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 District 323 A2 * 2008-2009
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Acceptance Speech and an offer to serve together by District Governor-Elect (2008-09) Lion Rajeshkumar Mehrra at the 18th Annual District Conference of District 323A2 held on 30th March, 2008 at Smt. Zaverben Popatlal Sabhagrah, Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai

Presiding Officer District Governor, Lion Anil Bhise & LL Jayashreeji, Vice District Governor Lion RajenderTanwani (Elect) & LL Geetaji, Past District Governors, Cabinet Officers, Cub Officers, Fellow Lions & Leos and Lionesses, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Before I proceed further, I would like to congratulate Vice District Governor (Elect) Lion Rajender Tanwani on his election as a successor to me in 2009-10. I am doubly happy that a Leo turned Lion will assume leadership of the District for a second year in a row.

Today is a historic day in our District. This is the first time ever a Leo graduated to Lion has become a District Governor. Therefore, permit me to open my Acceptance Address with a quotation by a revered philosopher William Ward and I quote: "There are 3 keys to more abundant living: Caring about others, Daring for others and Sharing with others." I believe this sum up the philosophy of Lionism to which we all belong where we serve in togetherness the needy and the less than fortunates.

Friends, there is a saying that you areas great as the thoughts you think, as the worth you have attained, as the fountains at which your spirit drinks and insight you have granted. You areas great as the truth you speak, as great as the help you give, as the destiny you seek and as the life you live.

I am convinced beyond all reasonable doubts that the happiest business in the world is making friends and no investment in the world pays larger dividends. It is said that when a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package. Today, I stretch forth a hand of fellowship in service to all the Lions & Leos, Lionesses and Lion Ladies of the District 323A2. Together, we shall take Lionism to greater heights.

My dear friends, in the month of March-April 2007, I wrote to you all seeking your support at my election as Vice District Governor. In that piece, I touched on my record in Leoism and Lionism, my credentials and work experience, the home front, my agenda and the part I expect to play. President Roosevelt said and I quote "When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die. Giving is the thermometer of our love for others". Since my victory at the 17th Annual District Conference, I have diligently and consistently served the cause of Lionism in line with my avowed commitment to remain loyal and steadfast. I have neither taken you or any Lions' assignment for granted. I traveled on visitations with the District Governor and the Executive Council Members and also attended as many projects as was possible.

Friends, I need your help more than you have ever given; to move the District forward and give Lionism a new vista in our District. It is in this regard that I appeal to all the respected Past District Governors, Vice District Governor (Elect), Cabinet and non-Cabinet Lion Members, Club officers, Fellow Lions, Leos and Lionesses-lo team up with me tirelessly to serve our District.

The motto of our association "We Serve" was founded on the strategy of team spirit. We share the same destiny in Lionism. Therefore, we must work as one and together we shall excel in our quest to serve humanity. There is a special something within each of us that excites, inspires and drives us to become what we are destined to be. It's our extraordinary need to succeed. Our future unfold one moment at a time. What we do with each moment at hand determines what we become and what we ultimately accomplish. We need to exceed those expectations we hold for ourselves, that means making exceptional excellence a way of life. Live everyday like it was your last day on earth with nothing to lose and every thing to gain. Set your sights on exceeding yourself daily. If you are ready, willing and able to take a chance on yourself, striving to exceed each and every time, then a life time of unparalleled excellence awaits you. Instead of walls, let us build bridges. Abraham Lincoln once said "whatever you are, be a good one' and I say be good lions always.

PLEDGE

My appeal for support has gone out to Lions of our District with hearts of gold and since the expressions right here and now on your faces have assured me of your sustained support, I accept with humility and seriousness of purpose to serve Lions Clubs International as the 18th Governor of the trifurcated District 323 A2 for the lionistic year 2008-09. It is a small man that stands on others; but a great man stands on God. With God as the rock on which we stand, we shall not fail.

A PROUD PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

I take off my hat for all those great men and women who consistently gave off their hard earned resources to not only help the needy but also sustain this association. It is the total contribution of all Lions on our District that culminated into awards and grants received from International. We can do more and achieve more. We must excel as excellence is the hallmark of an achiever.

We will not just be busy as the bees but rather strive for excellence in all facets of our calling. Be bold to take on new challenges and if the shoe fits, wear it; otherwise don't. As we face the future with hope, challenged by the sheer determination to excel, we must strive to achieve the following goals in this lionistic year:

CHALLENGES BEFORE US:

- Raise the profile of our organization through effective publicity and awareness generation. The District Logo, which will be unveiled a little later further emphasizes un-compromised teaming up for service and publicity of Lions activities

- Build our internal capacity through training to facilitate in-depth understanding of the tenets of Lionism. Learning brings vibrancy to your life. The person who is afraid of asking is afraid of learning. Try to learn from every one. From some, learn what to do and from others learn what not to do.

- Aggressively drive for new quality members in order to extend our horizon through Membership, Retention and Orientation. - Continue and strive to complete on-going projects.

- Rekindle our interest on literacy projects.

ON MY PART, AS DISTRICT GOVERNOR:

As the District Governor, I promise to:

i) Be available for consultations, discussions and fellowship every day that will add value to our theme

ii) Attend as many installation and projects as possible and delegate when there is clash of date and time.

iii) Visit Clubs at their Meetings between September 2008 and January 2009.

iv) Encourage the Charter of new clubs i.e. raise Membership strength.

v) Encourage improved participation of PDGS at Lions activities by consciously involving and tapping into their wealth of experience and also encouraging their attendance at all Lions activities and Meetings.

vi) Commission Lions projects all over the District.

vii) Attend to all other Lions business that will promote the well being of the District and stamp the mark of excellence on activities of

ON YOUR PART, AS FELLOW LIONS

a) Always wear our Lions' Pin and District Pin of the Lionistic year 2008-09.

b) Be punctual at Meetings and Lions' events.

c) Wear the activity jackets proudly to showcase District Service Organization.

d) Pay your Club Dues and wherever applicable District dues promptly and without any hesitation. District Chairpersons are expected to pay their Cabinet dues latest by 30th June, 2008 and obtain a No Dues Certificate from the Clubs before date of Cabinet Installation.

e) Participate at Club, Zone, Region and District activities and meetings.

f) Endeavour to complete all outstanding club projects, if any.

g) As District Chairperson it is your responsibility to make your club strong and healthier. You are expected to enroll at least 2 new members in your Club. While I had wished not to include any Lion in my Cabinet from any Club which has a membership strength below 20, I have included few of them on the specific undertaking given by them to ensure that they will raise the membership level to 20.

h) Clubs' Installation must end by 31st July 2008 for officers to be effective.

i) While the Administration of the Club will be in the domain of the Club Officers, I will expect Cabinet Members to guide and help the club in fulfilling the various norms at the District, Multiple District and International levels like filing of MMRs as per directive.

j) Be optimistic of success. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

k) The road to progress is always under construction: Be Innovative. Display ethical behaviour that would promote personal integrity, honesty and probity.

l) Build trust and accountability at all levels.

m) Provide quality service at all levels. Be driven by Excellence

n) Encourage teamwork at all times.

o) Recognize quality membership at Club levels. This is an invaluable asset.

p) Recognize outstanding performance and reward excellence and merit.

q) Promote positive relationship with relevant governmental, non governmental and International agencies.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S LOGO & THEME

Before, I spell out my logo and Theme, I would like to invite my colleague District Governors of 2008-09, Lion Dara Patel from 323 Al & LL Katy and Lion Raju Manwani from 323 A2 & LL Nimmiji from 323 A3, to join me on the dais. l would like to say that I enjoyed very good rapport and camaraderie with both of them so much so that all the three of us have decided to organize combined programmes of the three districts during our tenure. These will be let known as and when the time is appropriate for the occasion.

DISTRICT THEME

With the two stalwarts beside me I declare that the District Theme for the year will be: Let's Work Together.

I believe working in togetherness in a team has a magic of its own. Yet most of us prefer to work alone. We often overlook the fact that two minds are always better than one and four better than two. Most of us fail to meet our own expectations even though we are competent, creative and hard working because we have yet to discover the advantage of working in togetherness or a team. Leaders have succeeded because they had the ability to dream and they got others to dream along with them.

Togetherness hardly ever fails It is easier to win together. A great learning experience. Togetherness pushes you ahead. Capabilities overshadow flaws. Work gets done faster. Togetherness opens your mind.

Let's then work together and work as if winning is our only goal.

DISTRICT LOGO:

It is a truism that as Lions, we serve humanity. The challenge I am throwing to Lions of the District this year is "Let's Work Together" as our goal, our focus and excel in the process. To excel is to be the best. The position of excellence is reserved for dedicated hardworking and committed human beings. Lions cannot afford to be anything but "PRIMUS INTERPARES'.' (FIRST AMONG EQUALS). To cut a competitive edge, we must excel. How then do we rate our level of excellence? To be high flyer, we must

- Start Meetings early.

- Conduct interesting Meetings.

- Adopt the participatory leadership approach - i.e. imbibe the "We Serve" team spirit.

- Be ready to learn and interact. No Lion or Club can afford to be an island on its own.

- Net working by attending other club's activities, zone, region or district activities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to especially thank my parents, my brother Manish and Riya Bhabhi, my business partners Shri Sanjay Ajmera and Shri Manish Ajmera, my friend & wife for the last 18 years Ruchitaa as well as my son Leo Abbishek for the help that he gave me in his own way.

I also like to thank the Club of the moment - Lions Club of Bombay Hilltop - for the support and love as well as sponsoring my candidature, Sponsoring Committee Chairperson, Lion Hirachand Jain, Club President Lion Varsha Chaumal, I want to assure the members that as an ambassador of the club, I shall continue to project the virtues and values of our great club. I also would like to thank Lion Devina Thapar for rendering my Nomination Speech in a delectable manner.

I would also like to thank Lion Hirachand Jain & Lion Bharat Jethwa of my Home Club for beautifully designing the District Logo for the Lionistic Year 2008-09. I must also say at this moment that Lion Bharat Jethwa was responsible for designing my logo during my tenure as the Leo District President I would like to thank my senior colleague Lion Rakesh Chaumal who was the Chairperson of the Sponsoring Committee during my election as Vice District Governor.

I always referred to Lions Club of Govandi & Uptown as my additional Home Clubs as they have always been part and parcel of the various activities conducted by my Home Club. This year, few more Lions Clubs, namely, Vashi, Turbhe and Kalyan and the Lioness Club of Vasant Vihar has joined the list of Home Clubs.

I must also thank Lion Kirit Mehta of my Home Club, though he is away in U.S. has been in constant touch with me in regard to various publications which will be made during the ensuing year.

I would also like to thank District Governor Lion Anilji and LL Jayashreeji for all the love and affection they showered on me and Ruchitaa and shall always cherish the wonderful term as his deputy.

The torch bearers of the District in the not too distant past were more understanding and supportive to me in my formative years as a Leo and then as a Lion. I learnt the brass-tacks of Lionism from the school of Past District Governors with some of whom I had the privilege of working as an under study or interact with others who were more seniors. Nevertheless, I hope to get their full cooperation during the year because my slogan says it all... Let's Work Together.

The mother of all thanks goes to you all Lions and Leos of our District for your support and encouragement over the years culminating into what we are seeing here today.

CONCLUSION:

According to Spirella, "there is no thrill in easy sailing: when the skies are clear and blue." There is no joy in merely doing things, which any man can do. But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you would never make. Helen Keller said and I quote "life is either a daring adventure or nothing". I know the task ahead of me is huge but I take solace in Peter Marshall who says "No one achieves greatness without being of service - the measurement of life is not in its duration, but in its donation. Every one of us can be great because every one of us can serve". Let us remember that any time we tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases our own mediocrity. Because I draw my strength from God, I am bound to succeed. Friends; put your trust in God and success shall find you.

Finally, let me emphasize. The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become. Whatever you do, elevate your standards of quality. You were created for creativity. Design your eyes to look for opportunity, your ears to listen for direction. Everything great started as somebody's dream. Make a daily demand on your creativity and learn to see the unseen. Success and growth are unlikely if you always do things the way you've always done them. Let us be humbled by God's given opportunity to serve so that we do not stumble. Let your life history be written, not by a pen but with your actions. Between July 1, 2008 and June 30th, 2009, we shall meet lots and lots of obstacles but remember that problems are the price of progress. These obstacles, at the end of the day should make us better, not bitter and when we are not bitter, we will appreciate the fact that is a thousand times easier to criticize than create and that is why critics are never problem solvers.

However, before I resume my seat, I would like to introduce my Executive Council Members, the nomenclature introduced by our esteemed District Governor. While I thank each of them for kindly accepting my invitation to be in various positions, I would request them to come on the dais along with their spouses:

Designation Name of Lion Spouse Name Home Club
District Cabinet Secretary Lion Kishore Tijare LL Dr. Arunaji Nerul Nerul
District Cabinet Treasurer Lion Pravin Thakkar LL Vasumatiji Ghatkopar
Jt. District Cabinet Secretary Lion Pravin Bhalla LL Dr. Jyoti Chembur
Jt. District Cabinet Secretary Lion Balbir Singh LL Savita Amar Mahal
Jt. District Cabinet Secretary Lion Deepak Bhurani LL Komalji Thane Kopri
Jt. District Cabinet Secretary Lion Anil Goradia LL Swatiji Uptown
Jt. District Cabinet Treasurer Lion Vijay Ganatra LL Bharatiji Turbhe
Jt. District Cabinet Treasurer Lion Madan Gowari LL Chhayaji Panvel

In addition, I would like to introduce a person who will provide back up support to the Executive Council and he is none other than Shri S.S. Mani who is designated as Executive Secretary at the District Secretariat and I would request him to join me on the dais.

I would also like to introduce the Region Chairpersons and would request each of them to reach the dais along with their spouses.

Name of Lion Spouse Name Home Club
Lion Shridhar Laxmanan LL Vandana Chembur West
Lion Narendra Kachhalia LL Reena Uptown
Lion Mukesh Shah LL Suvarna Shahapur
Lion Seema Pai Lion Satyu Aadarsh New Bombay
Lion Champalal Oswal LL Santosh Karjat

Besides, I would like to introduce Leo District President (Elect) Leo Suvidh Kamdar from Leo Club of Uptown and Leo District Vice President (Elect) Leo Nuruddin Rohawala from Leo Club of Roha and their respective spouses Leo Vibhuti and Leo Jumana Coming to some of the Core Committees - both in administration and activities, I would like to introduce the following leaders who will head these committees.

Committee's Name Name of Lion Spouse Name Home Club
Activities Lion Mahesh Gupta LL Jyotiji Bhiwandi
Membership Lion K. J. Paul LL Sylvia Thane Kopri
Extension Lion Maneshwar Nayak LL Vidya Mankhurd
Leadership Lion Rajesh Atal LL Neeta Kalyan
HIV-Care & Support Lion Hirachand Jain LL Chetna Hilltop
Lions Quest Implementation Lion Rakesh Chaumal LL Varsha Hilltop
Lions Quest T.T.W. Lion Anil Nagrath LL Nidhi Govandi
Lions Peace Poster Lion Raghuvansh Mathur LL Chandni Govandi
Twinning Lion Subhash Bhalwal LL Upindra Vashi
Sight First Lion Ashok Khubhar LL Ashwini Nerul

Quite often you have heard that the success of men is because of women. I therefore take pleasure in introducing two women leaders of the District ..... Lioness District President Ls Savitha H. Nayak of Lioness Club of Vashi and Lion Haridas Nayak, as well as District Chairperson - Lion Lady Auxiliary Ls Ruchitaa Mehrra, of Lions Club of Hilltop

This, then is the core team and I would request all the Lions, Leos, Lionesses and Lion Ladies of the District to extend their arm of togetherness "to serve maximum number of people for the maximum number of times to the maximum extent."

Thank you. Thank you.

Lion RAJESHKUMAR MEHRRA
District Governor - Elect
(2008-2009)
30th March, 2008