VOL. 05-2017/18
NOVEMBER 2017
The Rotary Foundation Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever
Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, create a better 11 and November world toNations supportDay our peace Rotary United efforts and end polio forever It is past time for all of us to recognize the potential of all of our Rotary service to build peace, and approach that service with peacebuilding in mind. RI President Ian H S Riseley
"The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds… we are engraving on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity."
Arch C. Klumph Cleveland, Ohio, USA
The sixth President of Rotary International (then International Association of Rotary Clubs)
H I S T O R Y
December 1928
O F At the 1917 Rotary International Convention in Altanta, Georgia,, outgoing Rotary president Arch C. Klumph proposed setting up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That one idea, and an initial contribution of $26.50, set in motion a powerful force, the vision to create what would become the Rotary Foundation, that has transformed millions of lives around the globe.
FROM Endowment TO The Rotary Foundation It was mid morning, just about the time that most businesses saw their people enjoying a coffee break. RI President Arch C. Klumph, best known as the father of The Rotary Foundation, was born 6 June 1869 in Conneautville, Pennsylvania, USA, had climbed to the podium that Monday morning, June 18, 1917, during the First Plenary session of the International Convention in Atlanta, to present his annual address as President of the International Association of Rotary Clubs. Then, bringing to the attendees the issue of a dream that he had nurtured all year, he said: "We have called the attention of the organization this year to the possibility of a future endowment fund for Rotary. Carrying on, as we are, a miscellaneous community service, it seems eminently proper that we should accept endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world, in charitable, educational or other avenues of community progress; or such funds could be well used for extension work. I know of no more commendable use for the vast millions possessed by men in this country than that certain sums might be endowed to Rotary for the purpose of establishing Rotary clubs in all nations of the world". By virtue of a near unanimous ballot of the delegates, Klumph’s idea of an endowment fund for Rotary became a technical reality.
Technical, because it wasn’t until after the Rotary Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, the following year that the first funds were received $26.50, which represented the net proceeds of the 1918 convention. The Kansas City club had originally wanted to put the amount toward a keepsake or memento for Klumph, but had decided to donate it all to the new Endowment Fund. The idea of an endowment was not a new one. The day that Arch C. Klumph retired from the presidency of his own Rotary Club in Cleveland, Ohio, four years previously, Klumph proposed that “an emergency fund should be built up which will enable the club in future years to do many things’’. Even in the midst of World War I, and the concerns over world events, Klumph’s ability to change his dream of the future into the reality of 1917, through the help of others was not an accident. All through his year as President of the International Association of Rotary Clubs, Arch had ailed every club, and as many potential delegates as possible, detailing the endowment fund idea. He explained how it would work, what it would cost, or not cost, as it was voluntary. In 1917, electioneering was not illegal in Rotary, and Klumph took advantage of every loophole he could find. As delegates arrived in Atlanta, their clubs were queried as to new attendees at a convention, and those attendees were lobbied hard. It paid off.With its approval in Atlanta, the Endowment Fund became a committee of Rotary, and, as such, was operated, or observed, by the President and the board of Directors, with the assistance of Treasurer.
The fund grew slowly, but steadily over the next 11 years. In Ostend, Belgium, in 1927, RI President Harry H. Rogers of San Antonio, Texas, employing the method first used by Klumph in 1917, tried to pass a resolution creating The Rotary Foundation. Due to delegates believing that the clubs and Rotary International were separate entities, the resolution was defeated. The following year, with RI President Arthur H. Sapp, Huntington, Indiana, at the podium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 19, 1928, convention delegates voted to convert the Endowment Fund into The Rotary Foundation. It was then worth $US5,739.07, as reported by Treasurer Rufus Chapin. The convention, as part of the enabling resolution, amended the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International to give the Foundation legal recognition, and five Trustees were appointed by Sapp. They were charged with the responsibility to “hold, invest, manage and administer” all of its property and, with the approval of the Board of Directors of RI, extend the corpus of the income therefrom, as a single trust, for the furtherance of the purposes of RI, and Arch C. Klumph, would serve as Chair of the Trustees for the next five years. By Doug Rudman from sources include The Rotarian, the Archives of Rotary International, RI’s publications on The Rotary Foundation, and Wolfgang Ziegler’s research in the Proceedings of
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
District Governor’s Message Dear Colleagues in Service,
District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari at The Rotary Foundation Seminar & Spouses’ Project
November is the Foundation Month. During the past 100 years our Foundation has transformed the contributions of Rotarians into amazing projects that have changed the lives of millions of people all around the world. Through our Foundation, Rotary members have supported thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, provide basic education, and grow local economies and of course, our fight to eradicate polio worldwide. The Rotary Foundation is the power house that makes the Rotary Wheel move. It is indeed TRF that gives flight to our ambitions, makes us look beyond our horizons and helps us realize our dreams. It is The Rotary Foundation which gives us the strength to do Bigger, Better and Bolder projects through our clubs, thus Making a Difference in the lives of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in our communities. Let us therefore take advantage of the immense opportunities The Rotary Foundation offers through its Global Grants, District Grants and Rotary Peace Fellows program.
DG speaking at The Rotary Foundation Seminar.
Let us build ownership and pride in our Foundation and contribute towards it. This year I would urge every member of our District to contribute to the Foundation. Let our clubs be 100% donor clubs. Let us encourage members to become Paul Harris Fellows and Major Donors, and even Arch Klumph Society members. As Arch Klumph, The Rotary Foundation creator, said that we should not live for ourselves alone, but for the joy in doing good for others - a creed I am sure all of us believe and should adhere to. With warm regards,
Tree Plantation by Spouses’ Group led by First Lady Aaliya Kohari.
Your teammate,
A LAUGH & A TEAR u EXPERIENCE IT ALL!
Ovais Ahmed Kohari District Governor Rotary is built of men made of goodstuff; the ideal of service is developing into practice. As a consequence, the organiztion will never stand still. ~ Arch C. Klumph
G O V E R N O R ’ S M O N T H LY L E T T E R VOL. 05-2017/18
NOVEMBER 2017
Editor
KISHWAR T. ALLAWALA Associate Editor
SADIA ZAIDI Layout Concept & Design
ABBAS LAVINGIA Please submit articles to: Editor: Kishwar Tariq Allawala; Penthouse 1, 143-M/2, PECHS, Karachi 75400; cellular: +92 333 2291708; eMail: gml.d3271@gmail.com
We should not live for ourselves alone, but for the joy in doing good for others. ~ Arch Klumph, founder of The Rotary Foundation.
Editorial November has been designated as The Rotary Foundation Month which is a perfect time to learn more about the excellent work our Foundation carries out throughout the year.
Associate Editor: Sadia Zaidi; eMail: Zaidi.Sadia@gmail.com District Chair Publication: Abbas Lavingia, 503 Alamode Apartments, Block 8, Clifton, Karachi 75600, Pakistan; line: +92 21 32635257; cellular 0300/0321/345 8239019; eMail: abbas@lavingia.net District Secretary: Ali Hafeez Azmat; 4-C, Mohammad Ali Housing Society, Saeed Hai Road, Karachi 75350; line: +92 21 35214418; cellular: +92 333 2298098; eMail: ali.h.azmat@gmail.com District Governor: Ovais Ahmed Kohari; 17 M. A. Jinnah Road, opp. KGA Ground, Karachi; line: +92 21 32250703, 32257213; cellular: +92 331 2713271; eMail: ovais.kohari@hotmail.com News Media Coordinator: Jawaid Babar; cellular: +92 300 3313252; eMail: jawaidbabart@gmail.com Send stories, queries, tips and photographs by mail or e-mail (high resolution digital images prefered). We assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Published monthly by District Governor 3271, Pakistan. Circulation restricted to rotarians only. Concept, layout and printing by: Capricorn Printers; eMail: abbas@lavingia.net Drop Mail You are welcome to make contributions to the GML however, the editorial board reserves the right to edit or reject the material for reasons of suitability, accuracy or space. Please send your articles, club activity and attendance report to: RotarySecretariat3271@gmail.com. If you have old file photographs of any memorable events related to Rotary at district or international level, you are welcome to share with the GML team.
www.rotary3271.org ON THE COVER Background: GIVE - Rotary is dedicated to six areas of focus to build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. Photo “V”: Promoting peace - Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.. Fighting disease - We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.
In 1917 Rotary International President Arch C. Klumph proposed the establishment of an endowment fund, the forerunner of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). The trustees are responsible for the management of the Foundation’s funds and property, the evaluation of all its programs, projects and activities. The trustees also set the guidelines for the manner in which contributions may be received. They provide recognition of Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, and others who support the Foundation’s effort. The Foundation with its incredible programs belongs to all Rotarians. The magic of TRF is the caring and generosity of Rotarians to enable it to thrive and carry out its programs for the benefit of all of us. So let us make a contribution today!
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene - We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term. Saving mothers and children - Nearly six million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
Kishwar Tariq Allawala Editor
rotary day at
United Nations
pushes peace from concept to reality Rotary Day at the United Nations celebrates two organizations’ shared vision for peace and highlights the critical humanitarian activities that Rotary and the UN lead around the world. The event also honors people who make a positive difference in their community, their country, or around the world. For the first time in its 13-year history, Rotary Day at the UN was held outside of New York. On the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I, more than 1,200 people gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, for Rotary Day at the United Nations. Representing 87 countries, they convened on Saturday, 11 November, at the Palais des Nations, originally the home of the League of Nations, and dedicated themselves to the theme introduced by Rotary President Ian H. S. Riseley: Peace: Making a Difference. Ed Futa, Dean of the Rotary Representatives to the United Nations. “Peace needs to be lived rather than preached.” John Hewko, general secretary of RI introduced Rotary’s 2017 People of Action. Rotary honored six individuals, each of whom made brief remarks. They were: Alejandro Reyes Lozano - RC Bogotá Capital, Cundinamarca, Colombia Jean Best - RC Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and gallowayScotland Safina Rahman - RC Dhaka Mahanagar, Bangladesh Ann Frisch - RC White Bear Lake, Minnesota, USA Kiran Singh Sirah & Taylor Cass Talbot, Rotary Peace Fellow.
Dr. Michel Zaffran, the Director of Polio Eradication at the World Health Organization, provided an update on efforts to eradicate polio. They noted the tremendous progress made by Rotary, WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners in eliminating 99 percent of all global incidences of polio. In his keynote address, Riseley made a similar observation. “The work of polio eradication, has taught us . . . that when you have enough people working together, when you understand the problems and the processes, when you combine and leverage your resources, when you set a plan and set your targets - you can indeed move mountains,” he said.“And the need for action, and cooperation, is greater now than ever before.” By Geoff Johnson Photo by Monika Lozinska
Supporting education - More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. Growing local economies - We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities. Ending polio forever - Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for over 30 years, and our goal of ridding the earth of this disease is in sight. We started in 1979 with vaccinations for 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic. Help us in the final push. RI President Ian H S Riseley - Keynote speech on Rotary Day at United Nations.
Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley and his wife, Juliet, listen to speeches.
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
The Rotary Foundation provides project funding through its Annual Programs Fund or APF, as outlined in the flow chart below.
A Platform For Doing Good In The World 101 Years of Doing Good in the World Arch Klumph’s idea for an endowment fund dedicated to “doing good in the world” planted the seed of The Rotary Foundation in 1917. Thanks to his vision and staunch advocacy, and the extraordinary generosity of Rotary members worldwide, that fund has become one of the world’s leading humanitarian foundations. the SHARE system contributions to Annual Fund-SHARE
All amounts are valued in US dollars Source: http://www.lakechelanrotary.org/the-foundation
Donations made to the Annual Programs Fund are held for three years before disbursement. The interest earned on these funds is used to cover operational costs. When the disbursements occur, half go to District Designated Funds, and half (less 5% for administration) go to the World Fund. This practice of using interest income to cover administrative costs has helped to ensure the longevity of the Foundation. Many governments have historically been a significant supporter of Rotary programs through matching grants under the SHARE and PolioPlus programs. With respect to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has also been a valued partner to Rotary, providing doubled matching donations. The Every Rotarian Every Year pledge asks that all Rotarians honour their core duty to support the Foundation through donations, with a goal of $100 per member. The Rotary Foundation’s expenditures
HOW YOUR GIFT IS AMPLIFIED
(in millions)
The Annual Fund is the primary source of funding for all Foundation activities. Thought the SHARE system, contributions to The Rotary Foundation are transformed into grants that fund local and international humanitarian projects, scholarships, and activities.
investments grow owe 3 years this pays for administrative costs
the original contribution is divided in half
District Designated Fund (DDF)
donations**
up to half for district grants
DISTRICT GRANTS flexible short-term activities
*5% of the contribution is earmarked to cover operating expenses if investment earnings are not sufficient **includes PolioPlus, Rotary Peace Centers, other districts, and the Endowment Fund (areas of focus)
world Fund*
1:1 match for global grants
grants and programs**
GLOBAL GRANTS International, sustainable long-term projects that align with the areas of focus
Foundation Month - November The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on lifechanging, sustainable projects. Your gift makes a difference since 91% of funds collected are directly spent on programs. More than 35,000 active projects were posted to Rotary Showcase, an online site that allows Rotarians and Rotaractors to share stories of their clubs’ successful projects. This reflects Rotarian contributions of more than 12 million volunteer hours, over $380 million in cash donations, and almost $265 million in kind donations that fuel our efforts to improve the quality of life in communities worldwide. Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation? Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world. How does The Rotary Foundation use donations? Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies. What impact can one donation have? It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2. By PP Ross Harlow Club Foundation Chair Rotary Club of Whistler, District 5040
It is the Rotarian idea that a business is best and truest expression … that if a man’s business life is clean, his social life is likely to be. ~ Paul Harris
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
The Rotary Foundation Seminar November 25, 2017 The Rotary Foundation Seminar was held on November 25 at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi. The seminar was hosted by Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl. PDG Wichai Maneewacharakiet, RRFC Zone 6B and PDG Dr. Mansoor ul Haq, ARRFC Zone 6B were the guests of honor. PP Dr. Aftab Imam was the master of ceremony for the seminar, while the welcome address was delivered by the President RCK Pearl, Waqar Ahmed Shaikh. District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari, speaking at the seminar, highlighted the importance of contribution to The Rotary Foundation and the benefits that communities reap through global or matching grants. PDG Aziz Memon, Advisor Endowments & Major Gifts, Zone 6B elaborated the levels of donor, global gifts and endowment. He further added that Rotary is one of the highly rated charities in USA with overall score of 98 points and received its ninth straight four star rating from Charity Navigator.
Rotary is its best when there are distinct needs to fill. ~ PRIP C.P.H. Teenstra
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
PDG Mansoor talked about supporting a cause that would uplift our communities as a whole. He said giving is an essential part of our culture and Pakistan is a nation with one of the highest number of philanthropists. PDG M. Faiz Kidwai, along with PDG Shahab Balkhi, DGE Irfan Qureshi, PP Zeenat Bayat and Rtn Ali Kazmi discussed about how to apply for global grant. Rtn Kazmi gave a presentation on their club global project titled Rotary Improving State of Literacy and Schooling Environment being conducted by Rotary Club of Nawabshah Central. PDG Wichai discussed at length the importance foundation has in overall Rotary world and why giving is an essential part for achieving various social uplift goals and in the end Making a Difference. He further said that District 3271 has a lot of potential in doing more than what has been planned. He shared various statistical figures to highlight the areas where the district could make immense inroads. In the end PDG Aziz Memon called for pledges and Rotarians participated with great enthusiasm. DG Ovais Kohari presented shields to PDG Wichai, PDG Mansoor and PDG Aziz. Rotary Club of Karachi Pearl President, Waqar Ahmed Shaikh and Secretary, Syed Kashif Rafi along with the DG, PDG Aziz, IPDG Saleem Rao and PDG Mansoor presented club memento to PDG Wichai. Vote of thanks was proposed by IPDG M. Saleem Rao, ARC Zone 6B.
Rotary is a maker of friendships and a builder of men. ~ PRIP Herbert Taylor
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
How about sharing something about yourself - personal and professional life? I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1961 and graduated from Chulalongkorn University in Chemical Engineering. I first worked in 1985 as a production supervisor at Palm Oil Refinery Plant, and from 1996 until now I have had a share with my friends to work on vegetable oil production consultants and sell imported equipment and machinery from Germany. Philosophy of work Is Gratitude and Honesty because I always think everything is based on Gratitude and Honesty. Throughout my life and work, I adhere to that philosophy and profess the same to others. How did you get interested in Rotary? I joined Rotary in late 1996 on invitation from a friend. I chose to join Rotary Club of Samutprakarn because the time and place of the meeting were convenient to me. When I joined Rotary I did not know what Rotary was, I just wanted to get more friends. Then I was invited to serve as the club secretary in 1999. I felt that if I were to serve as a club secretary I should learn such duties. I started reading the manuals and during the journey by car I would get the knowledge from senior Rotarians who took the same car with me. That is the beginning of my Rotary learning.
Wichai Maneewacharakiet Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator - Zone 6B District Governor 2006 - 2007 Rotary Club Samutprakam, Bangkok RI District 3330 - Thailand
“Rotary is very simple if a member understands it. I remembered the words of King Rama: understand, reach and develop. When we understand what we are doing, we should take action and develop sustainability. This is the same Philosophy with Rotary.”
Would you like to briefly trace your journey in Rotary - from an ordinary member to a RI director? I never thought to serve in higher level position in Rotary, least of all as RI Director. I liked to do service in communities because I saw that Rotary can do much if Rotarians understand what Rotary truly does. I went to many places in Thailand. I have seen many projects that take place from Rotary. I like the principle of Global Grant Program because if Rotarians apply this principle to other projects, Rotary projects will have more value. Therefore, it is our duty to promote how we will have valuable Rotary projects if we have the opportunity to do. What areas of service have you mostly been involved in? I served as District Trainer for many years and served as District Rotary Foundation committee chair for four years, and then served as Assistant RRRFC zone 6B for three years before I served as RRFC Zone 6B in 2017 until now. I will be involved in creating the most Rotary officers on club level and district level. I have been in Rotary Foundation area for more than eight years, so I will see changes in the foundation related to the Humanitarian project, it is a good change. How supportive is your family with your busy schedule? My family encouraged me to work in Rotary because they saw me doing it happily. But they are worried about my health because I travel a lot and don’t rest enough. What do you think is the best thing about Rotary? Rotary is very simple if a member understands it. I remembered the words of King Rama: understand, reach and develop. When we understand what we are doing, we should take action and develop sustainability. This is the same Philosophy with Rotary.
Past growth and achievement must serve only as guideposts to the future Rotary must move forward. ~ PRIP Jack Davis
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
How can we motivate young people to join Rotary? We should explain the meaning of Rotary by service if we want to motivate young people to join Rotary. We should show the young people how Rotary serves. How can it help the community to live a better life? How can they help Rotary do that? Young people like to take action so let them sit at the meetings as they like to think and create what they want to do. You have to let them do what they like. How would you encourage Rotarians to work selflessly rather than for personal gain? The selfless nature comes from the subconscious of that man, so it should start with recruiting new members who are qualified and ready to be good volunteers. For the old members make them understand and point out the benefits that the community will get when we do good. How do you see the future of Rotary? Rotary is moving into new age. But Rotary must not forget the good things that Rotary has, such as Avenues of Service, especially vocational service, meetings that create friendships and service, ideas exchanged in weekly meetings - meeting may be in person or online. We bring back from meetings ideas about what we will do and take action.
KHALIL GIBRAN Contributed by: Ovais Ahmed Kohari, District Governor
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. And there are those who have little and give it all. These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty. There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward. And there are those who give with pain and that pain is their baptism.
Your impression of Pakistan?
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue; They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
I am very impressed in Pakistan with the friendship and warmth which I received from the Rotarians.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
Any message/advice for our Rotarians?
It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving
Rotary is simple, please understand Rotary motto truly Service above Self. If you understand truly and take action you are a good Rotarian. You will be a Rotarian in name or Rotarian in blood, you can choose yourself!
And is there aught you would withhold? All you have shall someday be given; Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors. You often say, “I would give, but only to the deserving.” The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.
It is the combination of high - minded idealism and hard - headed realism which makes Rotary such a great force for the good of mankind. ~ PRIP Nitish Laharry
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
Archives
The Peace Advocate
Tariq Akhtar Allawala November 23, 1952 - June 20, 2002 District Governor 1999 - 2000 R I District 3270
Conference of Peace, Goodwill and Fellowship While the world was talking of tensions between India and Pakistan, the Rotarians of the two countries met in Karachi in March 2000 for a Conference of Peace, Goodwill and Fellowship. Then RI President Carlo Ravizza declared the Conference open.
Welcome to the Peace Conference delegates.
It was an idea shared a year earlier between then RI President Elect Carlo Ravizza and DG Nominee Tariq Allawala (then District 3270, Pakistan). The idea was discussed with some governors in India and the then Governors Nominee of Districts 3010, 3110 and 3170 agreed to co sp onsor the Conference. For a conference to be organized under the Rotary Peace Programs it had to be sponsored by a Foundation Trustee and this was gladly agreed by the Trustee and RI President Nominee Richard King. Finally, the conference proposed and sponsored by Districts 3270 (Pakistan), 3010, 3110 and 3170 (India) was approved by the Rotary Foundation under its Peace Programs. DG Tariq promoted the conference at the Zonal Institute at Agra in December 1999. However, the events that followed made the conference doubtful, with people on both sides of the border having fears to travel to the other side. In such a situation DG Tariq took a bold decision of leading a delegation to the District Conference of D-3010, one of the partner districts, held in Delhi in January 2000. This visit of nine Rotarians and spouses at such a juncture developed confidence in the Indian Rotarians.
Then Rotary International President Carlo Ravizza greeting District Governor Tariq Akhtar Allawala.
Nearly 150 Rotarians who applied for visas for the conference were issued visas. The conference was held at a time when political relations were at their worst and there was a real fear of a war breaking out. Media was full of accusations indicative of the serious situation so much so that a number of friendly countries were urging both sides to exercise restraint. As a consequence of the grossly biased reports in the media, many Rotarians from India decided to stay back even though they had been issued visas. Nevertheless, about 70 persons from India did come in the spirit of fellowship and friendship. The purpose of the conference was to motivate the Rotarians of the two countries to promote understanding and goodwill by actively encouraging and providing appropriate opportunities through better communication and greater contacts amongst not only the Rotarians and their families but also amongst people from diverse professions and from all sectors of society. Taking the lead from Rotary’s Conference of Peace, Goodwill and Fellowship a number of citizens’ initiatives cropped up ranging from people to people dialogue and also visits to each other’s country.
Anne Aqueela Shamsi, PDG Akhtar Malik, First Lady Rosanna, RIP Carlo Ravizza, Kishwar and Tariq.
Rotary begins with fellowship and ends in a world fellowship on a person to person basis. ~ PRIP Nitish Laharry
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
Articles appearing in the newspapers significantly mentioned the conference and lauded its effort towards peace. A large number of messages of felicitation on the successful holding of the Conference were received from the RI Officers and Rotarians from other districts. The Conference was addressed by the Chairman of the Conference Committee PDG Kassim Dada, DG Tariq Allawala, DG Ranjan Dhingra from a sponsoring district of India, RI President Carlo Ravizza, Advisor to the President of Pakistan Javed Jabbar, noted journalist Khushwant Singh from India, Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Rotary International Director O.P. Vaish, former director of UNO Dr Naeem Rathore, member Amnesty International Dr Shershah Syed and former Ambassador of Pakistan to India Syed Mehdi Masud. Finally, it was addressed by the Rotary Foundation Trustee and RI President Nominee Richard King. He surprised and thrilled the audience by beginning with a song a p p r o p r i a t e l y wo r d e d a n d professionally sung, and followed it up with a most inspiring address. The quality of speeches was unusually high and widely applauded.
DG Ranjan Dhingra from Delhi, RI Director O P Vaish and DG Tariq in a jovial mood.
No Rotary event in Pakistan had ever received anywhere near the support of the news media, including the television, as this one did. Pakistan Television telecast a special 45 minute program on the Conference. This program was telecast to over 30 countries. It also had interviews, especially recorded for the program, with RI President Carlo Ravizza and the four sponsoring District Governors from Pakistan and India. The conference committee was able to set up a reception desk inside the security area at the Karachi Airport and banners were displayed at not only the Airport but also by the main roads and at a number of hotels. The visiting Rotarians repeatedly stressed that coming to Pakistan had drastically changed their perception about the country and were keen on building on the goodwill already created. The delegates were more than impressed with the quality of the programs, time management, food, accommodation, hospitality, enter tainment and general arrangements. All Rotarians went back home carrying positive feelings with a hope that the beginning made would continue to bring goodwill and better friendships in the sub continent.
DG Tariq, RIPN Rick King & Cherie King and Shakil Ansari (now PDG) with other rotarians at the Conference dinner.
DG Tariq addressing the Peace Conference Inaugural session.
RID O. P. Vaish and RIP Carlo listening to Khushwant Singh's address.
District Secretary M Faiz Kidwai, Conference Secretary Abdul Wahab Lakhani, Conference Chair PDG Kassim Dada, DG Tariq Allawala, RIP Carlo Ravizza, keynote speaker Javed Jabbar and RID O. P. Vaish at the Peace Conference Inaugural session.
Inaugural of the Discon after the conclusion of the Peace Conference.
District Secretary M Faiz Kidwai, DG Tariq and three sponsoring District Govenors from India.
Serving people through Rotary made me humble with a broader understanding of human need for help and assistance. ~ PRIP Carlo Ravizza
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
November 01 Rotary Club Karachi Darakhshan
November 04 Rotary Club Mirpurkhas Paradise
November 03 Rotary Club Mirpurkhas
November 04 Rotary Club Mirpurkhas Haven
Rotary begins with fellowship and ends in a world fellowship on a person to person basis. ~ PRIP Nitish Laharry
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
November 08 Rotary Club Karachi Metropolitan
November 12 Rotary Club Karachi Sunrise
November 10 Rotary Club Karachi Cosmopolitan
Rotary is its best when there are distinct needs to fill. ~ PRIP C.P.H. Teenstra
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
November 14 Rotary Club Karachi Gateway
November 16 Rotary Club Karachi North
November 30 Rotary Club Karachi Sharqi
Rotary is a maker of friendships and a builder of men. ~ PRIP Herbert Taylor
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
November 24 Rotary Club Karachi Kehkashan
October 14 Rotary Club Quetta
District Governor presided over meeting of Board of Directors, President Dr. Tabassum Siddiqi, presented the club’s profile and briefed him about the club activities. Later club assembly was held and attended by all the members. PP Abbas Lavingia, Assistant Governor; PP Kishwar Allawala, GML Editor; Waqar Ahmed Shaikh, ADS and Syed Kashif also attended the event. DG urged to execute service projects through Global Grants and also update the club goals on Rotary Club Central. He emphasized on increasing membership particularly female members and more involvement of Rotaractors. Earlier DG visited Defence Society Resident's Association (DSRA) Medical and Health Centre at Jamhuria Colony, which is the permanent community project of the Club.
October 15 Rotary Club Quetta Cosmopolitan
November 24 Rotary Club Karachi Korangi
October 15 Rotary Club Quetta Bolan Valley
The DG met with the President who hopes to revive the club and take active participation in joint projects to assist with revival of the club.
DG presided over meeting of Board of Directors and President presented the club’s profile and briefed him about the club activities.
Past growth and achievement must serve only as guideposts to the future Rotary must move forward. ~ PRIP Jack Davis
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
District Golf Tournament & Fellowship
Spouses’ Group Rotary International District 3271
SCHOOL PLAY AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Spouses’ Group developed the play area and gifted swings for the students of RPLM - RCK Sind Valley adopted GBSS Bazarta Lines School. On November 15, it was formally handed over to the school management by District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari along with Rotarians and the Spouses led by First Lady Aaliya Kohari.
District 3271 had the largest district golf tournament organised and hosted by the Rotary Club of Karachi on November 04. The tournament was attended by multiple Rotary Clubs of District 3271. This was an all Rotarian golf tournament which had five flights of four balls each. The players started arriving at 2 pm and first tee-off was at 2.30 pm. Players were distributed End Polio Now t-shirts that were sent by PDG Aziz Memon. At the prize-giving ceremony, several presidents and members of the District’s Rotary Clubs were invited for fellowship which started at 5 pm. and went late into the evening. The prize distribution ceremony was held in the garden of the Golf Club. Prizes were handed out by President, Rotary Club of Karachi, President Pervaiz Kausar. Winners were presented with golf balls along with the trophies. The trophies were handmade of a golfer which was appreciated by all. Players were awarded in 4 categories: 1. Longest drive 2. Nearest to pin 3. Winner net 4. Winner Gross
Winners are as follows: First prize Khalid Gulzar Second prize Anjum Parvez Third prize Asghar Ali Nearest to pin Arshad Shamsi
The committee consisted of Khalid Gulzar, Anjum Parvez and Abbas Marvi under Humayun Qureshi, Chair District Fellowship Committee.
Rotarians find in Rotary a medium for the expression of compassion for others, for building a better world, and a delightful way of fulfilling their own selves. ~ PRIP M.A.T. Caparas
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
Rotary Club Karachi Platinum
Winter Clothes distribution by RCKP
The club’s charter ceremony was held on boat. District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari presented the Club Charter and also expressed great satisfaction over club recent projects and activities.
Rotary Club Karachi Platinum distributed winter clothes, on November 19, in Mirpur Sakro Village.
Rotary Club Karachi South RCK South hosted a fellowship dinner in honor of Consul General of Oman and Bahrain. DG Ovais Ahmed Kohari and First Lady Aaliya Kohari were invited to grace the occasion. President Basit Mundia received theme flag from DG alongwith VP Tajwar Baig, Secretary Hameed Aslam and members of the Club.
Medical Camp by Rotary Club Karachi Sunrise Rotary Club Sunrise organised a medical camp attended by District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari. He lauded the efforts of members Dr Shameem Siddiqui, Jehan Ara Haque, Usman Hameed, Mustafa Madraswala, Fatima Bandukwala and few others, working in an organized manner for the visiting patients.
Literacy enables communities to take care of their water resources, address their own health and hunger issues, and teach the next generation. ~ PRIP Bill Boyd
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
Rotary Club Karachi East Cultural Day celebrations Rotary Club Nawabshah Executive arranged an Intercity Meeting and Culture Day Celebrations under the leadership of President Saeed Ahmed Tanwer. Chief Guest on the occasion was PP Dr. Farhan Essa Abdullah from RC Karachi Kolachi and Chairman FPPCI, while the Guest of Honour was Rtn. Syed Faseeh Ahmed Shah, Member Provincial Assembly, District Shaheed Benazirabad. More than 70 Rotarians attended the intercity meeting. At the end of the meeting members celebrated the Sindhi Topi Ajrak Day with guests.
Rotarians are not just good humanitarians but they are also responsible citizens. This was manifested yet again, when Rotary Club of Karachi East, invited SSP South Javed Akbar Riaz to speak on the importance of having a cordial and trusting relationship between the local police and community at large in jointly working towards a more peaceful Karachi. Traditionally, a common citizen does not have a very positive perception of the policeman and thus would avoid approaching them in times of trouble. This young officer after his appointment as SSP South, has undertaken this huge responsibility of changing this perception. For this purpose he has planned many activities and events and sought the help of the vast network of Rotary to assist him in his endeavours. The leadership and members of RCK East appreciated SSP Javed Raiz efforts and wholeheartedly supported him.
Rotary Image on PTV On Pakistan Television (PTV) Morning Show, PP Tahira Khan gave a briefing on Women Literacy and Rotary Pakistan Literacy Mission while PP Waqar Shaikh talked about Polio Eradication, Rotary Vocational Service and Trade Management.
World needs people of vision, people who are capable of dreaming dreams. ~ PRIP Bill Boyd
| Governor’s Monthly Letter | November 2017
Notebooks and Uniform distribution
Polio awareness books reading session by RCKS
Rotary Club Mirpurkhas Satellite Town distributed 50 uniforms and 100 note books to students of the Government Primary School Younus Dal Doulat Pur Taluka Shuja Abd. On the occasion, children recited verses from the Holy Quran and also recited naats. It was attended by President Noman Halepoto, Secretary Jabir Majeed, Kashif Bashir, Manager Sher Afzal Welfare Foundation, Assistant Governor Furqan Shaikh and Joint Secretary Zeshan Hashmi.
Dr Jewat Sunder of Rotary Club Khipro Sunders teaching children in slums and reading out polio books to them.
RPLM - Books distribution On behalf of RPLM and Rotary Club Mirpurkhas PP Jawaid Babar distributed books among students of local government primary school. Later he visited a local Madarsa for SNIDs and also distributed Polio Social Mobilisation items among students.
Rotary and Diplomats His Excellency Steve Crossman, British Deputy Head of Mission (left) and His Excellency Mishal Al Ansari, Counsel General Qatar (right) lauded the commitment of District Governor Ovais Ahmed Kohari in serving the people of Sindh and Balochistan. The diplomats stated this while talking to PP Jawaid Babar at a diplomat reception in Karachi.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and work for their dreams. ~ PRIP Bill Boyd