bharuch. It is going to be very informative and interesting Seminar.

Then President invited our returning Member Ahmed Munavvari to give his introduction. In less than 7 minutes Ahmedbhai completed it by dividing his introduction into three parts – self, family and business. It was interesting. He learnt flying before driving! How true it is that Man proposes and God disposes! Destiny struck and he lost his father and had to look after the family business at a rather young age. Coming to business part everyone said vow when he informed that due to his business and various schemes by TV companies, he has always surpassed the targets (killer instinct, goal setting – we have some one who can teach all of us) and won free tickets to go around the world. He has traveled nearly all over the world (those of you who are envious can start franchisee business of Sayaji Radio)!! The most important aspect of his talk was why he returned to Rotary after a spell of few years. He in a beautiful couplet described Rotary as an icon of friendship which nobody forgets in life. Though he was not in Rotary he was regularly in touch and was contacted by our Club Members, may be on good occasions or setbacks and this friendship has brought him back.

Then he highlighted his family and was emotionally charged when he described his grandson Arman Hussain (like a true grandfather, which changed the meaning of life). He completed his talk with a beautiful couplet which I am putting down so that absentees would come to know that they missed:

Dosti - aptly described by Rtn. Ahmed in the following couplet:

"Kabhi Dimagh, Kabhi Dil
Kabhi Nazar Mein Raha Karo
Yeh Sab Tumhare Hi Ghar Hai
Chaho Kisi Mein Bhi Raho."

Then President invited Director – Vocational Service Bharat Mehta who described the purpose of Vocational Service Awards and appreciated the dedication and commitment of Sanjeevani Awardees – Mr. Indravadan, Ms. Kumudben and Mr. Dharmesh for their yeomen services rendered at Ramakrishnan Parmanhans Hospital, Kalali. It is noteworthy that the first two have rendered services for nearly two decades. With rich verbal tribute all the three were awarded Certificate and Trophy, which was highly applauded by all present. All the three expressed their feelings.

After that President recognized the new Paul Harris Fellows of 2009-10 whose Certificates and Pins have come, which were given away by me as President remembered my role as RRFC in yester years. They are Ms. Esha Bhatt and Ms. Stuti Smart.

President also gave Banners and Leaflets to Dr. Bhavsar for displaying at the hospital regarding Polio as well as Dehydration problems.

This was followed by secretarial announcements for next meeting, birthdays and greetings. Thereafter National Anthem was sung and fellowship over dinner was at its best. One hour meeting and 45 minutes for fellowship over dinner was appreciated by all in comparison with other regular meetings – late start and long hours in meeting. Let us continue this new trend of coming in time and be at home at a decent time.

Watch out friends - Look at the emails – you might be one of the invitees for some celebration?! I am writing this as some of you have not been looking at the blog and emails. It is a good habit otherwise you will lose some important opportunity. I earnestly request you one more time to send good material worth putting on blog.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor