GREETINGS FROM DISRTICT 3140 !!
It is indeed wonderful to feel the stirrings of an organization that is getting all set to begin a new movement!
Since 2003, when many of us had the opportunity to meet up and get introduced to the alumni fraternity, the bonding has begun and the ball set rolling. Surely this movement should continue purposefully and with this in mind recently a few of us from the district, a small mix of Rotary Volunteers, University teachers and GSE alumni met up as a committee to decide on the functions and course of this wonderful body of "Bonded through Rotary" individuals. One of the results of this focused meet was the scheduling of our annual reunion on June 20th, 2004.
Suggestions, articles for the newsletter and information about the team members who have probably relocated are heartily and immediately welcome.
Message from Alum IPDG Gulam A Vahanvaty, (Chairman RI TRF Alumni Advisory Committee)
I remember clearly, it was a Sunday morning in mid 1977 when I read the advertisement inviting applications for Rotary's GSE Program from the excitement of filling the form, going through the rigorous interview process, the exhilaration of being selected and then to the actual GSE experience was, to say the least, life enriching!
After my return I was invited to join the Rotary Club of MumbaiDownTown. And so from December 1979, my love affair with Rotary and The Rotary Foundation continued. I have always believed that the Foundation alumni consists of a powerful group of people who have benefited from the Programs of the Foundation and are ready to give back to Rotary manifold.
In Rotary year1982-83, as TRF Alumni Chairman, earnest efforts were made to update information and to involve alumni in addressing clubs, inter-city fora and other major events at the district level.
As District Governor in 2002-03, collections to TRF touched a new high of $6,54,000, being the highest contribution from any district in India in many years. Soon after the year ended, I was indeed privileged and honoured, to be appointed RRFC (Regional Rotary Foundation Co-ordinator) for the years 2004-06 for Zone 5.
At the recent training program in Evanston, I met Chairman of TRF Trustees, PRIP Jim Lacy. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Jim, too, began his tryst with Rotary as a GSE team member. At the end of the day, we, who have been privileged to experience the benefits of TRF, need to ask ourselves:
Do we continue to merely address Rotary clubs and other District meetings?
Do we join Rotary and contribute our mite to the organization and to serve society?
Do we remain outside the fold and yet find ways and means of supporting TRF?
How do we make ourselves the effective force that we have the potential to be?
It's our CALL. It's our DUTY.
PDG' NITIN MANGALDAS's Message:
Dear Foundation Alumni,
First of all I congratulate you all for coming together to form an Association of TRF Alumni. I am very confident that this will be your most rewarding association of the beneficiaries of TRF.
Thru the untiring efforts of Dr. Indumati you have reached one more milestone and that is coming out with the e-Bulletin A LUMINous Bond. In today's e-Times I suppose this is a very progressive step to keep in touch with your colleagues. This will forge closer ties amongst you all and exchange of thoughts for better personal enhancement.
Do keep in mind all your exchanges the contribution of TRF and the benefits accrued to you. So that you think to Lend a Hand to Rotary and make it stronger with your efforts and commitment of some time from your busy schedule.
I congratulate Dr. Indumati and her team for this wonderful creation.
I wish "A LUMINous Bond" a Bright Future spreading luminous rays around to help the community.
Warm regards.
Nitin Mangaldas
Past District Governor 2003 - 04
GSE Team Leader (97-98)