Dear Shine -O – Nine RCTNers,

The festive Mahaul continued into October. The spirit of sharing and caring also continued. Kojagiri was celebrated jointly with Utakarsha Mandal and Senior Citizen Club Members with a nostalgic “ Soneri Diwas Soneri Aathwani “ - Hindi and Marathi songs of yester years being belted out by Zee Sa-re-ga-ma-pa winner Ms Pranjali and PP Purushottam. Our Honorary RCTNer PDG Ulhas Kolhatkar was the anchor, in his usual cerebral, researched style. On the same day, Rtn Rajendra Phadke also formally inaugurated DISHA – Vocational training program for tailoring and embroidery for the differently abled young girls of Kamalini Karnabadhir School.

4th October was a historic day for RCTNers. We were the proud hosts for the PARICHAY-II ( a fellowship and bonding meet for President Elects in 2010-11 under DGE Dr Jayant Kulkarni), the first ever district event hosted by our club. The graceful theme presentation Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, added colour to the evening but also left unforgettable audio-visual images lingering in the minds of all who attended. Thanks to District Secretary Arvind’s initiative, PP Mohan’s concept and vision and Rtann Pradnya’s painstaking efforts .

As I breathed a sigh of relief, the OCV day arrived the next day. And then it dawned on me - what it means to be the President of a senior, responsible and mature club. The filled with apprehension closed door meeting went through smoothly and swiftly. Each one delivered, what was expected of him/ her. DG Raju made a quick visit to MGP Apheresis Facility- where he was briefed by the CEO Mr. Mahesh Joshi and staff of the Wamanrao Oka Blood Bank. At the Club Assembly Kiran Patil and Sunmay Shevdekar – the youngest new Rotarian to join our club were both full of ideas and untapped enthusiasm. as per RCTN's usual efficiency, the club and trust accounts were audited and already part of President’s Advance Report – thanks to Rtn Sandeep’s professional inputs and IPP Dinesh’s special efforts. The Bulletin, with the unique caricature of the DG was available for release. The smoothness, professionalism and puntuality were evident in every aspect. Thanks to the rich resourceful bank of PPs, senior experienced Rotarians and the genuine affection and sense of belonging each member has for the club.

DG Raju, in his address genuinely appreciated and praised our Club and the soul credit for the same goes to the each RCTNer for every individual's contribution - small and large. As a thorugh professional and auditor, the DG gently pointed out some of our club’s shortcomings. he had studied the advnce report thoroughly and was concerned with our luke warm participation in IYE, GSE team leader, RYLA, MUNA and MIPS.

That’s what makes leaders different .He wants us to do better, make a balanced growth , shine equally well in all avenues of Rotary, because he also believes that diamonds are for ever and for them to shine they have to be polished by a professional like him.

The month also witnessed Festivities of Deepotsav, followed by our prestigious on going Legal Literacy Programme- Mahiticha Adhikar and Manavadhikar : Mahacharcha – jointly and successfully organized with TMC and RC of Thane Lake City – with eminent national figures like Chief Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, SIC Vijay Kuvalekar and Justice B. G. Kolse Patil as resource persons. The hall was full and overflowing with the Common Man as the real beneficiary.

Yours in Rotary
Rtn Bhagyashree Agwan
President 2009-10