CONGRATULATIONS TO DR BHARAT PANDYA AND RTN KAMAL SANGHAVI
It said , “A mother will feel more proud and elated when she hears great men describe her son as a scholar than at the time when she gave birth to him.”
Bharat , today I am extremely proud and happy to see you attain the position of Director Nominee , 2019-21 , of Rotary International than when I, as the District Governor, declared you as an outstanding President of the year during 1993-94.
Leadership begins with the person, not the position. Leadership is not so much a position you hold but it is a disposition of values and vision you possess, the first and most fundamental of which is character.
Your sterling character and the ability to uphold the values of Rotary were ably demonstrated by you as the President of RC Borivili during that year.
I, like most of you, have always admired his speeches which are all studded with quotes from various philosophers, leaders and scholars.
I wondered how he found time to read so much in addition to the voluminous literature he had to read about the medical profession to keep himself abreast of what is happening in that field.
His humility was derived from the great lineage, especially from his renowned father. Ably supported by his spouse Dr. Madhavi, the couple has endeared themselves to everyone in the community and the Rotary world.
As a dedicated Rotarian you have made your life a work of art.
As a colourful personality, you are brave, brilliant and true to who you are.
You are fully aware that there is not much use in having values if they are not inclusive. By that you have demonstrated that if you value justice, you must promote justice to all.
I remember the then Mayor of Mumbai, Mr. R R Singh, complimenting you for your achievements and the high ethical standards you stood for.
The Lok Adalat programme, vocational service activities and the rehabilitation of the differently abled children, which you did as the club President, were some of the wonderful projects that set the standards for Rotary clubs in our district.
Life in Rotary gives us a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger and better. Only the discerning people realise this. Rotary was built to develop character and at every stage leaders should be conscious of their attitude and actions.
Though soil is the source, flower and fruits are the purpose. Similarly, the leadership position is the source but the purpose is service. You know that service always gives good results but through extra ordinary service you get outstanding results.
It takes a real sense of personal commitment, especially after you have arrived at a position of responsibility, to push yourself to grow and challenge certain systems that need change.
Do your little bit of good where you are. It is those little bits of good put together that makes Rotary a better organisation.
Success does not come to you because you want it. Success comes to you because you do the right things. Be that leader who always does the right things.
At the end to you and Madhvi and of Course Kamal and Sonal Nayantara joins me in this prayer
May the roads rise to meet you ,
May the wind be always at your back ,
May the sun shine warm up your face ,
May the rains fall softly upon your field ,
And all throughout your this journey
May God hold you in the palm of His hands .
And an Urdu couplet