Vol: 20 06/2015-16
NEXT MEETING*Day and Date: *Thursday – August 06, 2015*
(No meeting on Wednesday, August 05)
Program : “Donate Life” – Anup Jalota show
Venue: Sanjeev kumar Auditorium, Adajan
Time:- 08.00PM
*Spouses are welcome.
* Each Rotarian will be eligible to get 2 passes without cost
* Please note the CHANGE in Day and Date
Forthcoming Club Programs
· Saturday 08 and Sunday 09 August
( No meeting on Wednesday, August 12)
Program: Excursion Program to Devka
Venue:-Hotel Sea Rock Inn, Devka
Time:- 12 Noon onwards on Saturday, August 08
* Spouses and Annets are welcome.
* Please note the CHANGE in Day, date, venue and time.
Announcement
Please arrange to pay Club Dues @ Rs.7499/- for semi-annual period 1st July to 31st December, 2015 / Birthday Greetings
Rtn. Pooja Amit Gajjar------August 03
Rtn. PP. Bhavesh Shah ------August 11 Rtn. PP. Bankim Sitwala ------August 12
Wedding Anniversary Greetings
PP. Bankim- Ann Nipa Sitwala------August 02
Forthcoming District Program Day and Date: Sunday - August 2, 2015.
Event: Cluster Seminar "Literacy, WiNS, GKP and Talent Hunt" hosted by RC Bardoli.
Last Meeting: Friday, 31st July Official Visit of District Governor Rtn. Parag Sheth
Visit to Vatsalyadham school
Meeting with President, Hon. Secretary and President Elect and Lunch
Visit to Child Home and handing over two more Computers
Meeting with Club Board of Directors
Regular Weekly Meeting at Sapphire Hall, Taj Gateway Hotel
Head Table Welcomne Address by President Tinish Mody
Inspirational Address by DG Parag Sheth Gracious First Lady Punamji in action
Induction of New Member Rtn. Vishal Halvawala Unveiling of our Club Roster 2015-16
Presentation of Lapel Pin and Certificates to 5 Paul Harris Fellows
Each year, a day comes in the life of a Rotary club when the club welcomes District Governor on his official visit. 31st July was this eventful day when DG Parag Sheth and first lady Ann Poonamben spent the whole day with our club and injected fresh dose of enthusiasm and Rotary spirit in Rotary Surat West family.
District Governor Parag Sheth and first lady Ann Poonamben arrived at President Tinish Mody’s residence at about 10 :00 AM. After which, they left to visit "Vatsalyadham", which is a school and orphanage run by our Rtn Chunibhai Gajera's trust. From a humble beginning with 25 children the institution now provides free of cost lodging, boarding, and education to more than 650 children, who are either orphans or come from extremely poor background. DG Paragbhai was shown around the school including the computer lab. where our club has donated 40 computers. PP. Geeta Mody co-ordinated the whole event with aplomb. Large number of Rotarians had attended the event.
DG. Parag Sheth gave his inspirational speech to the children, which incidentally was Gurupurnima day. The session ended at 12:45 PM, after which the District governor and first lady Poonamben had delicious lunch at President Tinish’s residence.
In the post lunch session, there was a one to one meeting between the district governor, President Tinish, Hon. Sec. Ashit Kothari and PE. Snehal Pachchigar. The DG gave his valuable inputs and laid stress on permanent projects and Rotary International fellowship programs. He was given a booklet, which contained among other things, the clubs TRF contribution, Semi Annual report, Planning guide for effective Rotary Club, etc.
The district Governor then visited our Child Home, where he saw the work done by our club, which included donation of books, raincoats, water purifier, etc. He handed over a computer to the child home, which was donated by Rtn.Tanmay Agrawal & Rtn. Gaurang Goel. The DG was full of praises for the work done by our club at the Child home. The event was co-ordinated by PP Setu Gandhi & IPP. Bhavesh Shah. After spending a fruitful one hour session with the children, it was time for the board meeting.
The board meeting held at Taj Gateway was well attended by all the board members, started at 7:00 PM. All the board members read out their reports and chalked out various plans for the year. DG. Paragbhai then gave his valuable advice and suggestions to the board. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by PE. Snehal Pachchigar.
The regular meeting at 8:45 PM was held at Ruby & sapphire halls. The hall was filled out with Rotarians & Anns, eager to meet our District Governor. After the dinner, President Tinish welcomed everyone present including the DG. Parag Sheth, first lady Ann. Poonamben, PDG. Bharatbhai Solanki, AG. Dharmesh Chorawala as well district dignitaries and Surat West family.
After the birthday and anniversary greetings, PN. Tasnim Doctor introduced the district Governor.
The district governor in his power point assisted speech, gave his overview of the whole day he spent with our club. He described the club activities as very well planned and organized. He went on to describe our PDG. Devendrabhai Shastri as his mentor and a source of inspiration.The district governor gave emphasis on Rotary International fellowship programs, Rotary Foundation, membership growth, public image and Literacy. DG. Paragbhai presented the “Kalyan Pooja Thali”, an initiative for donation to the TRF. The pooja thali priced very nominally at Rs.1100, got overwhelming response from our club members.
The district governor handed out certificates and pins to the Five Paul Harris fellows (PHF) of the club, amidst a large round of applause.
A new member, Vishal Halwawala, was inducted to our Surat West fold, under the worthy hands of our district governor. With the induction of the new member, our club’s strength goes up to 61 members.
The Club’s rooster was also unveiled by DG Paragbhai, amidst thunderous applause from the members.
PE. Snehal Pachchigar gave a hearty vote of thanks.
Ann. Dr. Purvi Kothari served with distinction as master of ceremony
Kudos to President Tinish, Hon. Sec. Ashit Kothari, PE. Snehal for making the day a memorable one with flawless planning and execution.
District Governor Paragbhai and First lady Punamben won the hearts of Rotary Surat West family with their friendly disposition and encouraging words with useful guidance. A day to remember for a long time to come.
For more pictures, please paste the following link;
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1021769374530684.1073741966.100000928939975&type=1&l=736deaffe1
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1021765427864412.1073741965.100000928939975&type=1&l=1f12b4e2e0
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1021724601201828.1073741964.100000928939975&type=1&l=6350b8960f
RI President's Message - August 2015
In the 1930s, Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter, had a wooden sign hanging on his wall that read, Det bedste er ikke for godt: "Only the best is good enough." Today, Christiansen is remembered as the inventor of Lego, the colorful plastic bricks beloved by children around the world. But in the early days of the Lego company, its signature product was a wooden duck – one built to the highest standards, out of aged beech, with three coats of clear varnish. Lego's company history tells how Christiansen used his ducks to teach a lesson in quality to his son, Godtfred Kirk:
One evening, when I came into the office, I said to my father: "It's been a good day today, Dad. We've earned a little more." "Oh," said Dad, "what do you mean?" "Well, I've just been to the station with two boxes of our toy ducks for the Danish Co op. Normally they get three coats of varnish, but since it's for the Co-op, I only gave them two. So I saved the business a bit of money." He looked at me in dismay. "Godtfred, fetch those boxes back. Unpack them and give the ducks another coat of varnish. You're not going to bed until the work's done – and you'll do it all on your own." There was no arguing with Dad. And it was a lesson for me about what quality meant.
Today, Lego's quality standards are legendary, and its products are the most popular toys in the world: Lego pieces outnumber humans 86 to 1.
We all recognize that this success stems directly from Lego's business practices – its insistence on quality, efficiency, and innovation. I compare this with our efforts in governance and accountability in Rotary, and realize that sometimes we fall short of the standards expected.
The leaders at the Rotary International, zone, district, and club levels have to maintain the highest standards in governance. The RI president and directors must serve the membership in a meaningful manner; zone leaders must deliver on the investment Rotary makes in them; district leaders must provide dynamic leadership in the district and focus on transparency in accounting and timely reporting of financials; and club leaders must adhere to proper reporting functions and get their clubs onto Rotary Club Central.
Just as Christiansen refused to consider sending a lesser product to any of his clients, so should we refuse to consider giving a lesser effort to any of our work. We must always demand the best of ourselves – in our professional lives, and especially in our Rotary work.
For in Rotary, what is our product? It is not wooden ducks or plastic bricks. It is education, water, health, and peace. It is hope, and it is life itself. For this work, only our best is good enough. I ask you all to remember this – and to do your very best toBe a Gift to the World.
K R Ravindran
President 2015 - 16
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP. HERE'S HOW.
1. Learn more aboutRotary Global Rewards, a new member benefit program that offers discounts on products and services – travel, hotels, car rentals, dining, and entertainment. Visit theMember Center.2. Identify a need in your community and work with your club to design a hands-on project that addresses it.
3. Learn how toapply for a grantto implement a project.
4. Know a young leader? Tell them about Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange.
5. Explore other clubs. Did you know that you’re welcome to attend any club’s meeting, anywhere in the world? Use theClub Findertool or download the Club Locator app to find a meeting when you travel.
6. Try a new role. Clubs need leaders. Take the first step and ask where your club needs help.
7. Attend the next Rotary International Convention in Seoul, Korea. Enjoy inspiring talks from global leaders, celebrities, and activists. Meet members from around the world. It’s the ultimate way to understand the scope of Rotary.Register today.
8. Be part of history and help eradicate polio.Find out how to support PolioPlus and join the movement to end polio.
9. Use the resources in theRotary Brand Centerto help you communicate, inspire, and collaborate
10. Meet other members who share you interests and passions through a Rotary Fellowship or Rotarian Action Group. There are about 70 groups, catering to everyone from cooking enthusiasts to water and sanitation project experts.
11. Connect on social media. Rotary has official pages onFacebook,Twitter, LinkedIn,Instagram,Pinterest, Flickr, and more.Join the conversation.
12. Support The Rotary Foundation. Contributions provide millions of dollars in grants that support our humanitarian service around the world.Learn more.
This month, we are collecting stories from members about why they joined-- and are proud to stay-- in Rotary. Tell us your story onFacebookor send us an email nd you may see your story featured in a future issue of Membership Minute.
Adapted from Global Outlook in the August issue ofThe Rotarian
ABCs of Rotary- Opportunities for Fellowship
Most Rotarians are successful professional and business executives because they hear opportunities knock and take advantage of them. Once a week the opportunity for Rotary fellowship occurs at each club meeting, but not all members hear it knocking.
The weekly club meeting is a special privilege of Rotary membership. It provides the occasion to visit with fellow members, to meet visitors you have not known before, and to share your personal friendship with other members.
Rotary clubs that have a reputation for being "friendly clubs" usually follow a few simple steps: First, members are encouraged to sit in a different seat or at a different table each week. Second, Rotarians are urged to sit with a member they may not know as well as their long-time personal friends. Third, members invite new members or visitors to join their table just by saying: "Come join us, we have an empty chair at this table."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A SUCCESSFUL ROTARY CLUB?
I believe, a successful club is one that attracts, grows and retains its members, is innovative in how it conducts its affairs and in service projects,and certainly creates meaningful impact to the community(ies) it serves.
Newsmaker
In bound short term IYE student Carlotta Walderdoff from dist 1880 Germany has arrived. She was received by Ann Dr Purvi Kothari and Annet Aaishani. She is being hosted by PP Ashit Kothari and family.
Two Stories
Story number One
Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.
And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.