RI President Kalyan Banerjee wins hearts of District 3271

RCKA Bulletin Desk

Rotarian Kalyan Banerjee had visited Karachi in the past as well but this was more significant than ever before because he arrived as the President of Rotary International.

To pay a tribute and welcome him and his spouse Binota, a Grand Inter-City Meeting of District 3271 was held at Sheraton Karachi Hotel on May 27. 

The hall was packed to capacity and there was not single unoccupied chair. The powerful speech of PDG Faiz Kidwai, National Chair, Rotary Foundation, set the tone and PDG Aziz Memon, Chairman, National Polio-Plus Committee, followed it up with a superb introduction of RI President, Kalyan Banerjee, with whom he has worked closely for years. 

District Governor Iqbal Qureshi threw light on activities during the year while District Governor-Elect Jalaluddin Shaikh presented the vote of thanks in his usual crisp style. 

In between it was the address of the man of the moment, RI President, Kalyan Banerjee, which kept the audience glued to their seats and they had to put their hands together quite a few times to allow breathing time to the distinguished Rotary leader.

He referred to the audience as his dear brothers and sisters in Rotary, sharing his thoughts in candid manner. 

He complimented the Rotary leaders of Pakistan for doing a great job under the circumstances and urged them to continue doing it. 

“Binota and I have been fortunate to have visited different parts of the Rotary world and seen the many ways that Rotarians everywhere ‘Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.’ We were in Australia just the other week. But the kind of pleasure we derive while touring the South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, we have had special feeling of being at home,” RI President, Kalyan Banerjee, observed.

The Rotarians present on the occasion derived great inspiration by his acts and words and there was a long queue of donors who made the announcement on the spot. 

Kalyan Banerjee, hailing from the Rotary Club of Vapi, Gujarat, India, had taken over as President of Rotary International on July 1, 2011. His term at office will be up to June 30, 2012. 

A Rotarian since 1972, he is Rotary’s 101st President and its third President from India. 

He has served Rotary as a Director, Rotary Foundation Trustee, Committee and Task Force Chair, International Assembly Group Discussion Leader, President’s Representative, and District Governor. 

He has also served as a member of the International PolioPlus Committee for many years and has attended international meetings with the World Health Organization and UNICEF in that capacity.

Enlightening sessions witnessed in Rotary District Assembly 2012-13

RCKA Bulletin Desk

The District Assembly, an annual training event for the Rotary leaders, was held at Carlton Hotel, located in Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, on May 19. The Rotarians of District 3271 participated enthusiastically in the Assembly whose sessions were enlightening and interesting.

The District Assembly, which prepares the leaders for their responsibilities and assignments during the upcoming Rotary year, was not mandatory but it was strongly recommended for all the club leaders including board members, committee chairs, and club members as well. 

Historically the clubs having higher percentage of their members participating in the annual Assembly tend to be more effective Rotary clubs with regular growth, above average attendance, and outstanding participation in all club activities. 

The District's goals for the Rotary year 2012-2013 were explained to the participants by the incoming District Governor, Jalaluddin Shaikh, and District Secretary, Tariq Rasheed Durrani, while seasoned trainers like PDG Abu Mohsin and IPDG Shahab Balkhi, motivated the upcoming leaders with their wealth of knowledge.

The inter-active sessions on the key subjects of matching grant and public relations, which were very well attended, turned out to be educative for the participants. 

Assistant Governor Syed Khalid Mahmood, who is also Charter President of Rotary Club of Karachi Airport, described the event as pretty useful, which enabled him to learn quite a few useful tips. 

Dr. Fahmida Khatoon, Secretary, Rotary Club of Karachi Kolachi, headed the District Assembly Organizing Committee, which played a pivotal role in roping in the busy Rotarians on a working day. 

“Come join us for a day of planning and motivating training before your year of service begins on July 1, 2012! District leadership is encouraged to attend in order to "network" with your club counterparts and build a strong support system for the clubs,” she wrote in one of her messages on the eve of the Assembly.