BULLETIN OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF BOMBAY for private circulation only | www.rotaryclubofbombay.org

Vol. 55 Issue No. 13 September 24 to September 30, 2013 Pages 8 Price R3/-

Mr. Magar and Mr. Zende inspire Rotarians through tales of their accomplishments

but we raised them to 70–80 per that regard, children in Mumbai cent over time. are much better off, but they need I became Assistant Headmaster motivation. We’ve got to support at the school in . For a year, them and let them run free. I was very troubled for a number Q: You’re an inspiration for of reasons, but I did not give up. so many people — teachers and I don’t look back, I only look students. What are the qualities ahead and I’m always positive. that you believe should be found There's something very satisfying in a good teacher and a good about the smile on a child’s face. administrator? Whenever I saw that smile, I A: For a good teacher, the job was more and more motivated to isn’t limited to teaching. A lot of work. Today, with this award and people can teach, but they can’t the support of Salaam Bombay motivate children. Motivation Foundation and the Rotary Club of is very important. Counselling, Bombay, there’s a lot I have to say, motivation and getting their but I cannot find words to express parents to understand the process how happy I am. I got the Adarsh — if a teacher can do all three Mukhyadhyapak Award two years things, that’s ideal. Every teacher ago from the Mumbai Corporation, should be able to do these things but today’s felicitation has truly and teach students how to study in he Somchand Parikh Award by my teachers as well because I touched my heart. There’s so much adverse conditions. for the Best Teacher 2013 would love to swim. Eventually, more to do. With your support, T has been presented to Mr. I learnt from my mistakes and we can change the world. These he Rotary Club of Bombay Ambarsingh Magar, Principal started focussing more on studies. children are my pillars apart from Bravery Award 2013 of Colaba Municipal Secondary So much so, that I became one being the pillars of . I’ve T has been presented to School. His undying love for the of their favourite students. In the worked in the tribal department Mr. Vishnu Zende for his efforts in profession and endless support 11th grade, I went to Pune, gave with respect to education and I single-handedly saving many lives towards his students make him an the exam for Tata, but didn’t get continue to work in that sphere during the 26/11 terror attacks. inspiring personality. through. I went back to my aunt even today. They don’t have any The city salutes his spirit, presence in the village and stayed there for access to either books or food. In of mind and inimitable bravery. Mr. Ambarsingh Magar: two years wherein I completed my I’m grateful to the Rotary Club of senior college. Bombay. Thanks to the Club, I’ve I stood first in my English got a lot in life. You have always medium B.Ed. exams with 76 per supported me. I don’t support cent. This got me selected into the anybody, people support me — BMC. I didn’t have to pay because that is what I believe. I was born my presentation, interview and in a small village called Malegaon marks were good enough. I started in Nasik. I studied at the district off in . I saw that a lot of school and even now we live in the poor children didn’t have the means fields and end up walking two to to pay even five or ten rupees to three kilometres. Till the 7th grade attend school. There would always I studied in my village, after which be a few kids in my class I’d pay I had to go to the nearby village to the fee for, and request them to attend school. Everyday, I’d cross come to school. I was young and the river, which would overflow wanted to do something different during the monsoons. However, we and the Club supported me. They would walk or swim across waist- used to run tuitions there. At the level or even neck-deep water and Marathi medium school, we’d get go to school. I have been beaten 25–30 per cent results for English,

September 24 to September 30, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay 1 Mr. Vishnu Zende: broadcast on TV. I told them that I would like to thank you all not only was the news true but that for inviting and motivating me. they were right in front of me and Secondly, giving me an award I couldn’t talk on the phone more. here, at the Taj Hotel is special. After that, I kept seeing the news I feel even the staff here would on my phone and was in constant feel proud, as they had faced the touch with the police officers. I situation bravely too, and one of could leave only two hours after us is getting recognised for this the police came. I went to the place collective effort. where the incident happened, to a I have been in the Railways waiting room, and there was not for 23 years, out of which I’ve a spot on the floor where I could been working for 17 years as an place my foot without touching announcer. At the time of the blood. I couldn’t bear to walk incident, I was on evening duty, there, stepping on the blood of a from 3 pm to 11 pm. It was around friend or commuter. I left and came 9:30 pm and I was waiting for back to my cabin. In the morning, the reliever to come so I could my reliever came and then I went go home. I was quite relaxed and home. my bags were packed. The attack Q: We in Mumbai are very was on the main line and I was dependent on the Railways stationed at the suburban line that and BEST to keep functioning day. Hand grenades were thrown relentlessly. We learn from you and the sound was deafening. I that one can think about others figured that there was a bomb blast before oneself. In a situation that had taken place and made an where most people would think announcement advising people of their own safety first, how not to go towards the source. did you manage to think about I requested the police to go to others? the suspected origin of the blast A: I've been working as an and handle the situation. I saw a announcer for 17 years and have small girl whose leg was severely worked at many stations. Many injured being dragged away by people know me personally. people. I’d never seen such a sight When I was at Sandhurst Road, before. Some colleagues came my cabin was at the entrance and and informed me that firing was a lot of people recognised me. underway. After that, I started Whenever there was a festival or telling people that they shouldn't a party, they’d bring me sweets. come ahead and that they should We had developed a relationship leave from the back gate. I kept with each other. It was symbiotic to deal with. I feel that the media this girl went to a window, jumped announcing this continuously, until — I’d be of no use without them shouldn’t be showing things that out of it and killed herself. On all the people went out through the and vice-versa. When this incident spoil them. I don’t have a TV at later inspection, it was found that back gate. When the two terrorists happened, I could only see them home and I haven’t lost out on her parents weren’t giving her a came in front of me, the platform and nothing else. I couldn’t think anything in the last four years. We sound upbringing. We ought to was empty. There was no casualty of myself, only of moving them to read the newspaper everyday. If we counsel even the parents. We keep there. The terrorists found an safety. watch the news, we tend to avoid saying that it’s a young country, empty platform but could hear the reading the papers. but those between the 5th and 10th announcements, so they started Excerpts from a Q&A session: Society should control itself. grades will be the foundation of a firing at all the glass panes in sight. Q: Mr. Magar, as social servants, We as adults are our children’s young India soon. We shouldn’t A bullet whizzed past me, missing what change do you want in idols and must think about how we mentally pressurise them and for me by only a foot. It was your society so that people like you behave. We should be responsible this we need more control within prayers and my mother’s blessings get motivated even further? for the way we walk and talk. I the community. that saved me. And Mr. Zende, I'd like to know want society to keep these things in Q: You must have had to wait what you were thinking when the mind so the impact will be visible Mr. Zende: When the incident there for a while before you were firing was on. on children as well. I heard of an happened, I could only see the able to leave? Mr. Magar: Today, the incident today. In , there public. There was nothing else on A: The terrorists were in direction society is headed in is was a girl in 9th grade in an English my mind. I wanted them to get front of us for most part of the compelling us to think. We can medium school who carried a out safe and made announcements unfortunate event. The attack was see what’s happening in Mumbai, bottle of alcohol to class. Once the accordingly. At the end of on at the Taj and at Leopold as and India. Children bottle was found, she was taken everything, there was only me and well. I got calls from my family at go through so much these days to the principal. Her parents were the terrorists with their guns in home telling me what was being and have a lot of mental pressure summoned to school. Meanwhile, sight. I thought I was going to die and I wanted to listen to the voice of my loved ones for the last time. I called my brother-in-law and my wife and told them not to worry. Somehow, I survived. Q: My question is to both of you. One is a karma-yogi and the other is a gyana-yogi. I am unsure of something about what happened with Kasab and your ideas might help. My parents were teachers, so I have that in me and I am a karma-yogi myself. Kasab was made a killer, Mr. A. S. Magar was awarded a sum of Rs. 40,000 Mr.M Vishnur. Vis Zendehnu Zende was was awarded awarded a asum sum of of Rs. Rs. 25,000 25,000 he didn’t have a personal will to

2 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay September 24 to September 30, 2013 be a killer. His face was like that a friend, we won’t survive. This of a child and he would speak is true, and I’m not saying this as straight. Do you believe such a teacher but as a patriot. He was killers should be rehabilitated or my enemy, my country's enemy given a death sentence? and he deserved the punishment. Mr. Zende: I think when we’re We can't say that he will change. teaching kids, there’s an age up to He was sent to kill, he killed, so which they can learn. When we why should we forgive him? I work with wet clay, we can give it don’t think such people should be any shape we want, but if it dries forgiven. If he is my countryman and hardens, we can’t change its and has committed a crime, we shape. That’s how kids are. We can can think of giving him a chance teach them the right thing while they to improve. are still young. Later, they think for themselves and cannot absorb This afternoon of conversation what another person is saying. In was conducted by R/Anne. Kasab’s case, his age to learn had Padmini Aditya Somani. passed and what they could teach him, they taught him. He became a terrorist and came here and there’s nothing we could have done to change the outcome. I feel he got the punishment he deserved.

Mr. Magar: Rightly said. I think he was over 16 years of age, 17 perhaps. I’ve been here for three years and I’ve come across a lot of examples. Every other day we have to counsel children. Kasab was mentally prepared to kill and sent to India. He should get punished. An enemy is an enemy, culture aside. And our culture also says that if we consider an enemy

Bhavishya Yaan's new brochure launch

t the meeting this Tuesday, a special A Bhavishya Yaan brochure was launched. The idea of this brochure is to encapsulate and bring to the notice of everyone the commendable and extensive work being carried out by the Bhavishya Yaan team. Preeti Mehta, the Chair of the Bhavishya Yaan committee, explained the objective of creating this brochure. She said it will greatly help the Fund Raising Committee to draw more funds towards the project. She urged members to use the brochure as much as possible. The Bhavishya Yaan team is 25 members strong, caters to five schools and has brought about a positive change to the lives of more than 500 students.

September 24 to September 30, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay 3 Ron Burton’s Message on the new Rotary website

aul Harris famously wrote, connect you with the information tool with wonderful potential to “This is a changing world: that’s interesting to you. improve our service by allowing P we must be prepared to Rotary’s new website is us to learn directly from others change with it. The story of Rotary actually two sites: one for the already involved in projects similar will have to be written again and family of Rotary, and another for to those we might be planning. again.” While we will never know people interested in finding out For non-Rotarians, the new site what Rotarian Paul would have more about Rotary. When you will show what Rotary is and what thought of the Internet Age, I think create an account and log on as we do, highlighting the uniqueness I do know what he would have a member, you’ll gain access to a of Rotary and how Rotary clubs said about the idea of a Rotary host of new Rotary tools. I hope strengthen their communities. website: that not only should we you all use Rotary Club Central, They’ll be able to see a snapshot of have one, but that it should be an efficient and effective way different Rotary projects and areas the best possible — keeping up for clubs to set goals, track their of service, find out more about how with advances in technology and progress and maintain continuity Rotary works and explore ways to always responding to the needs of from one administration to the get involved. Rotarians. next. You can also create or join I am excited about this new I’m proud to announce that a Rotary group, an interactive window on the Rotary world and after a redesign that has taken two discussion forum that gives you a invite you all to visit, explore and years from concept to completion, way to find and talk to Rotarians learn — as we write the story of the new www.rotary.org is now much improved search function with similar interests. You can Rotary, again and again, together. live and available to Rotarians and navigation, new ways to exchange ideas and experiences, and Internet users everywhere. connect with your fellow Rotarians and benefit from the experiences Ron D. Burton It contains many of the features around the world, and a more of others from all over the world, President 2013-14, you’ve asked for, most notably a personalised experience that will at any time of day or night. It’s a Rotary International

Accolades for the e-bulletin

Dear Nirav, gauge the collective opinion and do the needful. This e-bulletin is a very good idea. A very smart attempt as it This way we can join the 'Green Movement' and help save paper. is convenient for the members to go through its contents in their own sweet time. They don't have to carry the hard copy with them, Warm Regards, which very few members read fully — they just glance through it. My heartiest congratulations to the committee. Hans Khimji Also, the man working behind the curtains, who is putting in all (Email dated August 30, 2013 for the e-bulletin) that he has at his command and is also putting in what he doesn't have at his command — Nirav. President Nirav would like to thank everyone for the support they have It is my humble suggestion that those who opt for it — many like shown. When such kind words come from senior Rotarians, the team is me will — agree not to receive hard copy by mail. The Club will save only encouraged to work harder. a huge amount, which can be diverted towards Club projects. You may

Co-Chair Meet the Team - of the Bulletin Chair of the Bulletin and Website Committee and Website Committee bhinav Aggarwal is the presently serves as the Chairperson of CEO and Editor of G2 the Bulletin and Website Committee. A The Global Gujarati, Abhinav is married to Nidhi. a major international lifestyle They are blessed with two lovely magazine that reflects the boys, Hriiday and Purujit. dynamism of the Gujarati and Parsi communities and the vanguard role played by them in every field from business, to industry, art and culture. He recently interviewed Amitabh Bachchan who is ehul Sampat is an investment also the Brand Ambassador analyst. He currently serves as for Gujarat Tourism. The M the Co-Chair of the Bulletin interview was picked up by and website committee. A tech-wizard, several television channels and Mehul looks after the Rotary Club of other media. It is also available Bombay's new website. on www.youtube.com. He is married to Miloni, an interior Abhinav is a third designer. They are blessed with two generation Rotarian. He daughters, Dhrishni and Vritika.

4 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay September 24 to September 30, 2013 Science Camp conducted at G.K. Marg

science camp was conducted at G. K. Marg, a Bhavishya Yaan school from A September 12 to September 14 from 9 am to 12 noon. Twenty seven students attended and the topic of discussion was ‘Our Universe and the Solar System’. During the course of the camp, interactive sessions were held, wherein, through visual aids such as power-point presentations and videos, various topics were explained and discussed. A quiz, crossword puzzle and games were held after the interactive sessions to gauge the understanding of the topics discussed and to reinforce the learning. An activity session was also conducted inrelation to the topic and the students came up with some lovely and interesting work. On the last day, a recap was conducted and then snacks and gifts were distributed to all the children.

Lord Ganesha Idol making workshop by Colaba Municipal Secondary School

s a part of the Bhavishya Yaan project, students from the Colaba Municipal Secondary School A made idols of Lord Ganesha at a workshop. They started the session by walking from the school to the museum .​ There, they were told stories ​about​ Lord Ganesha's birth from the Puranas.The students thoroughly enjoyed the stories. ​They were shown a powerpoint presentation on how Lord Ganesha's​ ​ sculptures are made in various states (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, etc.). This gave the students an idea on how to make idol of Lord Ganesha. Volunteers ​of The Museum Society ​distributed clay, water and flowers to students. After this, students started making beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha and decorated them with flowers. It was amazing to see students create such beautiful sculptures. Once all the idols were ready,​ A​arti was done and then they​ ​ started ​their ​journey for the visarjan from the museum to the Gateway Of ​ India.​ Students chanted 'Ganpati bappa moriya mangal murti moriya' all the way till they reached.After the visarjan, students were provided with snacks ​and they​ returned to school with beautiful memories. The Club, Vidya and The Museum Society of India arranged this spiritual opportunity ​for the kids​.

September 24 to September 30, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay 5 Rotary week in (23 Clubs)

We would like to bring it to the notice of our members that they can make up for attendance they have lost out on by attending meetings held at any of the following clubs, 14 days before or after a regular Club meeting.

No. of Time S. No. Name of Club President's Name Day Place Members (HRS)

1 Mumbai Queen's Necklace Sanjiv Mehta 130 18:15 Mon Royal Oak, Kala Ghoda,

2 Bombay Nirav Shah 325 13:15 Tue Taj Mahal Hotel

3 Bombay Metropolitan Gaurav Gopani 36 18:00 Tue Samrat Hotel,

4 Bombay Hanging Garden Gautam Dalal 67 18:45 Wed Club, Hanging Garden

5 Bombay Mid City Mala Swarup 35 18:30 Wed ,

6 Bombay Mid Town James Bruner 135 13:15 Wed Taj Mahal Hotel

7 Mumbai Rajul Parikh 57 18:15 Wed Samrat Hotel, Churchgate

8 Mumbai Downtown Jayshree Shenoy 58 18:30 Wed M.C.Ghia Hall, Kala Ghoda, Fort

9 Mumbai Ketan Malkan 69 18:30 Wed Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Colaba

10 Bombay Harbour Sri Gopal Pachisia 49 19:00 Thur IMC Hall, Churchgate

11 Bombay Hills South Gayomard Panthaky 56 12:30 Thur Taj Mahal Hotel

12 Bombay Peninsula Pankaj Vora 102 18:15 Thur Samrat Hotel, Churchgate

13 Bombay Queen City Rajesh Shroff 85 19:00 Thur IMC Hall, Churchgate

14 Mumbai Sealand Rani Kapoor 36 19:00 Thur Radio Club, Colaba

15 Mumbai South Ashok Agarwal 72 18:30 Thur M.C.Ghia Hall, Kala Ghoda, Fort

16 Bombay Worli Sandeep Shah 37 19:00 Thur Four Seasons Hotel, Worli

17 Bombay Bay View Rajesh Sheth 120 20:00 Fri Malabar Hill Club, Hanging Garden

18 Bombay Central Ramesh Daswani 173 13:15 Fri Trident Hotel, Nariman Point

19 Bombay Pier Asif Adiji 79 19:30 Fri M.C.Ghia Hall, Kala Ghoda, Fort

20 Mumbai Malabar Hill Rajiv Maniyar 28 20:00 Fri Malabar Hill Club, Hanging Gardens

Peninsula Corporate Park, Lower 21 Mumbai Sea Link Ashutosh Palep 22 19:00 Fri

22 Bombay North Mahendra Thacker 75 09:00 Sat Willingdon Club, Haji Ali

23 Bombay Seaface Jayshree Dave 100 13:00 Sat IMC Hall, Churchgate

Total Members 1946

6 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay September 24 to September 30, 2013 Our Strategic Priorities and Goals

otary’s strategic plan identifies three the plans and actions of individual clubs, strategic priorities supported by 16 we create a culture of service throughout R goals. They represent what Rotarians our organisation that provides unparalleled have asked to be done to ensure a strong and satisfaction for those who serve. vibrant Rotary going into the future. Fellowship Support and strengthen clubs We believe that individual efforts focus on • Foster club innovation and flexibility individual needs, but combined efforts serve • Encourage clubs to participate in a variety humanity. The power of combined efforts of service activities knows no limitation, multiplies resources • Promote membership diversity and broadens our lives and perspectives. • Improve member recruitment and retention Fellowship leads to tolerance and transcends • Develop leaders racial, national and other boundaries. • Start new, dynamic clubs • Encourage strategic planning at club and Diversity district levels We believe Rotary unifies all people internationally behind the ideal of service. We Focus and increase humanitarian service encourage diversity of vocations within our • Eradicate polio membership and in our activities and service • Increase sustainable service focused on: work. A club that reflects its business and 1. New Generations service programmes professional community is a club with a key 2. Our areas of focus to its future. 3. Increase collaboration with other organisations Integrity 4. Create significant projects both locally We are committed to and expect accountability and internationally from our leaders and fellow members, both in the results of our efforts and in the processes Enhance public image and awareness we use to accomplish our goals. We adhere • Unify image and brand awareness to high ethical and professional standards in • Publicise action-oriented service our work and personal relationships. We are • Promote core values fair and respectful in our interactions and • Emphasise vocational service we conscientiously steward the resources • Encourage clubs to promote their OUR CORE VALUES entrusted to us. networking opportunities and signature Our values are an increasingly important component activities in strategic planning because they drive the intent and Leadership direction of the organisation’s leadership. We are a global fellowship of individuals Our mission These core values are: with leaders in their fields of endeavour. We provide service to others, promote We believe in the importance of leadership integrity, and advance world understanding, Service development and in leadership as a quality of goodwill and peace through our fellowship We believe that our service activities and programmes our members. As Rotarians, we are leaders in of business, professional and community bring about greater world understanding and peace. implementing our core values. leaders. Service is a major element of our mission. Through

September 24 to September 30, 2013 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay 7 Published on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Regd. No. MH/MR/South-109/2012-14; R.N.I. No. 14015/60 Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai 400 001, on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 rotary club of bombay Founded 19 march, 1929 Charter No. 3128, Dated 08 May, 1929 97-B Mittal Tower, Nariman Point Happy Birthday Spouses Mumbai 400 021, India Tel.: 91 22 22024089 Ritu Bhartia September 24 Fax.: 91 22 22024509 [email protected] Rekha Jalan September 26

Anita Parikh September 27

Daksha Chitre September 28 Dilip Jamshyd PP. Dr. Zerxis Rajesh Dalal Vazifdar Umrigar Shah Rani Tarneja September 30 September 24 September 24 September 26 September 26 Madhu Ruia September 30

Rotary’s six areas of focus

The statistics for the meeting on Tuesday, September 17, Rohit Rajashree Venugopal 2013 are as under: Dhoot Birla Dhoot September 29 September 29 September 30 Members present 91 Peace and conflict prevention/resolution Visiting Rotarians 00 Poem recited by Honorary member Rotaryannes 03 Smt. Rajashree Birla Guests 01 Smt. Rajashree Birla was made an Honorary Rotarian in the august Total attendance 95 presence of Past Rotary International President Rtn. Raja Saboo in the Rotary year 2003-04. Disease prevention and treatment Rtn. Rajashree Birla’s association with Rotary goes back a long way. A decade ago, her husband, Late Shri Aditya Birla, who took great pride in being a Rotarian, received this accolade. Forthcoming Meetings Secondly, as a family, they hold Rotary in high esteem because Rotary symbolises a culture of giving and caring, which is strikingly close to her philosophy of ‘Trusteeship’. Thirdly, she believes that there is a common vision. Both the October 1 Club and Aditya Birla Center for Community Initiatives and Rural To be announced Water and sanitation Development are committed to bettering our country’s standing in the UN Human Development Index. Finally, she has worked with the Rotary International Polio Plus October 8 programme and other projects in the field of education and health care, Manohar Parrikar which has helped make a difference in the lives of the weaker sections Hon. Chief Minister of Goa of society. (Topic to be announced) In the year 2009-10, she recited this poem as a tribute to the human Maternal and child health spirit of perseverance, while in conversation with Dr. Swati Piramal and Ms. Tavleen Singh. October 15 The Rotary Club of Bombay felicitated Smt. Rajashree Birla in the year 2011-12 on being conferred the ‘Padma Bhushan’ by the President Alyque Padamsee - Winner of of India. The Rotary Award for She has strongly supported the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign and Contribution to the Arts generously contributed to Rotary’s $200 Million Challenge. Her total Basic education and literacy contribution has reached US $7 million as of date. The 3 T's of To believe is to know that every day is a new beginning, To trust that miracles happen and dreams do really come true Rotary: To believe is to see the angels dancing among the clouds, To know the wonder of a starlit sky and the wisdom of the man on the moon Treasure, Time To believe is to know the value of a nurturing heart, and Talent The innocence of a child’s eye, Economic and community development And the beauty of an ageing hand, Editorial Consultant: Shirley Mistry, Spenta For it is through their teachings we learn to live Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill To believe is to find strength and courage that lies within us, Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, When it is time to pick up the pieces and begin again Mumbai 400 013. Landline: 022-24811010 Doing good in the world E-Mail: [email protected] To believe is to know that we are not alone, That life is a gift and it is our time to cherish it Regd. No. MH/MR/South-109/2012-14, To believe is to know that wonderful surprises are just waiting to happen, And all our hopes and dreams are within reach R.N.I. No. 14015/60 Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Printed, Published by Rtn. Arjun Bulchandani on behalf of Rotary Club of Bombay and printed at Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compund, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (West), Mumbai 400 013 and Published at 97/B, Mittal Tower, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. Editor Arjun Bulchandani

8 THE GATEWAY, The Bulletin of the Rotary Club of Bombay September 24 to September 30, 2013