Tuesday, March 14, 2006
My keynote address at Region Meet
During absence from Blogging during last one-month one important activity I did is conducting my region Meet of Lions Club. I gave a keynote address for almost 18 minutes, which was quite unlike of me. Here I reproduce the same for anyone interested and have the patience.
Dear Friends
Firstly, It is customary to thank the District Governor for nominating me as Region Chairperson. And I must thank him for reposing faith on me. However today standing here after completing the major parts of my responsibilities, I am just thinking about the impact of discharging my duties as Region Chairperson. I don’t know how many of you are happy of my Region chairmanship. But I can assure you that there are atleast 2 persons present here are unhappy about it. Can you guess? First is my lionlady and second is my son Ashirvad. They are definitely unhappy about the amount of time I am spending on lionism. I will tell you one incident; after the All India Lions Meet was over, I slept for almost 24 hours and next evening at the dining table my son asked me ‘dad did you realise after how many days we are sitting together?’ I think it was more than 7 days we could not see each other as I was leaving home before he was getting up and they were in bed by the time I used to come home. Because of me they had to really suffer. I think this the right occasion to thank them for bearing with me and for all the inconvenience caused to them.
You may be wandering, why am I telling you this? Because, mine is not an isolated case my dear friends. All the Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, chairmen of various committees of individual clubs, ZMAs, ZCs, District Committee chairpersons, micro cabinet members, whoever have taken up the responsibilities seriously must have faced the similar kind of situations. And you must understand that the achievement of the movement of Lionism is the result of the collective efforts of all these Lion leaders. Standing here I salute each and every lion leader of my Region for their contribution for the cause of Lionism. I specially thank the Club Presidents who are the backbones of this organization and who had really sacrificed a lot to bring glory to this organization.
Friends as you are aware, this is a very important year for Indian Lionism as it is the golden jubilee year. One more importance of this year is that an Indian Lion Dr. Ashok V. Mehta has become the International President. Under the dynamic leadership of our District Governor Lion P. Suryanarayana our district has become the most famous district in the entire multiple of 324. Today each and every lion of India knows about District 324C5. This year is really the golden year for our district.
The district co-hosted the World Sight Day an International event at Hyderabad under the convenorship of Lion B. R. Rao, Past Multiple Council chairman, which brought immense laurel to the district. On behalf of all the lions of my Region I congratulate and compliment Lion B. R. Rao for successful conduction of World Sight Day celebration.
Our district was fortunate to host the All India Lions Meet, which was a great success. I am proud to say that Lion Linga Reddy, District Chairperson – All India Lions Meet belongs to our Region. I am proud to say that with the hard work of you lions, we have made the All India Lions Meet a great success. I personally was given the task of transportation under the chairmanship of our Vice District Governor Lion K. N. Prasad. Friends, when I was given the task of transportation, quite a few of my friends were not too happy as this is one of non-glamorous part of the tasks. But friends I told them that some one has to do the job, and why not me? And today you all know that our efforts were appreciated by each and every one. Here I must tell you that I believe in doing a job sincerely and successfully, whatever the job may be. I thank Lion Jayadeva Rao, Lion D. S. Naidu, Lion U. Naidu, Lion Ramulu, Lion Ravikumar, Lion Harnath, Lion Prahlad Reddy and Lion Prabhunarayana for their tireless efforts to make me succeed in my task. Here I also thank other lions of my Region who have served in other committees to make the All India Lions Meet a success. I would specifically like to mention the members of Lions Club of Malkajgiri, Snehapuri and Millennium. My compliments to Lion Jagan Mohan Reddy, Past Multiple Council Chairman and Lion Linga Reddy for the success of All India Lions Meet.
It was a great experience for me to attend this great event. This gave me an opportunity to make friends with lions from all parts of the country. Today I have lion friends from North Eastern state of Tripura to Western state of Gujarat, from Patiala in the north to Mangalore in the south. I sincerely feel that whoever could not attend the meet missed a great opportunity.
I, on behalf of all the lions of our Region, thank our District Governor for bringing so many laurels to the district. Today we are proud to be called lions of District 324C5. Good show District Governor.
Now let me talk about the achievements of our Region:
As Region Chairperson I followed three principles. No.1 Follow your leader. Being a member of the cabinet of District Governor it is my duty to see that his action plan is followed in letter and spirit. Secondly I took it as my duty to help the leaders of the clubs in their planning and action plan. Thirdly my action as a Lion leader should be a matter of pride for the lions of my Region. I have tried my best to discharge my duties guided by these principles. It is you who have to tell whether I am successful or not.
One great achievement of my Region chairmanship about which I am proud of is Campaign ROSHNI-50. This year being the golden jubilee year and as the world sight day was celebrated in Hyderabad, I felt that as a Region, collectively we should do something. Hence I called for a campaign to conduct free eye check up camp in 50 Govt. School. I am thankful for the kind of positive response all the club leaders given in implementing the drive. Lion Muralidhar President of Millennium Club organized the inaugural program of campaign ROSHNI-50, which was inaugurated by our District Governor and were attended by Lion S. Manohar Raju, N&M Co-ordinator Campaign Sight First II, and Lion B.R. Rao, convener of World Sight Day celebration. My thanks to Lion Muralidhar and the fine members of this fine club. I thank each and every leader of all the clubs for their enthusiastic involvement.
Friends I know this year my job is an administrative one. But how can you keep a fish out of water? People till today remember the Mega Health Camps organised by me in zone level and the Region level Mega Health Camp under the leadership of Lion V. Krishnaprasad, my Region Chairperson. I am planning to conduct a Region level Mega Health Camp shortly. My home club President Lion Rajashekar has agreed to contribute medicines worth Rs.50, 000/- for the camp. Our club members Lion Ramanaiah and Lion Mahankali Uma Maheshwar also came forward to support the camp. I thank them for their kindness. Friends I call all of you to join me to help the camp a great success.
Friends, I want to take this platform to raise some issues relating to lionism. As you know, this organization is 50 years old in India. It normally happens to any organization; on the way to it’s journey it accumulates some un-wanted baggage. Like any other organization this organization also has accumulated some baggage, which is not for the best of the organization and seriously affecting Lionism. Friends history says every individual, every organization need change. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘we have made the society for our betterment; we have made the law for our betterment. The society and the law should be beneficial to us. It should not become a shackle for us.’ Over the years the requirement changes, the lifestyle changes, similarly society has to change. Any organization, for it’s good health need to adopt the changes of time. In our organization also we should stand up and be bold to make changes wherever we feel the need arises.
Recently I was discussing with Lion Prof. A. M. Govardhan, the senior most District Governor. I asked him his opinion on the major changes he felt affected Lionism over the years. He pointed out some good and some bad changes. The major bad change in his opinion is the election of Vice District Governors post. I can tell you that privately with whoever lion leader I have spoken to have agreed that election has become very expensive.
Similarly with whomsoever I spoke, everyone agrees that any post of lionism has become expensive. Let’s take the case of President ship. I am sure you all know that in quite a few clubs people do not come forward to take up President ship, as it is an expensive affair. During my year of club President ship I faced the same problem, any activity of the club has to be met by the President. Is it fair to put the burden of one individual? I personally feel ‘NO’. Recently I was discussing with one club leader of their charter nite. I remember telling him ‘for any individual a sum of Rs. 25,000 is a big amount but collectively Rs.1, 000/- from 25 members makes a hell lot of difference.’ Here I would like to mention of Lions Club of Secunderabad Millennium. President Muralidhar informed me that their club members have taken a resolution of funding the activities. Members will take up some activities on their birthday or in memory of their parents or to commemorate some other personal event. For example one member agreed to contribute Rice bag to old age home to commemorate the demise of his mother. Such a beautiful, nice and simple arrangement. It is a small contribution for each member but it adds up to big achievement for the club. I congratulate and compliment all the members of Millennium. I request all of you to rise from their seats and request all of you to give them thunderous applause. I request all the lions of other clubs to consider the effect. I personally feel that it will give a long-standing impact on the health of the club.
Secondly payment of dues by individual clubs. Last few years we have seen how the club dues are paid at the time of District convention. We all know about it, so I will not elaborate on it. But I always believe that action is needed and hence my first priority was to see that club dues are paid in advance. Here I am proud to state that except one club all the clubs paid their dues before cabinet installation. I convey my grateful thanks to all the PSTs, ZCs and senior members of the clubs who helped to make the drive successful. I request all of you to keep this tradition for future years and make it statutory or mandatory whatever you call it, but make sure that your club clear the dues before the club officers’ installation. I am sure that the Presidents will agree with me that it clears a huge burden from their head. Here I also must mention one more thing, it is not only the club dues, the office bearers of the clubs must see that the membership fees are collected before club officers’ installation. I feel it must be made very clear to every lion that ‘paying the membership dues is the first and most important duty of every lion’. We are looking for lions who can give something to the society. If he can not pay his membership fees he is not fit to be called a lion. Here I would like to give call to all the lions, ‘ let all of us be proud lions and must clear our membership dues in advance’.
One more aspect, which may be a little controversial, but I cannot avoid mentioning as I have taken a stand on it. You all know I do not accept any memento. You all may not be aware that during first cabinet meeting of this year, District Governor gave us a questionnaire about our opinion regarding various aspects of lionism. There was one question, ‘Do you think that we should do away with the process of giving memento, except to the chief guest?’ And friends, if my memory is not failing me badly, it was almost unanimous that we should do away with memento. Friends we give memento as a remembrance to some guest who visit us. I feel that is the way the custom of giving memento started. But over the years it has become custom. Today some financially poor clubs are forced to give memento, as it has become a custom. Hence the quality has declined. Today do you really feel that the kind of memento you are receiving is a pleasant remembrance? I feel it should not be custom. It should left to the individuals.
Now, the achievements of clubs and individuals. The club Presidents will give the report of their achievements so to avoid repetition I will avoid of talking on them. I will talk of their achievement during presentation of awards. Presently I thank each and every President, Secretary, Treasurer and other club leaders, who were instrumental for the achievements of the clubs.
But you must allow me to thank the members of my home club the host club, Our charter President Lion P. Shivaramakrishna, President Rajashekar, who has taken the leading role, Club Secretary Lion Vinodkumar, Treasurer Lion V Srinivasa Rao, Region Meet Chairperson Lion R.S. Raju, Co chairperson Lion Ramanaiah, Secretary Lion Mahankali Uma, Treasurer Lion Rajamalla Reddy, and last but not the least my Region Secretary Lion R.V.Raju.
I am ever indebted to our Region Advisor Lion S.Manohar Raju, N&M Co-ordinator, CSF-II, who has always stood behind me in discharging my duties and in every stage of planning of Region Meet. I am also indebted to the three zone chairpersons for their unstinted support without which I definitely would have failed in discharging my duties. I thank all the Region Meet Advisors, all committee chairperson, co-chairpersons and members of committees for helping me in organizing the Region Meet.
The credit for success of this Region Meet goes to all of you, but if there is any lapse, it must be credited to my account. Thank you all.
If I am not mistaken, today, I am the youngest lion who is occupying the post of Region Chairperson. I can see Lion Sampath Kumar and Lion Balakrishna is shocked. No, I am not talking about age. I am talking about the no. of years in lionism. I am only a 5 year old lion. During these 5 years I have been helped by n no. of lions and it will take hours for me to mention the name of all of them But I must tell you about the two persons who was instrumental to make me a lion what I am today. No. 1 my good friend tonight’s Region Meet Chairperson Lion R.S. Raju, who has introduced me to lionism. No. 2 our dear cabinet secretary Lion Ramesh Kosuri. It is he who forced me take up the responsibility of Zone Chairmanship and again it is who again has forced me take the Region Chairmanship. Friends if you consider me a worthy lion you must thank these lions with largest applause.
Here I must mention one important aspect of lionism. Fellowship. During these last two years as zone chairperson and Region Chairperson I have to face a question thousand times, ‘Lions club being a social service organization, why we need to spend so much on fellowship.’ There are a vast majority of lions who feel that we should not give importance to fellowship. But my dear friends, here I must say I differ with all of you who have this view. Fellowship is one of the most wonderful aspects of Lionism.
I always talk about my experience. I will give you a few examples. Till last year I have not even heard of Lion Krishnaprasad. Last year he was my Region Chairman. But the kind of fellowship we built up during last year, he is always with me for each and every act of mine. During this Region Meet he was one person who personally helped me a lot with the three Ts Lions possess, Time, Talent and Treasure. I will talk about Lion Subhash Chand Jain, with whom I worked for a few days during last year’s Region conference. This year he is not even in my region but he told me ‘Bikashbhai, please don’t consider me outsider, take whatever help is needed for your Region Meet’. I will talk about Lion Ramanaiah, co-chairman of this Region Meet. The relationship we built up during last year when he was our club President, made him come forward with unstinted support for any endevour I take up. I will talk about Lion Murali Meganathan, who was my secretary during my President ship, today he is secretary of LC Hyderabad Majestic, which is not even in our district, but the fellowship we have built up made him present here helping me. I will talk about Lion P. Williams, who was 1st Vice President during my President ship. He is also now with another district, but the friendship we built up brought him here as my guest. I will like to talk about Lion Rajam. My co Region chairperson, whom till last year I never met, calls me ‘tu mera chhota Bhai’. There are n no of other lions I can talk about but tine will not permit.
Friends this is the kind of fellowship you will never get anywhere else.
Friends, I am a man of action, speech is not my forte, but today somehow I felt of opening my heart to all of you.
Friends, during the first meeting of my home club on Region Conference, while we were discussing about the name of the Region Meet all my club members were insisting that I must keep the name of Region Meet on my name. But I was very adamant and I insisted that I definitely do not want my name. And finally they have accepted the name ROSHNI, which I am, sure, will show light to all lions for generations to come.
Another thing you must have noticed. In the backdrop there is no photo of mine. Can you tell why? Any guess?
Because I want my name and my photo in each of your hearts.
Thank you all.
Dear Friends
Firstly, It is customary to thank the District Governor for nominating me as Region Chairperson. And I must thank him for reposing faith on me. However today standing here after completing the major parts of my responsibilities, I am just thinking about the impact of discharging my duties as Region Chairperson. I don’t know how many of you are happy of my Region chairmanship. But I can assure you that there are atleast 2 persons present here are unhappy about it. Can you guess? First is my lionlady and second is my son Ashirvad. They are definitely unhappy about the amount of time I am spending on lionism. I will tell you one incident; after the All India Lions Meet was over, I slept for almost 24 hours and next evening at the dining table my son asked me ‘dad did you realise after how many days we are sitting together?’ I think it was more than 7 days we could not see each other as I was leaving home before he was getting up and they were in bed by the time I used to come home. Because of me they had to really suffer. I think this the right occasion to thank them for bearing with me and for all the inconvenience caused to them.
You may be wandering, why am I telling you this? Because, mine is not an isolated case my dear friends. All the Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, chairmen of various committees of individual clubs, ZMAs, ZCs, District Committee chairpersons, micro cabinet members, whoever have taken up the responsibilities seriously must have faced the similar kind of situations. And you must understand that the achievement of the movement of Lionism is the result of the collective efforts of all these Lion leaders. Standing here I salute each and every lion leader of my Region for their contribution for the cause of Lionism. I specially thank the Club Presidents who are the backbones of this organization and who had really sacrificed a lot to bring glory to this organization.
Friends as you are aware, this is a very important year for Indian Lionism as it is the golden jubilee year. One more importance of this year is that an Indian Lion Dr. Ashok V. Mehta has become the International President. Under the dynamic leadership of our District Governor Lion P. Suryanarayana our district has become the most famous district in the entire multiple of 324. Today each and every lion of India knows about District 324C5. This year is really the golden year for our district.
The district co-hosted the World Sight Day an International event at Hyderabad under the convenorship of Lion B. R. Rao, Past Multiple Council chairman, which brought immense laurel to the district. On behalf of all the lions of my Region I congratulate and compliment Lion B. R. Rao for successful conduction of World Sight Day celebration.
Our district was fortunate to host the All India Lions Meet, which was a great success. I am proud to say that Lion Linga Reddy, District Chairperson – All India Lions Meet belongs to our Region. I am proud to say that with the hard work of you lions, we have made the All India Lions Meet a great success. I personally was given the task of transportation under the chairmanship of our Vice District Governor Lion K. N. Prasad. Friends, when I was given the task of transportation, quite a few of my friends were not too happy as this is one of non-glamorous part of the tasks. But friends I told them that some one has to do the job, and why not me? And today you all know that our efforts were appreciated by each and every one. Here I must tell you that I believe in doing a job sincerely and successfully, whatever the job may be. I thank Lion Jayadeva Rao, Lion D. S. Naidu, Lion U. Naidu, Lion Ramulu, Lion Ravikumar, Lion Harnath, Lion Prahlad Reddy and Lion Prabhunarayana for their tireless efforts to make me succeed in my task. Here I also thank other lions of my Region who have served in other committees to make the All India Lions Meet a success. I would specifically like to mention the members of Lions Club of Malkajgiri, Snehapuri and Millennium. My compliments to Lion Jagan Mohan Reddy, Past Multiple Council Chairman and Lion Linga Reddy for the success of All India Lions Meet.
It was a great experience for me to attend this great event. This gave me an opportunity to make friends with lions from all parts of the country. Today I have lion friends from North Eastern state of Tripura to Western state of Gujarat, from Patiala in the north to Mangalore in the south. I sincerely feel that whoever could not attend the meet missed a great opportunity.
I, on behalf of all the lions of our Region, thank our District Governor for bringing so many laurels to the district. Today we are proud to be called lions of District 324C5. Good show District Governor.
Now let me talk about the achievements of our Region:
As Region Chairperson I followed three principles. No.1 Follow your leader. Being a member of the cabinet of District Governor it is my duty to see that his action plan is followed in letter and spirit. Secondly I took it as my duty to help the leaders of the clubs in their planning and action plan. Thirdly my action as a Lion leader should be a matter of pride for the lions of my Region. I have tried my best to discharge my duties guided by these principles. It is you who have to tell whether I am successful or not.
One great achievement of my Region chairmanship about which I am proud of is Campaign ROSHNI-50. This year being the golden jubilee year and as the world sight day was celebrated in Hyderabad, I felt that as a Region, collectively we should do something. Hence I called for a campaign to conduct free eye check up camp in 50 Govt. School. I am thankful for the kind of positive response all the club leaders given in implementing the drive. Lion Muralidhar President of Millennium Club organized the inaugural program of campaign ROSHNI-50, which was inaugurated by our District Governor and were attended by Lion S. Manohar Raju, N&M Co-ordinator Campaign Sight First II, and Lion B.R. Rao, convener of World Sight Day celebration. My thanks to Lion Muralidhar and the fine members of this fine club. I thank each and every leader of all the clubs for their enthusiastic involvement.
Friends I know this year my job is an administrative one. But how can you keep a fish out of water? People till today remember the Mega Health Camps organised by me in zone level and the Region level Mega Health Camp under the leadership of Lion V. Krishnaprasad, my Region Chairperson. I am planning to conduct a Region level Mega Health Camp shortly. My home club President Lion Rajashekar has agreed to contribute medicines worth Rs.50, 000/- for the camp. Our club members Lion Ramanaiah and Lion Mahankali Uma Maheshwar also came forward to support the camp. I thank them for their kindness. Friends I call all of you to join me to help the camp a great success.
Friends, I want to take this platform to raise some issues relating to lionism. As you know, this organization is 50 years old in India. It normally happens to any organization; on the way to it’s journey it accumulates some un-wanted baggage. Like any other organization this organization also has accumulated some baggage, which is not for the best of the organization and seriously affecting Lionism. Friends history says every individual, every organization need change. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘we have made the society for our betterment; we have made the law for our betterment. The society and the law should be beneficial to us. It should not become a shackle for us.’ Over the years the requirement changes, the lifestyle changes, similarly society has to change. Any organization, for it’s good health need to adopt the changes of time. In our organization also we should stand up and be bold to make changes wherever we feel the need arises.
Recently I was discussing with Lion Prof. A. M. Govardhan, the senior most District Governor. I asked him his opinion on the major changes he felt affected Lionism over the years. He pointed out some good and some bad changes. The major bad change in his opinion is the election of Vice District Governors post. I can tell you that privately with whoever lion leader I have spoken to have agreed that election has become very expensive.
Similarly with whomsoever I spoke, everyone agrees that any post of lionism has become expensive. Let’s take the case of President ship. I am sure you all know that in quite a few clubs people do not come forward to take up President ship, as it is an expensive affair. During my year of club President ship I faced the same problem, any activity of the club has to be met by the President. Is it fair to put the burden of one individual? I personally feel ‘NO’. Recently I was discussing with one club leader of their charter nite. I remember telling him ‘for any individual a sum of Rs. 25,000 is a big amount but collectively Rs.1, 000/- from 25 members makes a hell lot of difference.’ Here I would like to mention of Lions Club of Secunderabad Millennium. President Muralidhar informed me that their club members have taken a resolution of funding the activities. Members will take up some activities on their birthday or in memory of their parents or to commemorate some other personal event. For example one member agreed to contribute Rice bag to old age home to commemorate the demise of his mother. Such a beautiful, nice and simple arrangement. It is a small contribution for each member but it adds up to big achievement for the club. I congratulate and compliment all the members of Millennium. I request all of you to rise from their seats and request all of you to give them thunderous applause. I request all the lions of other clubs to consider the effect. I personally feel that it will give a long-standing impact on the health of the club.
Secondly payment of dues by individual clubs. Last few years we have seen how the club dues are paid at the time of District convention. We all know about it, so I will not elaborate on it. But I always believe that action is needed and hence my first priority was to see that club dues are paid in advance. Here I am proud to state that except one club all the clubs paid their dues before cabinet installation. I convey my grateful thanks to all the PSTs, ZCs and senior members of the clubs who helped to make the drive successful. I request all of you to keep this tradition for future years and make it statutory or mandatory whatever you call it, but make sure that your club clear the dues before the club officers’ installation. I am sure that the Presidents will agree with me that it clears a huge burden from their head. Here I also must mention one more thing, it is not only the club dues, the office bearers of the clubs must see that the membership fees are collected before club officers’ installation. I feel it must be made very clear to every lion that ‘paying the membership dues is the first and most important duty of every lion’. We are looking for lions who can give something to the society. If he can not pay his membership fees he is not fit to be called a lion. Here I would like to give call to all the lions, ‘ let all of us be proud lions and must clear our membership dues in advance’.
One more aspect, which may be a little controversial, but I cannot avoid mentioning as I have taken a stand on it. You all know I do not accept any memento. You all may not be aware that during first cabinet meeting of this year, District Governor gave us a questionnaire about our opinion regarding various aspects of lionism. There was one question, ‘Do you think that we should do away with the process of giving memento, except to the chief guest?’ And friends, if my memory is not failing me badly, it was almost unanimous that we should do away with memento. Friends we give memento as a remembrance to some guest who visit us. I feel that is the way the custom of giving memento started. But over the years it has become custom. Today some financially poor clubs are forced to give memento, as it has become a custom. Hence the quality has declined. Today do you really feel that the kind of memento you are receiving is a pleasant remembrance? I feel it should not be custom. It should left to the individuals.
Now, the achievements of clubs and individuals. The club Presidents will give the report of their achievements so to avoid repetition I will avoid of talking on them. I will talk of their achievement during presentation of awards. Presently I thank each and every President, Secretary, Treasurer and other club leaders, who were instrumental for the achievements of the clubs.
But you must allow me to thank the members of my home club the host club, Our charter President Lion P. Shivaramakrishna, President Rajashekar, who has taken the leading role, Club Secretary Lion Vinodkumar, Treasurer Lion V Srinivasa Rao, Region Meet Chairperson Lion R.S. Raju, Co chairperson Lion Ramanaiah, Secretary Lion Mahankali Uma, Treasurer Lion Rajamalla Reddy, and last but not the least my Region Secretary Lion R.V.Raju.
I am ever indebted to our Region Advisor Lion S.Manohar Raju, N&M Co-ordinator, CSF-II, who has always stood behind me in discharging my duties and in every stage of planning of Region Meet. I am also indebted to the three zone chairpersons for their unstinted support without which I definitely would have failed in discharging my duties. I thank all the Region Meet Advisors, all committee chairperson, co-chairpersons and members of committees for helping me in organizing the Region Meet.
The credit for success of this Region Meet goes to all of you, but if there is any lapse, it must be credited to my account. Thank you all.
If I am not mistaken, today, I am the youngest lion who is occupying the post of Region Chairperson. I can see Lion Sampath Kumar and Lion Balakrishna is shocked. No, I am not talking about age. I am talking about the no. of years in lionism. I am only a 5 year old lion. During these 5 years I have been helped by n no. of lions and it will take hours for me to mention the name of all of them But I must tell you about the two persons who was instrumental to make me a lion what I am today. No. 1 my good friend tonight’s Region Meet Chairperson Lion R.S. Raju, who has introduced me to lionism. No. 2 our dear cabinet secretary Lion Ramesh Kosuri. It is he who forced me take up the responsibility of Zone Chairmanship and again it is who again has forced me take the Region Chairmanship. Friends if you consider me a worthy lion you must thank these lions with largest applause.
Here I must mention one important aspect of lionism. Fellowship. During these last two years as zone chairperson and Region Chairperson I have to face a question thousand times, ‘Lions club being a social service organization, why we need to spend so much on fellowship.’ There are a vast majority of lions who feel that we should not give importance to fellowship. But my dear friends, here I must say I differ with all of you who have this view. Fellowship is one of the most wonderful aspects of Lionism.
I always talk about my experience. I will give you a few examples. Till last year I have not even heard of Lion Krishnaprasad. Last year he was my Region Chairman. But the kind of fellowship we built up during last year, he is always with me for each and every act of mine. During this Region Meet he was one person who personally helped me a lot with the three Ts Lions possess, Time, Talent and Treasure. I will talk about Lion Subhash Chand Jain, with whom I worked for a few days during last year’s Region conference. This year he is not even in my region but he told me ‘Bikashbhai, please don’t consider me outsider, take whatever help is needed for your Region Meet’. I will talk about Lion Ramanaiah, co-chairman of this Region Meet. The relationship we built up during last year when he was our club President, made him come forward with unstinted support for any endevour I take up. I will talk about Lion Murali Meganathan, who was my secretary during my President ship, today he is secretary of LC Hyderabad Majestic, which is not even in our district, but the fellowship we have built up made him present here helping me. I will talk about Lion P. Williams, who was 1st Vice President during my President ship. He is also now with another district, but the friendship we built up brought him here as my guest. I will like to talk about Lion Rajam. My co Region chairperson, whom till last year I never met, calls me ‘tu mera chhota Bhai’. There are n no of other lions I can talk about but tine will not permit.
Friends this is the kind of fellowship you will never get anywhere else.
Friends, I am a man of action, speech is not my forte, but today somehow I felt of opening my heart to all of you.
Friends, during the first meeting of my home club on Region Conference, while we were discussing about the name of the Region Meet all my club members were insisting that I must keep the name of Region Meet on my name. But I was very adamant and I insisted that I definitely do not want my name. And finally they have accepted the name ROSHNI, which I am, sure, will show light to all lions for generations to come.
Another thing you must have noticed. In the backdrop there is no photo of mine. Can you tell why? Any guess?
Because I want my name and my photo in each of your hearts.
Thank you all.
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]