Interact Club @ Guhan Matriculation High School

The Interact club installation function of Guhan Matriculation High School was held on Saturday 24th of October 2009 at the school premises. Our President Rtn.CR.Chandran Installed Miss. Leela as President and Miss Sangeetha as teh secretary. Our President spoke on the occasion. Rotary Coordinator Rtn.Rajagopal, Rotary Director Service Projects Rtn.Rajesh Kanna attended the function. Rtn.Gnana Guhan, Correspondent felicitated.

Meaning of PHF - Nice article from Australia

Prestegious PHF's of Our Club

The Pride of being a Rotarian is being a PHF. Our club inspite of its huge membership has been inching positively towards being a 100% PHF Club : Thanks to the dream of our Past President Rtn.DL.Viswanathan. Ably led by Rtn.Lalji Vora, Rotary Foundation Director, this team has made all of us proud. Do click the image to see the list of PHF's.

Apart from Rotarians lots of non members have contributed towards Rotary Foundation. We thank them profoundly and appreciate their contributions towards Good Cause.

Interact Club Installation @ Vikaasa School

The new office bearers of Vikaasa School Interact Club were installed on 21 Aug 09 in a colorful ceremony. Ms Lakshmi Priya the outgoing President handed over the collar and gavel to the incoming President Ms Josephine. Mr Harish Kumar the outgoing Secretary readout the last year report. Ms Josephine introduced her team to the audience. Rtn Biju and Mr Joseph Zachariah of the School Management felicitated the team. They were followed by Rtn C.R.Chandran President and Rtn R.Meenakshi Sundaram. Apart from them Rtn R.Rajagopal and Rtn Rajesh Kanna were also present. The Interact Club President in her speech assured that she would carry out the duties in a splendid manner. All the members took oath of office. With National Anthem the meeting came to a close.

Rotaract Club @ Madurai Sivakasi Nadar Pioneer Meenakshi Womens College

Yet another Rotract Club was inaugurated at Madurai Sivakasi Nadars Pioneer Meenakshi Women College, Poovanthi on 6th Aug 09 by our Club. The following Rtns were present: Rtn C.R.Chandran - President, Rtn R.Meenakshi Sundaram - Secy, Rtn R.Rajagopal - Coordinator, Rtn R.Kanagasabai, Rtn Damodharan, Rtn Rajee Dhanasekar, Rtn Rajesh Kanna - Director Service Projects From the College side the Correspondent, Principal and teacher guide were also present.

With prayer the meeting commenced. Dr R. Suriyabrabah, Principal in her welcome address gave an account of Rotary Club and the importance of Rotract Club. The Rotract President Ms G.Abinaya was adorned with the collar and Rotary pin by our member Rtn Rajee Dhanasekar. Subsequently the new president introduced her Secretary Ms Jesima Bega and the team of office bearers. Our President gave his installation address. He stressed the need for the active participation of Rotractors as they were the selected 50 out of the 800 students. Our Rtn R.Kanagasabai in his felicitation speech explained how a Rotractor can be productive to the
College, Society. Secretary in his address mentioned that how a Rotractor can excel in their profession; how they can develop their leadership skills; how they can serve the society. He presented them a Rotract
hand book and a cd containing useful information. With national anthem the meeting came to a close.
The College authorities had shown a keen interest in Rotary and it was evident from the presence of their
Assistant Correspondent Mr.J.Ashok Kumar.

Interact Clubs @ Mahatma School Baba Bldg and at KK Nagar, Madurai

The installation of the the new office bearers of the "Interact Club " of Mahatma Matriculation Higher Secondary School at Baba Building was done on Wednesday July 6th, 2009 and at KK nagar premises on July 10th 2009. The meeting was presided by Rtn. C.R.Chandran. It was attended by Rtn. R.Rajagopal, Secretary Rtn R.Meenakshi Sundaram, Rtn Sakthivel, Rtn. Rajesh Kanna and Rtn.RM.Subramanian. Interact Faculty Guide: Mrs P.Jeyanthi. Interact Club President: AR.Shiaron Nivedegha. Vice-President: J.Sankar kumar. Secretary : Narendran. C

Interact club @ Mahatma School, Alagar Koil, Madurai

The Installation of the new office bearers of the "Interact Club" of the Mahathma Moteserry School at Alagarkovil was done on Monday July 6, 2009. This was presided over by Rtn. C.R.Chandran. It was
attended by Rtn.PP RM. Subramanian, Rtn.R.Rajagopal, Rtn.S.Rajesh Kanna, Rtn.Sakthivel and Rtn.Sampath.

The Installation of the new office bearers of the "Interact Club" of the VKK Play Group Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Madurai was done on Thursday July 9, 2009. This was presided over by Rtn.C.R.Chandran. It was attended by Secretary Rtn. R.Meenakshi Sundaram, Rtn.R.Rajagopal, Rtn.S.Rajesh Kanna, Rtn.Sakthivel, Rtn.Jacob and Rtn. Damotharan. Interact club president K. Harini 12th std, Secretary T. VinithKumar 11th std, Treasurer P. Saranya 12th std. Felicitations by Rtn. PP. N.Manimozhiyan and Secretary Rtn. R. Meenakshi Sundaram.

Rtn.S.Rajesh Kanna donated the Time Table cards printed with the Rotary Four way Test, to the students at our regular meeting on 17th July 2009. The chief guest Mr.Mahendra Boopathy presented the Timetables to the students.

Eye camp

On Wednesday 26 Aug 2009 our member Rtn.Dr.A.Saravanakumar, Opthalmologist, with his staff conducted Eye Screening Camp for the students of Madurai Sivakasi Nadar's Pioneer Meenakshi Women's College, Poovanthi. More than 200 students benefited out of the eye camp. Thanks a lot to Rtn.R.Kanagasabai for making elaborate arrangements for the eye camp and making is useful. Rtn.R.Rajagopal, Rtn.Rajesh Kanna, Rtn.RM.Subramanian and Rtn.RK were rotarians present apart from the President and Secretary.

Independence day celebration on 15-Aug-09

Our Club has been celebrating Independence Day at this school for the Deaf and Dumb for the past several years. As usual we ( Rtns. C.R.Chandran, R. Meenakshi Sundaram, R.Rajagopal, Jacob, Damodharan, N.M.P.Gunasekaran, Anvar) assembled at the School at 8 AM. The students and the staff greeted us. The function started with the prayer and followed by a speech by Rev S. Suyambu, Correspondent.
Our President hoisted the National flag. Students sang t h e F l a g s o n g . M r Muthukumar readout the oath and the students repeated it. It was followed by a mass drill. It was excellent. Secretary in his speech appreciated the staff for their patience in teaching these students. President Chandran in his speech stressed the importance of Independence Day in the modern context. We enjoyed the karagattam by Ms. Vaishnavi, Kaliswari, Anu and Jayapriya. They proved that they are in no way less than others. In his thanks giving s p e e c h M r . J o s u v a applauded our club for the consistent patronising. Mrs Mercy Ida in her speech thanked our good Samaritan Rtn. RR for his followup. With National anthem the meeting came to a close. The students were given breakfast and we too joined them. All thanked the caterer for his benevolent supply of breakfast to all students. It is indeed a very special to celebrate Indpendence day with special people in the YMCA Kamak School for deaf and dumb.

"MEGA PROJECT OF 2009"

Visit of Rtn Dr S.K.Raja from Rotary Club of Carmarthen, Wales, UK (Rotary District 1140) on 29.07.09 West Wales General Hospital, UK marked the begining of Mega Project of 2009. He is donating Anesthesia machines (worth Rs 50 Lakhs) to Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai through Rotary club of Roour,UK.

Rtn Dr S.K. Raja. President C.R. Chandran organised a tea party at Hotel North Gate. IMPP Rtn DL Viswanathan thanked the Doctor for his yeomen service. PDG Partha, Rtn.R.Rajagopal, Rtn.Dr. Harivasagam, Rtn.Dr.D.Ramasubramaniam, Rtn.Dr.Edwin, Rtn. Domodharan, Rtn.N.M.P. Gunasekaran, Rtn.Dr.K.R.Krishnan, Rtn. Rajesh Kanna, Rtn.Ramaswamy, Rtn.Dr.Sethuraman (he happens to be the batch mate of the Chief Guest) and Rtn R.Meenakshi Sundaram were present. Rtn.Dr.Raja explained the finer details and advantages of the Anesthesia machine.

President in his speech applauded him for selecting our club for the good job. He garlanded the chief guest with a sandal malai and adorned him with ponnadai. The machines are expected to arrive Chennai in 2 weeks time. The Chief Guest in his speech thanked the memebers for being present. Though the machines are 6 years old they will be of immense value to our Hospital. Secretary proposed vote of thanks.

And thanks a lot to the Project Coordinator Rtn.C.Dhamodaran and Rtn.IPP.Viswanathan for having taken tremendous efforts and making this project a reality.

Latest Update: The Anaesthesia Machines have as per schedule in India in July itself. Thanks to the Customs officials who have atlast cleared all the machines and the accessories by 22nd October 2009. The machines are likely to be handed over before 2nd week of November to Govt.Rajaji Hospital in a Gala Function. West is making us all proud.

"Reflection on Rotary" by DGE.T.Valliappan

On 4th Sept 2009, we had the young, energetic, dynamic District Governor Elect Rtn.T.Valliappan addres our club on "Reflections on Rotary". At the outset he complimented President Chandran, Ramasamy, Nan Narayanan and Natanagopal. Powerful forces are invisible. The Rotary inculcates Friendship and tolerance, the two qualities which have with stood the test of trine. The Cause and effect of Rotary in the development of Education, leadership Skills and project management. He requested all the Rotarians to make the Rotary a way of life. Friendship develops a focus to service true friendship alone can sustain Rotary, with these words he concluded his address. It is indeed a memorable meeting.

History of Rotary in India

CALCUTTA was the home town for the first Rotary club in the mainland of Asia. R.J. Combes, the manager of a steel products company while on a business trip to U.S.A. was so impressed by the "Friendship, fellowship, and service" aspects of the movement called Rotary that he wanted to introduce the idea to his friends in Calcutta also. There was no difficulty for him to convince enough people and convene the first meeting on 26 September, 1919. The new club was chartered just after three months of the first meeting, on the new year day of 1920 to be exact. All the twenty charter members were non-Indians.

The first Indian member was S.C.Rudra who was inducted in 1921. In 1921 itself Sir Surendranath Banerjee was made an honorary member. The first Indian to become the club secretary was Nitish C. Laharry (1926) who climbed all steps to reach Rotary's top slot viz. R.I. presidentship in 1962-'63. A.FM.Abdul Ali was the first Indian to adorn the collar of a club president.

Except for the lone club chartered in Lahore (in Pakistan now) in 1927, for about a decade India had to be content with only one club, i.e. R.C. of Calcutta. Things changed when James Wheeler Davidson of Calgary, Canada arrived on Indian shores with a firm determination to spread Rotary in India. In fact he was responsible for establishment of Rotary clubs in different countries including Australia, New Zealand, Southern Europe, Egypt, Siam and Japan and was known as 'Marco Polo of Rotary.' Jim Davidson planted Rotary in Bombay as well as Madras (now Chennai) in 1929.

Of the 38 charter members of the club in Bombay, 37 were non-Indians. The only Indian was Sir Phiroz Sethna, a legislative member, who later served as district governor (1937-'38). F C .James of United Planters Association of South India, who was a past president of R. C. of Calcutta helped Jim Davidson in the formation of the Madras Club. On 10 May 1929, thirty charter members, all non-Indians assembled and elected C. G. Armstrong Chairman of Madras Port Trust as the charter president A.A.Hayles, former editor of The Mail was also among the charter members. In 1929 itself Raja Sir. M.A. Muthaiah Chettiar was inducted into the club.

Even though Davidson organised a Rotary club in Delhi also in 1929, in a couple of years the club had to be closed down as the membership tapered off due to one or other reasons. In 1930 two clubs were formed- Etah and Meerut.
Mahatma Gandhi addressed Rotary Club of Calcutta which had only non-Indians on the rolls even then.
The growth of Rotary in India was rather very slow for many years, thanks to the predominance of foreigners in the clubs and other reasons such as agricultural nature of Indian economy.

In 1933 Rotary branched out to Amritsar and to Bangalore in 1934. By 1936 Ahmedabad, Baroda, Jamshedpur, Poona and Sholapur had Rotary clubs. Three clubs were chartered in 1937, Lucknow, Surat and Cochin. R. C. of Cochin had 22 charter members of whom 10 were non-Indians and Sir R. K. Shanmugam Chetty was the charter president. (chartered on 23 August 1937) This club had the unique privilege of meeting at an Island (Wellingdon Island) which was built by one of its own members (Sir Robert Bristo). Asansol, Madurai and Rajkot clubs were formed 1938 Another three clubs at Agra, Salem and Jabalpur came into existence the next year. The Delhi Club was also revived in 1939, thanks to the efforts of Sir. Frederick James, the first Rotary governor from India. Dehra Dun and Dharward invited Rotary in 1940. The next year Rotary moved to Bhopal, Mithapur, Belgaum and Nilgiris. Nilfiris club extended Rotary to Coimbatore in 1943. Visakhapatnam and Navasari clubs were already functioning. Patna club with 36 charter members was also formed the same year. Other clubs of 1943 origin were Kakinada, Vijawada, Bhuj, Patiala, Kanpur, Allahabad, Guntur, Kolhapur and Patna. Tirunelveli club was also chartered in 1943 with 45 charter members and District Collector Viswanatha Rao as the charter president. Rotary clubs of Nagpur, Baruch, Satara, Mysore and Bhavnagar were formed in 1944. In the two years that followed Cuttack, Dhanbad, Akola, Nasik, Ratlam, Moradabad, Faizabad, Gadag, Indore, jaipur and Gorakhpur were added to the Rotary India map. Tirunelveli club took Rotary to Tuticorin also in 1946. As many as ten clubs were chartered in 1947. They were: Godhra, Gwalior, Palanpur, nadiyad, Ambala, Mussoorie, Lucknow(2), Ahmednagar, Hubli, Vellore and Howrah.

By the time India became independent, there were 71 Rotary clubs (14 in Gujarat, 10 in Maharashtra, 10 in UP, seven in Tamil Nadu, seven in Karnataka and 23 in another 10 states) with a total membership of 3121 members. Up to 1931-32, Rotary clubs in India were non-districted. From 1932 to 1935 clubs in India, Burma and Ceylon were grouped under provisional District A. On 1 July 1935 District 89 was formed with clubs in Afghanistan, Burma, Ceylon and undivided India. The first district governor was Sir Frederick E James (1935-36). Sir Phiroz Sethna followed him the next year. Sir F. E.James had to be once again at the saddle due to the sudden death of Phiroz Sethna. The first conference of Provisional District "A" was held in 1932 at Calcutta with Sir F. E. James as the first governor with a total registration of 39. The 1934 conference was held at Bombay and 1936 at Bangalore. Up to 1936, R.I. president was not represented at the conferences and there was no conference in 1934-35.

The first conference of Rotary District was in Madras in 1936'37 under the governorship of Sir F E. James. Haji M.Eusoff represented the R.I.President at this conference which had a registration of 63. The second conference was at Baroda which had a registration of 121. At the third conference which was held at Colombo the attendance further improved to 210.

In 1939 District 89 was bifurcated to create District 88 also which consisted of Afghanistan, Burmah and part of undivided India. B. T Thakur, Col.Warren Boulton and again B.T.Thakur were the D.G.s between 1939 and 1942.
The district conferences of District 88 were held at Calcutta (regn.220), Bhopal and Agra (regn.82). District 88 was subsequently renumbered as District 90 which had one of its conferences at Jamshedpur with Nitish C. Laharry as District Governor. This conference had a registration of 154 and R.I. President's representative was Sir Frederick James.

Growth of Rotary in independent India was also sluggish. In seven years (up to 1954) only 54 clubs could be added. In 1950, there were only 198 clubs with a Rotarian strength of 7,785 in the whole of Asia, the least numbers both in matter of clubs as well as total number of Rotarians, among the six Rotary regions then existed. By 1958, there were five Rotary districts in India, Ceylon, Burmah, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan with about 7,500 Rotarians. In another ten years, there were 430 clubs and 16,055 Rotarians in these countries. In 1968-69, Pakistan became a separate district. The number of districts in India was 12 in 1970-71. From seventies the growth of Rotary in India picked up some momentum. The number of clubs which stood slightly above three hundred more than doubled in the next ten years. The same tempo continued in the first half of eighties also. In 1980-81 there were 899 clubs in India
in 14 R. I. Districts with a membership of 35,172 Rotarians. The extension of Rotary in the second half of eighties broke all the previous records. The number of clubs chartered between 1985 and 1989 (five years) was more than double the number of clubs formed between 1975 and 1984 (ten years). Out of the current strength of 1947
(1999 April figure) clubs 19 percent of the clubs are those established in five years between 1985 and 1989 (362 clubs).
In the first half of nineties also Rotary continued to grow well. Of the existing Indian clubs 317 were chartered during these years. District 3140 alone contributed 50 clubs during the period. In the beginning of 1995-96, when the system of regions in the Rotary world was abolished and the new zone system was introduced, India had 1654 Rotary clubs in 28 districts and the number of Rotarians was 58,777. In 1996 there was remarkable growth of Rotary in India, thanks to Calgary Challenge. As many as 133 clubs were chartered in 1996. In 1995 the number of new clubs was only 74. In the first quarter of 1997, there were 1,791 clubs in India with a total membership of 68,043.

The first Asia regional conference was held in Delhi in 1958 with a registration figure of 2,913. The regional office established in Bombay in 1934 was shifted to Singapore in 1939, but the same was closed down in 1948. A full fledged regional office was opened in Delhi in 1984. Another Asia regional conference was held in Delhi in 1987 and this regional conference broke all previous registration records with its 10,501 registrations. Delhi again was fortunate to host the Council on Legislation in 1998.

During the last 85 years of Rotary's existence in India, several world leaders emerged from this region. The first Asian to become R.I. President from Asia was Nitish Laharry (1962-63) from Calcutta. We had to wait another thirty years for another Indian to be elected as R. I President. In 1991-92 Rajendra K.Saboo (Raja Saboo) from Chandigarh had the rare opportunity of leading the world's leading service organisation. Raja Saboo also served as the Chairman of The Rotary Foundation (1996-97), the only Indian to hold the position in Rotary's history.

Sir Frederick E. James was the first R.I. director from India (1933-34). Sir.Shapoorjee B. Bilimoria was R.I. Director in 1943-44 and was second vice-president during 1949-50. Before becoming R.I.President, Nitish C.Laharry also held the office of vice - president in 1953-54 and director in 1954-55. B.T. Thakur of Calcutta Club also became second vice-president in 1946- 47. (The full list of distinguished Rotarians who held top positions in RA is given below).

Rotary Leaders from India.
8. Nitish C.Laharry Calcutta President 1962-63
9. Edul C.Eduljee Nagpur Director 1973-75
10. Soli S Pavri Bombay Director 7977-79
11. Rajendra K. Saboo Chandigarh Director 1981-83
12. Manohar L. Manchanda Faridabad Director 1984-86
13. Sudarshan Aggarwal Delhi Director 1987-89
14. Rajendra K. Saboo Chandigarh President 1991-92
15. M.K. Panduranga Setty Bangalore Director 1991-93
16. O.PVaish Delhi TRF Trustee 1991-94
17. T.Ramesh U. Pai Manipal Director 1992-94
18. Rajendra K. Saboo Chandigarh Chairman, TRF 1996-97
19. Kalyan Banerjee Vapi RI Director 1995-97. TRF Trustee 2001-05
20. O. P. Vaish Delhi RI Director 1999-2001
21. Dr P C Thomas, RI Director 2001-03
21. Sushil Gupta, Delhi RI Director 2003-05

R.I. Zones and India
Growth of Rotary in India in the last two decades outstripped the growth of Rotary elsewhere in the world. When the world membership which stood at 853,000 in 1980 gradually climbed to 1,193,000 in 1998, Rotary's strength in India showed a growth from 35,000 to 6$,000. In other words when the world growth was about 40%, India recorded an astonishing 95 percent. Rotary in India took up the Calgary Challenge in the right earnest. During 1996 a record number of 133 new clubs were chartered in India. The figure far 1995 was 74. As a result of this unprecedented growth, the number of clubs in the beginning of 1997-98 was 1791 with a membership of 68,043. During 1997-98, however, there was slight dip in membership. Though the number of clubs increased to 1817, the Rotarian count came down to 67,759. During 1998- '99 again both the club count as well as membership in the clubs increased and reached the figure 1947 and 69,859 respectively.

The 28 districts in India are now under zone five and six. Zone five consists of 17 districts of India, one joint district of India and Nepal and the only district in Pakistan. There are 20 Rotary districts in Zone 6, spread in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mongolia and Thailand. Out of these twenty, eleven districts
are in India. While the districts of Zone 5 are geographically contiguous, Zone 6, presents a different picture. It spreads into vast areas and into several countries. When the zone concept was introduced in 1995, abolishing the erstwhile regions, the main criteria was to have almost same number of Rotarians in the 34 zones so that each director will
represent the same number of Rotarians.

Today there are about 70,000 Rotarians in India, sufficient to fill two zones. I think it is high time the zone boundaries are realigned, confining Zone 5 and 6 to India only. This will ensure one R.I. director from India permanently who can concentrate on the healthy existence of the existing clubs and further extensio~ work in India. But for this one has to move the Council On Legislation.

Membership Development : by Rtn.Shanmugavel of VNR

Rtn. Shanmugavel of Rotary Club of Virudhunagar was chief guest in our regular meeting on 7th August 2009. He said that visiting Rotary Club of Madurai West was something like “home Coming”. The chief guest expressed that Rtn. Rajagopal was instrumental to start the Virudhunagar Rotary Club. All members should make it a point to wear Rotary pin always. It has been found 0.02% alone at present is regularly wearing Rotary pins. Since 1989, Ladies were allowed to become Rotarians and many lady members are joining
Rotary. While selecting new members, look for average good members besides selecting the
best business men, professionals etc. Infuse young members into Rotary. Introduce young
blood who has lot of potential to do good service in years to come.

Membership Development Seminar @ Pudukottai

The above seminar was held on the 2nd August Sunday, 2009 at the J.J.College of Arts and Sciences, Pudukkotai, hosted by the Rotary Club of Pudukkottai. The function started by Lighting the Kuthuvilakku. Seminar Chairman Rtn.S.P.Senthil delivered the Welcome Address followed by the opening remarks by the District Membership Chairman Rtn.P.J.Sridhar. District 3000 Trainer PDG.Rtn. T.Ramanathan spoke on the Purpose of the Day. Then our District Governor Addressed the Gathering.

Then Chief Guest, Thiru.A..Ragupathy, (Former Union Minister of State Environments and Forest) spoke on the involvement of Rotary and its members, when there is an emergency need, which includes the services during Sunami. He also mentioned that before he could reach to the spot, he saw the Rotarians already there helping the affected public in Nagappattinan. He also mentioned about the Polio Plus and appreciated the Rotary for its Challenge to eradicate it. Then PDG Rtn.M.Natarajan, ARRM coordinator spoke on the importance of admitting quality Members to the club. Then the Keynote Address by PDG. Rtn. S A M M O V V A, RRM cordinator. He gave the Statistics of Membership Development for the past 5 years of our District and last year only it has showed the Tremendous growth and appreciated PDG. Rtn. Damodharan. He also appreciated the District Governor A.Purushothaman for having announced to start maximum number of New Clubs in the District. He also said that Rotary is the only Sevice Organisation which has not been much affected by Membership growth when compared to other Service Organisations in the World. He requested all the members to bring quality Members to the Rotary and Help to TRF.

Then special address by Nagaichuvai Perarasu 'Sivakasi Ramachandran', Pattimandra Speaker, made the members realise the importance of being a member to this Worlds biggest Service organisation along with his good sense of humour.

District Governor Purushothaman gave his concluding remarks and the Seminar Secretary Rtn.A. Chokkalingam proposed vote of thanks.

The following members of our club participated in the Seminar: President Rtn.C.R.Chandran, Membership Development Director Rtn.Jegapathirajan, Service Projects Director Rtn. Rajeshkanna, IPP Rtn.DL.Viswanathan and Coordinator

Rtn.R.Rajagopal.

Our Members - District Level Officials

Many of our members have been selected and appointed as District Officials by Rotary Governor.A.Purushothaman for the year 2009-2010. We are sure our experienced Rotarians would add more strength to our Governor and make this year a grand memorable one. We wish them All the Best

Rtn.PP.P.V.Parthasarathy ---------- Chairman, Polio Plus Sub Committee
Rtn.PP.S.V.Arunachalam ----------- Chairman, GSE Sub Committee
Rtn.PP.NAN.Narayenen -------------Chairman, Leader Development
Rtn.PP.Lalji Vora ----------------------Chairman, Club Bullettin
Rtn.PP.Rm.Subramanian -----------Chairman Intercity Meets
Rtn.PP.S.Natanagopal -------------- Finance Committee Chairman,
-------------- Permanent Fund Sub Committee
-------------- GSE Team Leader 2009-2010
Rtn.PP.P.Amarsingh ----------------- Chairman, Vocational Awards
Rtn.PP.SACS Narayanan ---------- Advisor
Rtn. R.Rajagopal --------------------- Advisor
Rtn.PP.Angayarkannan ------------ Chairman, Disaster Management and Relief
Rtn.PP.Khurseed Majid ------------ Zonal Chairman, Community Service
Rtn.PP.P.Harivasagam ------------ Zonal Chairman, Vocational Service
Rtn.PP.K.L.Y. Premnath -----------Chairman,Rotary Peace and Conflict study
Rtn.PP.G.Vasudevan --------------- Chairman, Rotary World Peace Fellowship
Rtn.Farook Tayub ------------------- Chairman, Road Safety and Traffic
Rtn.PP.Dr.N.Kasirajan ------------- Cardiac Care
Rtn.PP.N.Manimozhian ------------ Co Chairman, Community Service
RtnPP.D.L.Viswanathan ----------- Chairman, Tours and Travels
Rtn.Chithra Ganapathy ------------- District Correspondent
Rtn. A.P.Athithan --------------------- Co Chairman, Right To Information
Rtn. K.R.Rajagovindasamy -------- Chairman, Youth Motivation

Interpersonal Relationship of Counselling : for College Teachers

On Saturday, the 25th July 2009, our club in association with N.M.S.Sermathai Vasan College for Women conducted a project on “Interpersonal Relationship of Counselling” for the teaching staff of the Said College. Mr.N.Sivasubramanian, President of the College and Mrs.Dr.S. Kowsalya Principal helped a lot to make it a great success.

As the first person to handle the sessions, Mr.R.Shantharam, M.B.A. emphasized the importance of cordial interpersonal relationship between the staff and the students. The main points he stressed upon were, as a teacher one should have continuous efforts to improve himself and make the students better learners and better persons. Of course only a burning candle will be able to light another.

Rtn.Aruna Visweswar, our member and principal of Adhyapana School, commenced her session with a novel exercise for the participants which was well appreciated. She stressed that a better interpersonal relationship among the staff members effective communication is very essential . Proper knowledge and better understanding between the staff is needed to tell them about what is to be done at present and in future. She said that better to think twice before one speaks to another and does an act. Mrs.Aruna Visweswar being a lady and the staff of the college being ladies was able to feel the pulse of the participants
in a better way and was very much above the expectations and everyone without an exception appreciated her very much. Kudos to our member Mrs.Aruna Visweswar.

Our member, Rtn.PP.Natanagopal was very prompt in his arrival even
though his train trip from Chennai was very much delayed by more than 4 hours.
He advocated that one should be self confident, courageous enough and believe in himself and his abilities to achieve his goals. Imitation and efforts are the essential ingredients to achieve. It is always better to act than to react and to accept our faults and to ignore the ill treatments by being patient, were his advice to the audience.

Mrs Usha Rani Mohan - Lecturer in psychology in her session had involved all the students by her number games. Her session was quite lively and entertaining. She quoted certain points related to psychological approach towards students. She captured our attention just by quoting and conducting memory tests and techniques to uplift the memory power of the students. First one, memory power related creative story technique. Second one, memory powerrelated to associative technique.
She analyzed the interpersonal relationships through certain measurements known as Socio Metrics. Her deep interest in analyzing the concepts of psychology. She showed some demonstrations with the selection of certain candidates as participants. Altogether she touched the essence of psychology in the field of teaching. Rtn R.Rajagopal was thanked by the Principal and the staff for organising a wonderful and useful program for the students.
Reported by Rtn.PP.RM.Subramanian and Mrs Yoga Lakshmi of Sermathai Vasan college. All photographs were taken by our young Rotarian Rajesh. We thank him a lot for bring this project live infront of our eyes.

Encouraging School Students

Students work hard and dream of being the topper in their school. Among a number of aspirants, naturally only one could be the first rank holder. It is indeed a life time achievement for the student when they come first in State level Public exams - the 10th and 12th Standard. The school management often recognize the State First rank holder and sometimes times the first runner up (second rank holder) too, with suitable certificates and Cash price. It is absolutely fine that the best candidates are appreciated. But the 3rd rank holder could have missed the recognition by a whishker. And they get no recognition or appreciation from authorities.

Our club has been filling up this gap left out by school authorities. We recognize the 3rd, 4th and 5th rank holders with Cash Price. Our club is fortunate to have the Benevolent donor Mr.Seshadri of Graphico Printing Press Madurai. The price money sponsored by Mr. Seshadri is given away to deserving students of Corporation school in the presence of their Teachers,Parents and other guests.

This year on 17th July 2009, at the Banquet Hall of Hotel Pandyan the students were honoured as per the following deails:

Miss. M.Divya and Miss. G.Deepika of the Ponmudiyar Corporation School, Madurai, for having scored 1120/1200; and 1112/1200 respectively securing the 3rd and 4th rank in the State at the XII Exam.

Miss. P.Subha of the Kasturibai Gandhi School, for securing the 5th rank the above examination with 1110/1200.

Miss. S. Gayathri of E.V.R.N. Corporation School, Miss. T. Tharani of Velivetheyar Corporation School and Miss. R. Anitha of Thiru.V.Ka. Corporation School for having secure the 3rd, 4th and 5th ranks respectively with 482/500; 480/500 and 476/500.

History of Our Club:

Highlights:
* Rotary Club of Madurai West was sponsored by Rotary Club of Madurai with 5 members from that club as nucleus in the year 1965
* 20 eligible men were elected to form the Charter Membership, totaling to 25 chartered members.
* Our club was born on 16-June-1965 and charter was presented.
* Of the 25 charter members, 4 members still continue their membership in the club : Rtn.PDG.P.V.Parthasarathy, Rtn.PP.M.K.Vijay, Rtn.PP.Dr.K.A.Srinivasan and Rtn.R.Kanagasabai.
* The nascent club began meeting at Udipi Boarding Lodge : the only meeting place then in Madurai.
* From 1969 till date the meeting is being held every Friday at Hotel Pandyan, a 3 star hotel owned by the family of our late Rtn.PDG.PCM.
* Seven of our Members have served as District Governors. They are :
----- Rtn.PDG (Late) PCM Sundarapandian ( 1973-1974)
----- Rtn.PDG (Late) M.Shanmugam (1981-1982)
----- Rtn.PDG.P.V.Parthasarathy (1987-1988)
----- Rtn.PDG.M.N.Nayagam (1995-1996)
Three of our Members went on to become District Governors after joining other club. We are Proud that they were our members who went on to become District Governors. They are:
----- Rtn.PDG.V.Shanmugasundaram of Madurai Mid Town
----- Rtn.PDG Udhayakumar of Rotary Club of Bangalore
----- Rtn.T.Ramanathan of Madurai Northwest

It is our previledge to extended Rotary by sponsoring SIX new clubs in this district as well as the neighbouring District. They are:
----- R.C. of Rajapalayam
----- R.C. of Madurai South
----- R.C. of Virudhunagar
----- R.C. of Madurai Mid Town
----- R.C. of Theni
----- R.C. of Madurai North West
* Our members are preferred Rotary Volunteers. They visit far away countries serving the society with Rotary’s main agenda: Service above Self.
* As on 22-Oct-2009, our club has 111 Rotarians.
* There are 70 Paul Harris Fellows, with 48 Rotarians opting for PHF’s in 2008-2009 under our clubs vision of 100% PHF Club. We are marching towards this goal, which is likely to be reached any moment.
* Four of our Rotarians are Major Donors
* There are 39 Non Rotarians who have contributed towards Rotary Foundation
For More info on our PHF s click : rotarymaduraiwest.blogspot.com/2009/10/prestegious-phfs-of-our-club.html

How to Participate in Rotary Beyond Geographic Barriers:

Yes Rotarians, often we are confined to Our club’s regular meeting, Service projects, District events and Rotary Family that is near and dear to us. Sometimes we may have a close friend living in Singapore or in Dubai who could fit in the definition of a Rotarian. And we often are not able to guide this gentlemen or lady to suitable club. From now on you need not regret of not being able to guide/assist such deserving candidates. Following links are provided with the definition. Hope it is of use to everyone of us. Do refer your friends to click on to our web page and benefit. Apart from Prospective Rotarian Referral, there are many other links that you would cherish. Enjoy…

In the first place many of us – The Rotarians – would like to be clear of what is our responsibilities. Rotary clearly dictates our responsibilities as a Rotarian. Click the following link (must read) to know more: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/NewMembers/Responsibilities/Pages/ridefault.aspx

If you want to brush up Rotary Knowledge, do keep reading the below mentioned link from time to time:
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/NewMembers/RotaryBasics/Pages/ridefault.aspx

Rotary International provides training opportunities for all Rotarians. The Rotary E-Learning Center is your online resource for the independent study of Rotary, particularly for new members and club officers. Rotary International also produces training resources for a variety of training seminars held throughout the year for district leaders and for club leaders and members. Click : http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/Training/ForAllRotarians/Pages/ridefault.aspx

If you want to refer someone for membership – anywhere in the world, click :
http://survey.rotary.org/Perseus/se.ashx?s=0B87FCE559AA5C11

Membership Minutes Newsletter

Rotary International publishes lots of informative, interesting newsletters. One among them is Membership Minutes. It contains lots of useful tips relating to Membership development. You may even subscribe for this newsletter. Do have a feel of this article and subscribe them in your personal email id.
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/GeneralInformation/MembershipResources/Pages/MembershipMinute.aspx

The Art of Giving

"Rivers do not drink their own water, nor do tree eat their own fruit, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble is used solely for the benefit of others? " Even after accepting that giving is good and that one must learn to give, several questions need to be answered.

The first question is “When should one give ?”
Yudhisthir asks a beggar seeking alms to come the next day. On this, Bhim rejoices, that Yudhisthir his brother, has conquered death! For he is sure that he will be around tomorrow to give. Yudhisthir gets the message. One does not know really whether one will be there tomorrow to give! The time to give therefore is "NOW."

The next question is "How much to give?"
One recalls the famous incident from history. Rana Pratap was reeling after defeat from the Moghals. He had lost his army , he had lost his wealth , and most important he had lost hope, his will to fight. At that time in his darkest hour , his erstwhile minister Bhamasha came seeking him and placed his entire fortune at the disposal of Rana Pratap. With this, Rana Pratap raised an army and lived to fight another day. The answer to this question how much to give is " Give as much as you can!"

The next question is “What to give?”
It is not only money that can be given. It could be a flower or even a smile. It is not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters. When you give a smile to a stranger that may be the only good thing received by him in days and weeks! "You can give anything but you must give with your heart!"

One also needs answer to this question “Whom to give ?”
Many times we avoid giving by finding fault with the person who is seeking. However, being judgmental and rejecting a person on the presumption that he may not be the most deserving is not justified. "Give without being Judgmental!"

Next we have to answer “How to give?"
Coming to the manner of giving, one has to ensure that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor the giver feels proud by giving. Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives? Charity without publicity and fanfare, is the highest form of charity. "Give quietly !" While giving let not the recipient feel small or humiliated. After all what we give never really belonged to us. We come to this world with nothing and will go with nothing. The thing gifted was only with us for a temporary period. Why then take pride in giving away something which really did not belong to us? "Give with grace and with a feeling of gratitude."

"What should one feel after giving ?"
We all know the story of Eklavya. When Dronacharya asked him for his right thumb as "Guru = Dakshina". He unhesitatingly cut off the thumb and gave it to Dronacharya. There is a little known sequel to this story..
Eklavya was asked whether he ever regretted the act of giving away his thumb when he was dying. His reply was "Yes ! I regretted this only once in my life. It was when Pandavas were coming in to kill Dronacharya who was broken
hearted on the false news of death of his son Ashwathama and had stopped fighting. It was then that I regretted the loss of my thumb. If the thumb was there, no one could have dared hurt my Guru? The message to us is clear."Give and never regret giving!"

And the last question is "How much should we provide for our heirs?”
Ask yourself , “Are we taking away from them the gift of work? - a source of happiness!” The answer is given by Warren Buffett: "Leave your kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing!"

I would conclude by saying: let us learn the Art of Giving, and quoting Sant Kabir: "When the wealth in the house increases, When water fills a boat, Throw them out with both hands!" These are insights on the wise things to do from some of the inspired folks! Lets make the world the most happening place this festive season.

Message Forwarded by
Rtn.Past President.S.Sankar Narayanan
sankar.sanmac@gmail.com