Junoon Conference Report

A REPORT

Rotary @ Ramada: Creating history with “Junoon” Ramada, Lucknow etched itself into history by playing venue to the District Conference (RI 3250) during 27-29th December, 2019. A magical experience that unraveled on these dates catapulted the image of to soaring heights, acknowledged and appreciated by all and sundry. Rotary Pataliputra had been achieving these little milestones with resounding success but to realize a task as big as this required courage, comoradarie and consistency ticking all boxes of preparation. What turned out to be as an outcome of this exercise can be best experienced than explained, a testimony which was carried back by ~800 participants who became a part of this conference from far off destinations of Bihar and Jharkhand and elsewhere. One has to connect all points in the same sequence to achieve a firm line of success and Rotary Pataliputra ensured it with a superlative degree of performance.

From bidding to execution, the commitment of all concerned was not only phenomenal but would surely be remembered in times to come. The preceding event by Rotary Patliputra as a host was last organised three decades back and to re achieve the past grandeur, the efforts had to be of the highest order. Under the overall guidance of Shri Gopal Khemka, District Governor, RD 3250 and determined entourage of Rtn. Shilpi Chachan, President, Rotary Pataliputra (ably supported by the well-equipped organizing committee) the journey leading to the phenomenal success of the district conference was perfectly scripted.

Ramada, Lucknow was earmarked as the venue and the response from various clubs of RD 3250 was nothing short of phenomenal with ingredients to create history. There were registrations in excess of 400 with total number of heads reaching close to four figures. Accommodation was arranged at some of the best properties of Lucknow with the spotlight on Ramada as the event venue.

Novotel, Marriot, Hilton and Ramada served as the home away from home for the visiting delegates who reported for the venue before or at the nick of the hour.

Having comfortably checked themselves in the “City of Nawabs”, it was left to time to leave an indelible impression for the times to come.

The Inagural moment: Amidst sound of trumpets, bugle trills and palatial “baggi” ride and a honour filled march past flanked by Rotary flags held by Club Presidents and Secretaries, the esteem invitees and guest of honour, Rotarian Francisco Arezzo, RIP Representative and Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, RIPN along with their gracious better halves were welcomed to the auditorium by the delegates anxiously awaiting their esteem guests.

Floral petals showered onto them as the national anthem of Italy dovetailed by the National Anthem of motherland, filled the space around with an aura which was magical. Rotarian Francisco Arezzo, RIP Representative and Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, RIPN were felicitated, the who’s who in the audience recognised for their gracious presense, major donors acknowledged for their unstinting support to the cause of Rotary Foundation, the soaring graph of Lady Rotarians forming the audience congratulated and recognised for their contribution and even the R/Anne’s and Let’s present on the occasion greeted warmly by the members of host club and those present in the audience. The charter of a new club, Bodh

Gaya Regency was made on the occasion and the office bearers appreciated for their initiative in carrying the flag of Rotary further and higher. Invocation dance by pretty ladies of Rotary Pataliputra, set the ball rolling to an experience in one of its kind. Shri Mohan Himatsingka, Conference Chairman proposed the welcome address followed by a welcome note by Shri Gopal Khemka, District Governor, RD 3250.

Rotarian Francisco Arezzo, RIP Representative expressed his happiness to have received such an overwhelming reception and rated it as nothing less than a dream come true on his maiden visit to India. He remarked that it was gratifying for him and his wife Rtn, Anna Maria to have been on the ends of such extraordinary love and affection showered by the host club.

The colorful, quaint and informative “Souvenir� was released on the occasion which also provided a window to acknowledge the support of the sponsors and business houses whose contribution made the host club realize what was close to impossible without their timely and persistent support.

The Rotary Pataliputra President Rtn. Shilpi Chachan in her thanks giving brought into her deliberation the take aways of all dignitaries who in their address brought out the essense of Rotary and how it changed the complexion of this world through its effort for better.

The Key Note Speakers: RIPN Francesco Arezzo: The guest of honour from Italy in his address on days of conference highlighted the achievements of Rotary through its dedicated campaigns, initiatives and determination to make it count. An orthodontist by profession, he informed the august gathering that he joined Rotary Club of Ragusa in 1988-89 and served in various capacities. Being a benefactor and major donor of Rotary Foundation, he underlined the need of contribution for the efficient functioning of Rotary and its endeavours.

He stressed on the importance the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service. He even emphasized on maintaining high ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life was what made Rotary an entirely novel entity. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service connected the world and brought the world closer than before.

He opined that the member strength though it had shown an increase in times had somehow been nullified by eviction with passage of time. It was important for all of us to preserve the past, cherish the present and make way for the future.

Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, RIPN:

RI President nominee Rtn. Shekhar Mehta, expressed his happiness to be a part of the event and congratulated profusely the efforts of Rotary Pataliputra for realizing and extraordinary feet in crunch time. He opined that organsing a district conference was a major milestone in the journey of service of a District Governor. On this note he congratulated Shri Gopal Khemka on achieving, a phenomenal distinction. The event gave an oppurtunity to make new friends, revive old friendships, learn from our seniors and imbibe bonding to the youngsters for the organisation. The rendezvous of Rotarians every year gives a phenomenal boost to Rotary, he opined.

Reminiscing on his association with Rotary, he remarked that his greatest achievement in Rotary has been that he has never said no to a task or responsibility given on his shoulders. This has open gates for bigger responsibilities but eventually it has helped him understand the true essense of Rotary and its purpose which is probably not true to any organisation which works on a such a grand scale. He added that never work in rotary to achieve a place or a position for having done so it’s almost certain that you won’t achieve it. When one works selflessly and with a sense of purpose the distinctions automatically start finding a place in your analytical achievements. The fact that we are successful is not because we work in isolation but because we work together as a team not limited by barriers of separation. This is the reason why Rotary is making such a distinct mark on the map of service to mankind.

RID Kamal Sanghvi: He in his address remarked that Rotarians are a bunch of happier people connected to Rotary’s broader networks that bring a sense of belonging. He urged the Rotarians to strengthen our relationship and build connections for success and happiness. Herein the district conference played an integral role in connecting and building relationships, promote fellowship and service. It thus helped our mission, vision and values for benefit of the community at large.

He even informed that Rotary being the largest organisation in the world, believed in world Peace and aimed at making the world a better place locally and globally. He stressed on the importance of making new generation, members of Rotary. With the moto of “Each One- Bring one” lied the secret of making Rotary bigger and stronger. For this it was important to make our sons and daughters, proud Rotarians and they having seen the organisation from such close quarters will further deeper the bonds of service beyond self.

He remarked that women either in the capacity of Rotarians or even as Anne’s were doing a commendable job in furthering the cause of Rotary and ladies at the helm of affairs at all levels were being instrumental in bringing even healthier dividends with changing times.

Eloquent in his expression and determined in his objective, he inspired the audience in his front to the extent of receiving roaring round of applause for his deliberation on various subjects.

RID Dr. Bharat Pandya: Addressing the gathering, he remarked that the true strength of Rotarians lies in working sincerely in their clubs and communities. The new Rotary year brought new opportunities and even bigger responsibilities to improve further from the bench mark achieved. He stressed on the aspects of membership growth, retention and carrying out meaningful service projects. He stressed on the need of working together with active participation from government and other NGO’s. He particularly stressed on the importance of keeping good health and how the same was pivotal towards achieving our aims and objectives in life. He added that with sedate and luxurious lifestyles, the component of health care was taking a back seat, consequently health related ailments were becoming more and more prominent and assuming. He shared methods to maintain good health and that would serve as a key to achieving bigger goals and destinations.

RIDN Rtn. A.S. Venkatesh (Venky): Tall, impressive and determined, this IIT graduate and post graduate from IIM Ahmedabad impressed all with his electrifying address as a proud Rotarian. A level III Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation with a personal contribution of US 50000 dollars and an encompassing participation in Rotary from all the family members, he was the perfect recipe for an audience who needed to appreciate that age could never be a barrier to determined goals and objectives.

He talked about the need of literacy and how Rotarians could make a difference to the society by adopting the educational needs of poor and less equipped which could change the face of the society and ensure a better tomorrow.

He also stressed on the need of e-learning and its significance.

PDG John Daniel: PDG John Daniel, started his deliberation by saying that Mark Daniel Maloney has given a beautiful theme for the year; “Rotary Connects the World�. He added that when deeds speak, words are nothing. Rotary has touched the lives of many around us. It has created stronger bonds, supporting and strengthening one another, sharing joys and sorrows and through concerted efforts taking the district forward to achieve greater heights.

He added that in Rotary, we are expected to foster friendship and fellow ship amongst ourselves and bring smiles on the faces of less fortunate fellow beings by spreading joy and love all around. Rotary Foundations takes a lead in realizing that and with a humble beginning of 26.5 dollars it has now grown into a colossal organisation serving mankind irrespective of caste, creed and color. Rotary’s fight against polio has been the most appreciated service worldwide funded by Rotary Foundation. He urged all to donate liberally, because every penny we contribute comes back to the world in four folds helping us to answer the prayers of those in need. He congratulated Rotary Pataliputra for organizing such a successful conference.

The Motivational Speakers: The event saw the amalgamation of some spirit talks effected by a few motivational speakers invited specially for the event. Drawing prominence were the likes of Shri Pawan Kumar Aggarwal (Dabba Wala), Brahma Kumari Sunita Didi, Ad Man Prahlad Kakkar amongst others.

Smt. Swati Singh, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Govt. of UP originally hailing from erstwhile Bihar was an added feather to the event who talked about women emancipation, rights, their footage in the society drawing equality with others and what Rotary can do to look into the interest of women for a better framework of the society.

Shri Pawan Kumar Aggarwal (Dabba Wala) brought the audience to their feet and to the realm of excitement by electrifying the duration of speech he was allotted with. He emphasized on the power of determination and courage over intelligence and technology to touch the lives of millions who found time as the rarest commodity to deal with. In this techno savvy world, he relied heavily on the networking of 5000 odd workforce of his, in all ages who could deliver what was thought to be humanly impossible by others. He said that in the history of his profession spanning almost a century now, there has not been a single incidence that a tiffin box has been delivered wrongly to about 200000 destinations every day in

Mumbai and suburbs. He added that if the courage is there to do wonders, the most difficult situations ultimately bow down before you and that is how we create extraordinary work with the help of ordinary people. Brahma Kumari Dr. Sunita Didi stressed on the need of discipline and values in life. How we programme ourselves for a better living is what decides our output to what we want in life. Citing an example, she added that there is a replica of our mind which prevents us from doing what comes as a discipline at the behest of laziness. If we can overcome that by our determination, then the dividends will be far reaching and we can strive for a better life at all levels.

Ad Man Prahlad Kakkar, stressed on the point that we are all born to execute different duties in life. We all have a characteristic thought process which need not be generalized by the expectations of others. Parents in particular should try to allow the creativity in their child to grow unabated and not force upon them to choose what they want as this would lead to a personality fall out in young minds. Citing his own example, he said what he could achieve with time and in space had absolutely nothing to do with how he fared as a young child. It was the creativity in him which saw him get better and better with time. Relating to some of the most popular advertisements created by him, the message that went to the audience was loud, pronounced and clear from the man himself.

Lighter Moments: The intervening gaps and the evenings at large were decorated by the event management and the entertainment items intricately picked up by the organizing committee. There was in-house dance performance by Rotary Clubs from Giridih, Jamshedpur, Kodarma, Muzzafarpur and Pataliputra which enthralled the audience to the core. The exibits were well rehearsed and brought in a professional touch. The team from Jamshedpur, Pataliputra and Giridih shared the honours in that sequence.

In addition, there was a Sufi night by renowned group who with their performance electrified the audience. This was dovetailed with a magic show from Sourav Sarkar which left audience in amazement, awe and the charm left by the young artist. There was a laser show which was not only electrifying but merged the ending with a display of ROTARY by the artist which left the audience in complete euphoria, jubilation and ecstasy. The mesmerizing acrobatic dance finesse by Papya and Antara, at times blindfolded left the audience in ecstasy.

The customized electric guitar and table presentation from Amritanshu Dutta and Jayant Patnaik on classical and Bollywood mash up numbers brought the audience to its feet and garnered a huge round of continuous applause. The dance numbers from Neeta Srivastava and group bringing to the floor the culture of awadh was well appreciated. Light vocal, foot tapping numbers, Sufi and Bollywood retro nite and much more engulfed the liking of the huge audience who exhibited apt attire depending on the mood, flavour and ambience. There also were games for children, personality grooming sessions from VIBES for ladies and several other attractions that catered the minute to minute engagement of the participants during the event. The Master of Ceremony, Ms. Sunanda and Mr Shadab through their stage presense and oratory were the perfect icing on the cake.

In addition, there were raffle draws and random pick up of registration numbers from lucky draws at intervening junctures which kept the audience interested for them

being lucky throughout the span of conference. The winners took home 50gms silver coins each chosen through the lucky draw.

Cuisine and Delicacies: The arrangements on the cuisine side was not only mouthwatering but offered variety and substance for all age groups. From ranges in starters, beverage, breakfast, vegetarian and non vegetarian to dessert, there was perhaps everything one could have wished for and delegates to their convenience enjoyed sumptuous meals at all times of the day.

There was a lot to choose from and everybody had a ball enjoying Continental, Chinese, Indian and Awadhi delicacy on all days and at all hours of the conference.

Valedictory Session: The valedictory session saw Rotary Club of Pataliputra, Chanakya, Giridih, Ramgarh, Rotary Club of Mid Town coming forward through their chosen representatives to highlight the activities accomplished by their respective clubs in service to rotary and the society at large. The theme “Junoon” captured the imagination of one and all and was resorted to as a colloquial term in address of almost all the speakers. The session also features presentation from the DG candidates for the district 3250.

PDG Rtn. Chiranjeev Khandelwal talked about the polio campaign and the huge contribution Rotary had done as an organisation in eradicating the same from the globe barring a couple of countries.

The final words were presented through the address of RIPR Francesco Arezzo who expressed his happiness on the stupendous success of the conference and profusely thanked the host club and the district governor for this huge accomplishment which has set very high standards for the times to come.

District Governor Rtn. Gopal Khemka in his thanks giving, acknowledged one and all for making this great endeavour purposeful, rewarding and extremely beneficial. He particularly thanked the guest speakers, dignitaries, support staff, organizing committee, sponsors, host club president and secretary and all in front and behind the preparation of the conference for putting in their best efforts in true spirit of Rotary. The efforts of the PCO was also acknowledged at length.

The good bye:

The district conference set new dimensions of accomplishment for team Rotary Pataliputra. At one instance when everything looked difficult and distant, the positive countenance of a team of dedicated individuals made it possible through their positive demeanor, attitude and never say die spirit. The “अलविदा” sequence by ladies of Rotary Pataliputra appropriately reverberated the thought that this conference belonged to each and every individual of district 3250 who with their presense or contribution added variegated colours and memories to this magnanimous event. It is to bring to records the contribution of following individuals in particular who visualized and remained pivotal in bringing home laurels and appreciation for the club.

Gopal Khemka, District Governor Mohan Himatsingka, Chairman Navin Gupta, Co- Chairman Sandeep Sarraf, Secretary Ashok Agarwal, Joint Secretary Shilpi Chachan, Host Club President Ashok Bidasaria, Host Club President

N.K. Agarwal, Treasurer Veena Jain, Souvenir Editor Bipin Chachan, Chairman Accommodation Samir Jhunjhunwala, Chairman Registration Anil Ritolia, Convenor J.P. Todi, Convenor

When we commit for the job it is not only the persons in the front who make a difference but there are souls who sacrifice their peace and moment for the success of an endeavour. There are many such champions who made that difference backstage to achieve something which is exemplary, motivating and a glaring example of sheer team work. Transport committee was just one such area which saw the dedication of Rtn. Anjani Kumar Sinha who literally saw off slumber for end number of days to ensure that others reached where they wanted to in time. There were many such unsung heroes.

The conference heralded a new milestone for Rotary Pataliputra. A few may not have had their share of happiness for some unavoidable reasons but when we work with so many, blemishes do inadvertently crop up with no intentions behind. Our satisfaction was to see those smiling faces return with a shade of satisfaction which Rotary Pataliputra did its best to provide. After all we are just a drop in the ocean called Rotary. Thank you all for making the event immensely successful.

(A detailed synopsis of the event by Rtn. Akhouri Bishwapriya, Rotary Pataliputra)

Your words of love and appreciat ion is what will always remain with us !!!!