Let's carry forward the legacy of service
It may seem strange to begin by talking about the past, but I feel that we owe a debt of gratitude to our Past Presidents and I would like to acknowledge this publicly. Our Past Presidents have not only worked tirelessly to achieve the goals of our Club and set new standards in service, but have also carried themselves with dignity and determination to uphold the values for which the Club stands.
To do so, over more than eight decades, speaks volumes not only for the dedication of these illustrious Past Presidents but also for the commitment and hard work of our members in general.
Today, we are blessed to have a rich legacy and an enviable reputation, not merely at the District but also at the International level. The work that our Past Presidents together with their team and our members in general have done over the years has brought laurels to our Club in the form of fame, recognition and respect.
Clearly, the reason that the Rotary Club of Bombay is held in high esteem in the Rotary world is not because of the net worth of its members, enviable as that may be, or the wealth of resources and influence at its command, but because each member is committed to work for the Club and the Rotary movement.
It is up to each of us to carry this legacy of service further and to build upon the solid foundation that has been given to us. I have been a Rotarian for almost two decades and I have realised the joy and fulfilment that service through Rotary brings. My father ? as was his father before him ? had been a member of this Club and went on to be its President some years ago. While he was inherently a caring and considerate person and an ideal Rotarian, I perhaps did not start with such traits but I now feel that Rotary has made me a better human being too.
Working with the Office-Bearers, Directors and Committee Chairpersons over the years has also proved to me that one can do good work and still have fun. The Rotary movement world-wide is unique and each of us s hould feel privileged to be part of this great organisation. Reflect for a moment and think what Rotary has given you. All of us are ordinary people (and I
apologise to those who think that they are extraordinary).
But we have been given an extraordinary opportunity to do extraordinary work, to impact lives positively, to bring about beneficial change and to enrich the community. Add to this the fact that, week after week, you get to meet fellow Rotarians who, besides being leaders in their own field, are wonderful people with whom you have now built life-long friendships.
Truly a special privilege. Let us work together to bring about a positive change in the world around us. We have many weekends to spend with our family and friends and enjoy ourselves, but let us set aside just three or four weekends in the year to make a positive difference in the lives of the sick, the poor and the needy. The sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from wiping a tear and lending a helping hand surpasses material pleasures.
And so, I urge you: Do not be just a member of the Rotary Club; be a ROTARIAN.
Yours in Rotary,
Nowroze Vazifdar
President, 2012-13Let?s carry forward the legacy of service
It may seem strange to begin by talking about the past, but I feel that we owe a debt of gratitude to our Past Presidents and I would like to acknowledge this publicly. Our Past Presidents have not only worked tirelessly to achieve the goals of our Club and set new standards in service, but have also carried themselves with dignity and determination to uphold the values for which the Club stands. To do so, over more than eight decades, speaks volumes not only for the dedication of
these illustrious Past Presidents but also for the commitment and hard work of our members in general.
Today, we are blessed to have a rich legacy and an enviable reputation, not merely at the District but also at the International level. The work that our Past Presidents together with their team and our members in general have done over the years has brought laurels to our Club in the form of fame, recognition and respect.
Clearly, the reason that the Rotary Club of Bombay is held in high esteem in the Rotary world is not because of the net worth of its members, enviable as that may be, or the wealth of resources and influence at its command, but because each member is committed to work for the Club and the Rotary movement.
It is up to each of us to carry this legacy of service further and to build upon the solid foundation that has been given to us. I have been a Rotarian for almost two decades and I have realised the joy and fulfilment that service through Rotary brings. My father ? as was his father before him ? had been a member of this Club and went on to be its President some years ago. While he was inherently a caring and considerate person and an ideal Rotarian, I perhaps did not start with such traits but I now feel that Rotary has made me a better human being too.
Working with the Office-Bearers, Directors and Committee Chairpersons over the years has also proved to me that one can do good work and still have fun. The Rotary movement world-wide is unique and each of us s hould feel privileged to be part of this great organisation. Reflect for a moment and think what Rotary has given you. All of us are ordinary people (and I
apologise to those who think that they are extraordinary).
But we have been given an extraordinary opportunity to do extraordinary work, to impact lives positively, to bring about beneficial change and to enrich the community. Add to this the fact that, week after week, you get to meet fellow Rotarians who, besides being leaders in their own field, are wonderful people with whom you have now built life-long friendships.
Truly a special privilege. Let us work together to bring about a positive change in the world around us. We have many weekends to spend with our family and friends and enjoy ourselves, but let us set aside just three or four weekends in the year to make a positive difference in the lives of the sick, the poor and the needy. The sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from wiping a tear and lending a helping hand surpasses material pleasures.
And so, I urge you: Do not be just a member of the Rotary Club; be a ROTARIAN.
Yours in Rotary,
Nowroze Vazifdar
President, 2012-13v