Rotary District Conference ‘Anandotsav’ Successfully Concluded In Mumbai

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai: A District Conference of Rotary District 3141, under the leadership of District Governor Rotarian Shashikumar Sharma was held at Renaissance Convention Center, Powai on February 23 and 24, 2019. This event, called Miracle DISCON 2019 – Anandotsav, was attended by about 1000 delegates. The event hosted by the home club of the District Governor, Rotary Club of Bombay East, was a thumping success. Retired Chief Justice Dipak Misra graced the occasion and gave away the citations. His speech on the fundamental principles of justice was very inspiring.

Rotarian Ashwin Shetty, as the Convenor had done a marvelous job looking into every minute arrangement. Speakers were curated, selected by a team of Rotarians led by Rtn. Jhankar Ghatkari.

DISTRICT CONFERENCE (DISCON) is an annual event organized by Rotary to bring people together, share the good work done, and energize and inspire them to think and do bigger, better and bolder work by honoring achievers in various fields of life and inviting them to share their experiences. Role models who have donated more than 250000 USD for humanitarian causes receive awards.

Speaking to the 1200 and odd dignitaries about the significance of this platform, RotaryDistrict Governor Rtn. Shashikumar Sharma said “DISCON on February 23 and 24, 2019 at Renaissance, Mumbai is meticulously designed to be a constellation of the brightest stars of the universe. When we participate in the District Conference, experience the engaging energy of speakers, and immerse ourselves in the pulsating passion that propelled them to achieve what they did in spite of the trying circumstances they faced. Our heads bow in respect; hearts melt at the hardships they faced; then, hope swells that if they did it, we too can. People in this electrifying space - full of light, energy, pride, humility, achievements, compassion - lifting us up, energizing us and taking us to highest realms of possibilities, will certainly achieve greater heights in personal, social and professional life.”

“Delighted to be one of the awardees from the Rotary, such a prestigious organization known for its integrity and transparency, and it is also a privilege to be a speaker among so many achievers,” said Mr. Robin Banerjee, Managing Director of Caprihans.

Ajay Chaturvedi, honored with the title: ‘Making the World Happening Award’ a pioneer of cost-effective innovation added “This award is very valuable to me as it comes from Rotary, an organization that I hold in high esteem. It is a great platform to share your thoughts, Rotarians being thought leaders.”

On this event Swaroop Sampat, pioneer in using drama to teach children with learning disabilities says: “I am very happy to be associated with Rotary as I have seen the way Rotarians work. My father was a Rotarian. This is the best platform for me, as Rotarians throughout the country do great work with schools. If I want to reach every nook and corner of the country, Rotary is the best medium to do so. Rotary is a trusted, resourceful organization with committed people. I look forward to being there.”

Rotary membership is increasing. In the last 8 months we have added 539 members and 5 new clubs. It is because Rotarians find meaning and purpose in this engagement. The conference promises be brimming with engaging national speakers, energetic engagement sessions and inspirational programs.  There will be something to pique everyone’s curiosity. The event was also graced to have Film Maker, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra who spoke about the women’s sanitary problems in India. This problem is handled in a very different manner in his upcoming movie – ‘Mere pyare prime minister’. 

Rotarian Vikas Upadhyay, one of the Assistant Governor added, “Rotary district 3141 has been doing commendable work for all sections of community, especially the underprivileged ones. Discon 2019 was an event to showcase these fabulous achievements with the engagement of Rotarians   and partners in service.The delegates could witness a galaxy of achievers and speakers during these two days of Discon 2019”.

The event was truly Anandotsav. Every person in the auditorium listened spell bound to the tales of miracles achieved by doctors, social reformers, entrepreneurs, though leaders, financial analysts, artists and even victims of regressive practices, and poverty. Every person realized that we don’t have to wait for miracles, we are the miracle. We can wipe tears, bring relief, provide employment, make people self reliant, unite families, restore health. Everyone went back highly motivated to be the miracle. Every one went back loaded with ideas of projects they could take up. As people from 90 clubs and some from outside the District mingled, lots of new ideas, and partnerships emerged. The icing on the cake was the announcement that our Rotary Hum Safar is now in the Guiness Book of Records reinforced faith in everyone that we are thee miracle in this world and we can bring positive change.  The District Governor in his closing address mentioned that the day Rotary becomes redundant is when all the problems of society are wiped away and there is no need for such an organization. Until then everyone needs to stay connected to community needs and keep working day and night to make that miracle a reality. There was an unprecedented lucky draw where many gifts and goodies including a Mercedes, Renault cars, Sony Experia cell phones and  gold coins. Rotarians enjoyed in each other’s luck and there was joy and bonhomie in the air.

About Rotary International: Rotary is an international service organization that brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service to advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a non-political and non-sectarian organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference. There are 34,282 member clubs worldwide. This is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We work in six key areas to maximize our impact. These areas encompass some of the world’s most critical and widespread humanitarian needs. We have a proven record of success in addressing them: • Peace and conflict prevention/resolution • Disease prevention and treatment • Water and sanitation • Maternal and child health • Basic education and literacy • Economic and community development

About Rotary District 3141: 90 clubs in Mumbai area with about 6000 members belong to Rotary District 3141. District Governor is Rotarian Shashikumar Sharma with rich professional experience in the printing industry and dynamic leadership experience in Rotary.