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

NOVEMBER-09 CALENDAR

IMPORTANT EVENTS IN NOVEMBER 2009

1st - Camp at Dashrath / TRF Seminar at Bharuch

2nd - BoD -Host Mrs. & Mrs. Bordavekar

5th - Business Meet at Hotel Surya Palace at 7.30 p.m.

14th - Charter Presentation of Interact Club 'Divine' at M.P. Patel High School, Dashrath (morning)

15th - Felicitation of RIPN Kalyan Banerjee by Clubs of Central Gujarat (Family Meet)

19th - Preview for the Camp - Atmanirbhar (Family Meet) and Speech on 'The Rotary Foundation' by PDG Dr. Manoj Desai.

28th & 29th - Atmanirbhar Camp at Dediapada.

Dear Friends,

I look forward to meeting you all on 29th Diwali Get together. Everybody makes New Year Resolution - some for health, some for time management, some for peace of mind, etc. While we were enjoying vacation in Dubai, I came across a beautiful quote - just apt for Voluntary Organization like ours. Here it is for you to ponder over.

"While criticism and disagreement are the hallmarks of true democracy, there is real danger that unjustifiable degree of distrust and denigration will damage democratic institution or discourage right kind of people in serving in them."

Have a wonderful New Year!

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

DIWALI & NEW YEAR WISHES

Dear Friends,

May the festival of lights be the harbinger of joy and prosperity.

As the holy occasion of Diwali is here and the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of mirth and love, here's hoping this festival of beauty brings your way, bright sparkles of contentment, that stay with you through the days ahead.

Best wishes on Diwali and New year.

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 11

BUSINESS MEETING - 8th October, 2009 AT HOTEL SURYA PALACE.
No. of Participants - 20

President read out the Board decisions which were unanimously passed which are follows:

SALIENT FEATURES OF BOD MEET HELD ON 5TH OCTOBER, 2009 AT RANGOLI RESTAURANT
Host - Rtn. Nandkishore Hemrajani
Number of Members present - 13

Special Invitee - AG Alok Desai

President welcomed all the Members.

1. President Dr. Sharmishtha gave the star pins to outstanding performers:

(a) Mitesh and Manisha Bhatt for great work on Club Service.

(b) Premal Smart for hard work on Matching Grant Project.

(c) Nilesh Patel for untiring efforts for Project Atmanirbhar and Drawing Competition.

(d) Pinky Patel for starting Interact Club - Divine.

2. President appraised about Conference Registrations, Hotel Booking and subject as follows:

3. Ms. Niyati Walter is a Rotaractor from our Rotaract Club-“Ananya” who has shown desire to be GSE candidate from our club. She will be sponsored by our Club. We wish her all the best.

4. Triple 'E' Camps would be organized by Atmanirbhar at Tilakwada on 28th and 29th November i.e. Saturday and Sunday. Dediapada is the destination chosen by Project Administrator Mr. Kaushik Thanki. Our preparations are in full swing. Volunteers are required for either one of the days or both the days. Kindly contact President or Secretary.

5. Vocational Service Awards will be given by the Club to Technicians at our matching grant project Sanjeevani and Atmanirbhar on 29th October, family meeting.

6. Past President R.O. Shah's accounts were passed unanimously. There was significant discussions about last year's accounts and IPP Rajan Bhatt has promised to present the same as soon as possible, now that he has all the required details. Treasurer Anil Bordavekar had circulated both the accounts on email and certain observations will be taken into consideration while finalizing.

7. Discussed about the meetings in the month of November.

Thereafter AG Rtn. Alok Desai who was a special invitee, addressed all the BoD Members. He informed all the members about the following:

1. Blink Business Idea Contest - To be held by RC Anand Round Town on 29th November. Finals would be held on 27th December. Teams from colleges would propose Business ideas from 2.00 to 8.00 p.m. on Sunday the 29th of November, 2009.

2. Panel Discussion on "India at Cross Roads" is to be held jointly with all Clubs of Baroda on 13th December, 2009.

3. It was decided to sponsor 150 children for Baroda Marathon on 22nd November, 2009. Rishiraj Mistry would be the leader. The sponsors are:

Rtn. Nilesh Patel - 100 T-Shirts
Rtn. Anil Bordavekar - 25 T-Shirts
Rtn. Alok Desai - 25 T-Shirts

FORTH COMING MEETINGS
8th October - Business Meeting
29th October - Family Meeting
1st November - Project Atmanirbhar from 9-12 noon
2nd November - BoD Meeting (host: Rtns.(Mr.& Mrs. Bordavekar)
5th November - Business Meeting
14th / 15th November - Felicitation of RIPN Kalyan Banerjee in Baroda, by all Central Gujarat clubs.
19th November - Preparations for Camp and Foundation talk by RRFC PDG Manoj Desai
28th / 29th November - Camps at Tilakwada

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

NAVRATRI SPECIAL

VOW !

That is the only expression I can write for yesterday's Fellowship Meet for Garba Night at Swapnil, Sindhrot. Total number of participants - 58 (31 Rotarians). It was a great success, which can be judged from the pictures below.

NEXT MEETING

1st October - Adjusted with Project Atmanirbhar

5th October - BoD Meeting.

8th October - Business Meeting.

IMPORTANT

You must have received email from President to find out the best suitable candidate for GSE team members. All the details are available on the blog.

Registration for Conference 'JALSA' - Those who have committed for Hotel, please send your registration as well as one day Hotel advance to President or Secretary at the earliest.

METRO MUSING 10

HAPPENINGS OF LAST TWO WEEKS

Before I go forward I would like to wish EID MUBAARAK TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND HAPPY NAVRATRI AS WELL. We are entering into Festive Season and naturally it would increase the attendance as there are more celebrations inthe coming months. Meetings for October 2009 are pasted in the Calendar below.

They made us proud! :

1. PP Sunil Vakil was a Faculty for TRF Seminar at Surat. His presentation was precise and earned kudos.

2. District Membership Development Seminar at Vallabh Vidyanagar was a grand success with 260 registrations. Congratulations to Rotarians of RC V.V. Nagar, DG Major Sharma and DMC Bharat Solanki. Our Club was ably represented by 17 Rotarians and 3 Anns, which was the second highest. Since I was the Chief Guest let me convey my gratitude to RCBM Clan for encouraging me. Fellowship lunch at Flavours certainly was the highlight of that day.

3. President Dr. Sharmishtha Desai for training spouses at GETS (Governor Elect Training Seminar) at Cochin on 16th and 17th September.

4. PDG Dr. Manoj Desai as GETS Training Team Member on 16th and 17th September at Cochin. He also compared the Award Ceremony for Membership Development for Zone 5 on 20th September at Zone Institute, Cochin.
GOOD NEWS
Our Matching Grant portion of money has been sent to TRF India. Project ATMANIRBHAR will soon become a reality. President Sharmishtha and the Board Members are thankful to the following donors for their large-heartedness:
1. Kusumben Chhaya - Rs.75,000
2. Rajan Premal - Rs.51,000
3. R.O. Shah - Rs.11,000
4. Mitesh Bhatt - Rs.11,000
5. Ashish Garg - Rs.10,000
6. Pinky Patel - Rs.10,500
7. Alok Desai - Rs. 7,000
8. Nandkishor - Rs. 5,000
9. Sharmishtha - Rs. 5,000
10. P.S. Grover - Rs. 2,500
Total Rs.1,88,000

Your attention is required for GSE Member as well as Leader applications. Do you know anybody who is worthy of being sponsored by us for District Level interview? It would be a life time experience friends!

Next Meeting - Navratri Celebration at our Farm House Swapnil - Opp. Mahipura, Sindhrot on 28th September. Please note the time is from 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. It is a Dussera Holiday for majority of us. Come in time to enjoy and shake your legs! Sponsors - Rtn. Pinky, Rtn. Sunil, Rtn. Bharat and Rtn. Rajan are working hard to make it memorable. Please confirm your participation before Thursday for effective arrangements to do Jungle Mein Mangal (Remember the tree plantation and the party thereafter)!

RI President (E) Ray, RI Director Ravindran, Mrs. Vanathy with Training Leaders Manoj & Sharmishtha offering Appreciation Certificate.

President Sharmishtha alongwith Mrs. Binotaben, Mrs. Vanathy and other spouses after completion of the training session.

Visit to Sankara Netralay - PDG Dr. Manoj Desai was Guest of Honour for Inaugurating Web Conferencing alongwith Health Minister Shri Jay Narayan Vyas, Those who remained present learnt important lesson of serving humanity in the best possible ways.

Project ATMANIRBHAR and Drawing Competition held on 6th September, 2009. A great success.