TREE PLANTATION DAY

Dear Friends,

Number of Participants (Rotarians & Family Members) - 24.

Sunday morning saw a new wave of enthusiasm amongst the club members, it being Tree Plantation Day. Pandit Deendayal School is a school for the Children of Lesser Gods. Most of the children are coming from neighbouring slums. The programme started dot on time at 9.00 a.m. with a short inaugural function followed by the main job - tree plantation. Enthusiasm of Rotarians and Children was at the peak and hence it was completed in less than one and half hour. Compliments to Dr. Nitin Bhate and Mrs. Bhate for the excellent coordination under the guidance of President and Secretary.

There were three outstanding things which happened on that day:

(1) Our new Member Sunil and Secretary Mitesh did not attend the closing ceremony but were found doing something else (please see picture) - they were hammering the tree guards for the plants. Hats off to their commitment and action for protection of saplings.

(2) New 3 awards were floated for the school children. It would be deciding after visiting the school after three months to see whose tree has grown better, thereby instilling the value of nurturing the plant.

(3) Snacks were served to the children first and as luck would have it, very little was left but the Rotarians were so contended with sharing of joy, preparing plates and looking at the smiles on the faces of these children that they did not ask for anything more. Rotary is not Rotli Club for sure.

Please note that the following persons are going to attend the Board Meeting for the agenda which has already been circulated by President Premal on 31st July at Secretary Mitesh's home:

RCBM TEAM FORCE -10 (2010-11)

President - Premal SmartVice President - Utkarsh Hathi

President Elect - Iqbal Hakim

IPP - Dr. Sharmishta DesaiHon.

Secretary - Mitesh Bhatt

Jt. Secretary - Chetan Somani

Treasurer - Sudhir Parikh

Community Service Director - PP Rajan Bhatt

Youth Service Director - Meena Kothari

Vocational Service Director - Ashish Gurg

International Service Director - Manisha Bhatt

Club Service Director - Rachna Gurg

Community Service Counselor - PDG Manoj Desai

Youth Service Counselor - PP Pinky Patel

Vocational Service Counselor - PP Bharat Mehta

International Service Counselor - PP Alok Desai

Club Service Counselor - PP Savir Julka

Bulletin Editor & Publicity Director - PDG Manoj Desai

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AMBASSADORS
1. Rtn. Rishiraj Mistry who got the second prize for his short film at the hands of Balki (Famous Film Director of Paa) and Rajiv Masand (Famous Critic) on last Sunday - 25th July.
2. PDG Dr. Manoj Desai who is appointed as Founder Trustee of Rotary India Humanity Foundation based at Kolkata.
3. PDG Dr. Manoj Desai was the Keynote Speaker at Grand 10 Seminar of 10 Districts on Membership at Tirupur where more than 1000 Rotarians appreciated his new talk - "Lakir Ke Fakir".

Enjoy the monsoon and Makai Bhuttas. Of course, Gujaratis would love to have Bhajiyas and Chai !

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 2 (10-11)

Dear Friends,

LAST MEETING

President Premal started the meeting sharp at 8.15 p.m. after 15 minutes of fellowship period. He invited Ann Pratima to recite the prayer.

1. The meeting was called to order by AG Pinky Patel.
2. The 4-Way Test was recited by Ann Manisha R. Bhatt.
3. Then President requested for official exchange of collar at the hands of IPP Dr. Sharmishtha Desai. Everybody applauded her for the same.
4. Induction of Development Leaders was done by PDG Dr. Manoj Desai.
5. Rotary Kits to new members were given at the hands of AG Pinky Patel.
6. Then President invited Rtn. Sunil Vakil to induct the Counselors and given his Inspirational Address.
7. Rtn. Sunil Vakil took us down the nostalgic journey of 25 years in less than 7 minutes. He highlighted couple of important points like - (i) Club has never believed in pomp and show and (ii) Club has hosted about 17 events in 20 years and our actions were louder than our words. He also said that nobody in our District as ever thought about going 350 Kms. away to do projects – AASTHA & NISHTHA He welcomed new Rotarians and confessed that Rotary has given about 10 to 15 life long friends. He conveyed his kudos to Dr. Sharmishtha for the meaningful difference making year in Membership, Projects, Donations, etc. that we had. He requested Members to get involved and enjoy the fellowship of traveling together for Rotary events. He reminded everyone that original 3 Charter Members (3 Idiots for 25 years!?) are now feeling exhausted and are welcoming new Rotarians with great ideas to make the club vibrant. Finally be wished President Premal all the best.
8. President invited new members to introduce themselves and highlight why they joined Rotary.
Himanshu Rana – He is into Heavy Fabrication and firmly believes that one many can’t do anything but united we can do wonders. He has known Rotary through Premal and he approached Premal to make him a Rotarian.
Rita Patel – Modest and Humble to the Core. Rita said that we should put in our efforts to create an Altruistic Society. Everyone told her that she was rock solid support for all the actions of Nileshbhai for so many years. She has joined Rotary to continue to make the world a better living place.
Dr. Nitin Bhate – He came with many surprises like he was a Rotaractor at Badegaon. He did his college at Miraj and Masters from MS University and PH.D at IIT, Mumbai. In 2006 he came to Vadodara and joined Kala Bhavan. He confessed that he has visited many other clubs but did not like due to their pomp and show (He added; “less action and more words”). Dialysis project brought him to Rotary and he was to be an asset to the Club to make it a ‘Difference Makers Club.’
Sunil Joshi – He is a Computer IT Graduate from Tata Unisys. His wife teaches IT in Navrachna Vidhalay as Technical Coordinator. They are blessed with 10 month old Kritika (immediately Savir requested to bring her in order to experience the same that we all had when Savir and Kavita used to bring their twin daughters to the Club). Sunil Joshi is into Export Engineering Firm providing machinery to Africa and South America. Being a Partner of Mitesh, it is natural that he has heard about Rotary and its projects. That has brought him to Rotary.

Our average age is going down friends. ALL IS WELL in our Club.

9. Then was the time for President Premal to give his Acceptance Speech. He said I do not promise you speeches and I may falter in protocol but one thing is for sure that our Silver Jubilee Year would be remembered for excellent Services and Fellowship, both, as we contribute to the uplift the Society. He highlighted the fundamental principles of Paul Harris – Service and Fellowship. He requested everyone to come forward to do one project at least. He was highly appreciative of 17 Rotarians for Atmanirbhar at Dashrat. He reminded us that there will be many projects in different areas for Atmanirbhar as we have more than Rs.17 lacs in MG available. He also informed Rotarians that all the five machines of Project Sanjeevani are fully booked and one more is donated by AG Pinky Patel’s uncle. Our next Project of getting 3 more machines will fructify soon. He complimented IPP Dr. Sharmishtha. He was hopeful that unique bled of young and old will certainly take the club to create new milestone called Silver Milestone. You can imagine when 24 Rotarians clapped together what encouragement it provides to the President!

Slogan for the Year – Rotary Ke Liya Kuch Bhi Karega. The meeting was over at 9.30 p.m. sharp. The meeting ended over good Chinese delight.

Dr. Manoj Desai
Bulletin Editor

GLIMPSES OF RAJYABHISHEK

SUCCESSFUL PRESS CONFERENCE

PRESIDENTS AT PRESS CONFERENCE

LIGHTING THE LAMP BY CHIEF GUEST

YOURS TRULY AS MoC

STUTI - LEADER OF TOMORROW

OUR NEWLY INSTALLED BOARD

PERFORMANCE BY ANNETS

PRATIMA OFFERING COLLAR TO PREMAL

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

MAJOR DONOR FOR 2010-11

MEMENTO PRESENTATION TO CHIEF GUEST

RIPE KALYAN BANERJEE

PERFORMANCE BY NILESH & HIS TROUPE

SPELL BOUND AUDIENCE & FULL HALL

OUR LEADERS ENJOYING THE SHOW

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THEM

TRULY INSPIRING WORDS....

METRO MUSING 1 (10-11)

Dear Friends,

BEST WISHES TO RECENTLY INSTALLED PRESIDENT PREMAL SMART AND HIS TEAM FOR SILVER JUBILEE YEAR OF RCBM.

Hearty Congratulations to IPP Dr. Sharmishtha Desai and her Team for one more great year for our Club. She also made us proud by reciting Hindu Interfaith Service at Montreal Convention - first time ever that any one of our Club Member has been invited to the centre stage of the Convention. She was flooded with compliments, being short, sweet and simple - meaningfully recitation of 2 Hindu Shlokas as well as conveying the meaning in English in less than 4 minutes! (Kindly see photographs). Convention pictures and over view will be covered in the next Bulletin for the paucity of time and space in this issue as we have many more items to be covered.

Sharmishtha reciting Hindu Prayer for Interfaith Service.

RI Past President Carlo & Mrs. Rossana complimenting her.

Past Director Sonny Brown & Mrs. Ann complimenting her.

RIPE Kalyanbhai & Binotaben with us.

RIPE giving his acceptance speech after getting elected.

RAJYABHISHEK

Joint Installation Ceremony of 7 Clubs was a unique event. C.C. Mehta Auditorium was full. The programme started dot on time at 7.30 p.m. and nearly 1 hour and 45 minutes total time taken for the memorable Installation Ceremony at the hands of RI President (Elect) Kalyan Banerjee. All 7 Clubs had put in hard work in planning under the Chairmanship of PDG Jatin Bhatt. I know this as I had a role to play i.e. as Master of Ceremony. I would really wish if somebody else writes about the impressions of the programme rather than me writing the same. However, I will narrate few important features of the Ceremony.

1. Prayer was recited by 7 Anns on 7/7/2010. Masters of Ceremony - Jagdish and Manoj did wonderful team work in Dostana Style.

2. Annets of various clubs did wonderful dance performance on 2 Rotary songs.

3. Chairman Jatin Bhatt welcomed the Guests in his unique emotional style in Hindi.

4. Jagdish and Manoj, alternatively highlighted about the cultural capital - Sanskari Nagari - Vadodara's contribution to various fields. Their description was centered around No. 7 like 7 Legendary Figures, 7 Cricketers, 7 Heritage Monuments of Vadodara, etc. They also highlighted RC Baroda's 75th year and our Club's 25th year.

5. Then Installation Ceremony was performed in a unique way. Annets were made flag bearers for 7 Clubs. For each Club, Annet was followed by Outgoing President, Incoming President and the new Team. All went upto the centre stage and occupied their position on the right and left of President (E) and First Lady Binotaben. Then collars were exchanged, group photo was taken and everyone received Best Wishes from Kalyan Banerjee and went back to their seats. 7 Clubs installation was completed in 26 minutes - unique isn't it?

6. Manoj sprang a great surprise before thanking Kalyan Banerjee and Binotaben to their seats. There were 14 new Paul Harris Fellows and 2 new Major Donors namely PDG Jatin Bhatt and our own President Premal Smart. Total US$ 34,000 were committed in less than 3 minutes.

7. Then DG Devang Thakore was invited to the stage and each newly installed Club President with his club new members to be inducted. Total there were 32 new members. DG Devang performed oath taking ceremony for the new members. It was really heartening to see everybody encouraging the new members with a thunderous applause.

8. Then MoCs asked the audience if they would like to listen to acceptance speeches of all the Presidents and a big NO was heard. Jagdish asked me to solve the puzzle and there came the dance performance by Nilesh Sir and his Troupe from Pranav Performing Arts. One liners from 7 songs were selected to reflect enthusiasm, commitment and promise of each newly installed President of 7 clubs. It was applauded in a big way and people were tapping their feet and clapping their hands during the performance due to selection of beautiful songs.

9. After that came the most important moment and i.e. RI President (E) Kalyan Banerjee's speech. There was rapt attention and everybody enjoyed the speech.

10. Vote of thanks and memento presentation was performed by MoCs. The gift was also unique, which is a photograph in oil on canvas of Kalyan Banerjee and Binotaben, surrounded by 3 different expressions of Kalyan Banerjee.

11. This was followed by National Anthem and everyone enjoyed the fellowship and food over the discussions. This kind of installation ceremony, is not only unique but worth going for rather than the long monotonous ceremonies. I really feel that those who could not remain present missed something really meaningfully different kind of installation. I have not received photograph CD till today from President and hence will upload the pictures later.

I have put down unbiased factual presentation. I am sure you would all put your comments or compliments to make it the true picture, once you read this bulletin.

CLUB NEWS WORTH KNOWING

1. 6 New Members were inducted by us. Their names and classifications are as follows:

Rtn. Rita N. Patel - Housewife
Rtn. Rupal Trivedi - (Classification awaited from President / Secretary)

Rtn. Suneel Joshi - International Trading.
Rtn. Dr. Nitin Bhate - Educationist.
Rtn. Himansu Rana - Industrial Fabrication.
Mrs. Hansa Patel - Nuclear Medicine Technician

2. We will be distributing 510 raincoats. Donors of the same are as follows:

1. Rita & Nilesh Patel : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
2. Kavita & Savir Julka : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
3. Leena & Premal Smart : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
4. Meena Vyas (my cousin) : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
5. Manisha & Rajan Bhatt : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
6. Pinky & Sumul Patel : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
7. Sandhya & Dilip Shah : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
8. Rachna & Ashish Gurg : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
9. Manisha & Mitesh Bhatt : 25 Nos. - Rs.1,875/-
10. Meena & Dhiren Kothari : 50 Nos. - Rs.3,750/-
11. Malvikbhai Hathi : 25 Nos. - Rs.1,875/-
12 Club Kitty : 10 Nos. - Rs.750/-
Total : 510 Nos. - Rs. 38,250/-

3. Rtn. Prakash Kishan, DRFC of his District is going to help us for second MG for Project Sanjeevani. We would get the good news on Friday and hopefully we will soon be signing the MG for this year also. All the best to President Premal for this much awaited MG.

LAST MEETING - Project Atmanirbhar

You would not believe the enthusiasm of our members - 17 Members remained present for the meeting. Please see the pictures (I wish they would have sent me better quality pictures as well action pictures of beneficiaries).

MEETINGS FOR JULY 2010
Sunday : 4th July : Project Meeting - Aatmanirbhar Camp at Dashrath.
Wednesday : 7th July : Family Meeting - Jt. Installation Ceremony - C.C. Mehta Auditorium.
Thursday. : 15th July : Business Meeting - Dinner meeting 8.00 p.m. Surya Palace. (New Member Orientation Program -to be next month as Club Trainer RB has his Phd exam on 16th.)
4. Sunday : 18th July : Service Project - Tree Plantation - Details to be worked out.
5. : Service Project - Raincoat Distribution (date to be decided as soon as we receive the Raincoats)
6. Thursday. : 29th July : B.O.D. - Hon. Sec. Mitesh Bhatt & Manisha Bhatt residence.

Best wishes to Past President Rajan for his Ph.D. exam so that we would be getting one more doctor!

Welcome back IPP Dr. Sharmishtha Desai.

Hope you had a sigh of relief for nearly a month ! But now for sure I will be sending you the blog after meetings / projects (2 to 3 times in a month).

Dr. Manoj Desai

Repeater Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 27

Dear Friends,

Last meeting became most memorable due to large number of friends remaining present. Total attendance 45 of which 30 were our own members and 15 guests in which 3 prospective members remained present.

Prayer was sung by Hon. Secretary in her melodious voice.

Then President expressed herself about how the year has gone by. President was lucid in her expressions, of her apprehensions, rock solid support of members and the outstanding results that we have achieved. She learnt many lessons of voluntary service, significant donations, sincerity in appeal and service to humanity. While she conveyed her contentment of serving well, she committed to President (E) Premal that she would continue to be active and supportive during his year also. Everyone applauded her feelings and Sir ji, as Past President, requested everybody to give her a standing ovation for an outstanding year to us.

Then was the time for the nostalgic memories of the year through a power point presentation of about 70 slides. It was fascinating to see significant services alongwith great fellowship and everyone enjoyed the same thoroughly.

Then President (E) Premal gave gist of the resolutions made during last Joint Board Meeting.

Then was the time for both IYE students Sidharth and Solal. Due to technical difficulties of incompatibility of computer and data projector, Solal was brought in first who tried to show glimpses of France in a nice way. He had a little difficulty but was quite expressive. Then it was Sidharth's turn who gave a short and sweet presentation about his impression about the country and the people. The meeting ended at 10.00 p.m. (partly due to late start) and fellowship / dinner continued till 11.00 p.m.

President Sharmishtha started a new trend and she gave T-shirt to everybody. As per our original decision, one was given free and everyone paid for the second T-shirt.

A good surprise was the presence of Col. Ranadive - Charter Member and Charter Secretary during this meeting. He was happy to see a robust adult which he had left in teens. Everyone applauded his efforts and presence. President gave a small gift to him to remember. President also recognized the achievers of our Club who have scored excellent results as well as IYE students of our club.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

METRO MUSING 26

Dear Friends,

Decisions of Joint Board Meeting

Very well attended Joint Board Meeting. 17 Members remained present for this Joint Board Meeting at President (E) Premal's residence. The meeting was started early in order to have adequate time for discussions on important matters for the next year like Projects, Budget, etc.

President Sharmishtha welcomed all the Members and appreciated them for registering in large numbers for the District Assembly, because of which our Club got recognition. She also appealed to all Members to attend District Events in large numbers in future as well.

Then the topic of Atmanirbhar was discussed. President (E) Premal has worked hard and finally completed the pending work of compiling the bills in the necessary format for Matching Grant. Everything has been done and the bills have been raised.

1. Dediapada Camp - Rs.66,525.00

2. Pavijetpur Camp - Rs.82,616.00

3. Chhotaudepur Camp - Rs.1,16,170.50

4. Hansot Camp - Rs.26,685.00

5. Dashrath Camp - Rs.97,683.00

6. Godhra Camp - Rs.70,862.00

All the three contacts namely Nileshbhai, President Sharmishtha and President (E) Premal have verified and signed the bills. The Board passed resolution to issue the cheques with a request that every camp's account should be settled within a week's time from now onwards.

She then invited Treasurer Anilbhai for bird's eye view of accounts so far. It was heartening to see significant surplus, inspite of clearing the previous liability, many projects and eventful year. It was unanimously decided that funds will be earmarked for following specific projects:

1. Rs.2.00 lacs for Project Sanjeevani

2. About Rs.1.20 lac for Polio Corrective Surgery

Rtn. Pinky Patel gave cheque of Rs.1.00 lac on behalf of her uncle for Project Sanjeevani (total Rs.2.00 lacs given this year). She also expressed feelings of her uncle and announced that he would be sponsoring one Dialysis Machine (total cost Rs.5.00 lacs) in the next year. He has given this Rs.2.00 lacs towards that project and hence the same is earmarked.

Everybody applauded Treasurer Anilbhai's clarity and the hard work done so far in maintaining the accounts.

Then President requested everyone of RCBM Clan to come for 10th June meeting, which is going to be her last meeting as she is leaving for Montreal Convention after that. She also requested everyone to celebrate Charter Night in a big way as it is the beginning of our Silver Jubilee Year.

President announced that our Piggy Bank Collection has reached Rs.45,000.

Finally she invited President (E) Premal Smart to unfold the plans of his dream year.

President (E) Premal was full of ideas and innovations about meeting day, budget, projects, etc. The meeting format will be changed to 2 dinner meetings a month, one Project meeting and one meeting will be hosted by different families. He has put more thrust for attendance in Projects. Then he presented the budget while explaining the difficulties due to price rise, Rotary International fee rise, etc. After healthy discussions, it was decided that the club fees for the next year will be Rs.8500 per Rotarian and Rs.5500 for spouses and family members of Rotarians. He stressed the point that Project Sanjeevani and Project Atmanirbhar are going to be the centre of attraction and focused attention will be given to them. A system has been created for billing and hopefully from next time onwards bills will be settled within a week's time after every camp.

Everyone present pledged support to President (E) Premal for the year 2010-11.

Fellowship after the meeting was centered around new projects, new members, etc. Everyone thanked the host family for the excellent hospitality.

NEXT MEETINGS

6th June - Atmanirbhar Camp at Dashrath

10th June - Family Meeting - Please do attend.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor

LAST MEETING - 20/05/2010

Dear Friends,

It was very interesting - Bird's Eye View of GSE visit to Sri Lanka by our own Ms. Niyati Walter. We have known her as Rotaract President but now she has proven her ambassadorial qualities. for Rotary Club of Baroda Metro and RI Dist. 3060. It is difficult to describe the sharp, sweet and meaningful presentations that she gave. She gave us two presentations, the first one was short about herself and our club and in the second presentation she described her experience of visit to Sri Lanka. Picture quality was good. Her smile was impeccable and she used the language of heart. Those who did not attend, certainly missed something special. Don't worry as there is a possibility of another opportunity to know her and to listen to her as she has granted request of President Dr. Sharmishtha and agreed to become a Rotarian in the coming year i.e. the way she wants to express here gratitude for this wonderful GSE experience because of RCBM's initiative and her hard work. Her talk was followed by question and answer session and there were many questions about the life style, Rotary in Sri Lanka, etc., which she answered really well.

President then invited "Sir ji" - Rtn. P.S. Grover to recite the prayer which he beautifully sang in Punjabi language.

President gave crisp opening remarks of the happenings at Club Level and at District Level. She reminded members of the forthcoming District Assembly at Anand on Sunday the 30th of May. I just overheard Mitesh talking to Premal that we have got 16 commitments. Since it is going to be Silver Jubilee Year, President (E) Premal is targeting at 25. Any more takers?

Do not forget our camp on 22nd / 23rd May at Godhra - C.V. Shah Balmandir, Prabhakunj Society, Nr. B.V. Gandhi Petrol Pump, Godhra. Those who have committed should reach Rotary Hall, Opp. Raj Laxmi Complex, Race Course at 7.00 a.m. sharp on 22nd and23rd May. Cars would leave together latest by 7.10 a.m. Let us not be late and punish the physically challenged people in this summer of 43 degree centigrade.

Dr. Manoj Desai

Bulletin Editor