TRF Chairman's October 08 Message

Message from the chair: Embrace the Foundation's twin pillars ofsupport
[Jonathan Majiyagbe]

Dear family of Rotary,
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most respected privatefoundations in the world. Through the Foundation, we as Rotarians havean unprecedented opportunity to use our global grassroots strength andinternational prominence to help solve major problems such as food andwater security – if the Foundation's financial resources keeppace. The twin pillars of Foundation support – the Annual Programs Fundand the Permanent Fund – are crucial to meeting world needs. TheFoundation enables our clubs and districts to multiply their service efforts many times over. This effect is increasing as the Foundation's humanitarian grant projects become larger in scale toprofoundly improve the lives of more people. We can help Make Dreams Real for children and their families today bygiving at least US$100 to the Annual Programs Fund<http://www.rotary. org/en/Contribute/Funds/AnnualProgramsFund/ Pages/ride\fault.aspx> through the Every Rotarian, Every Year initiative. And wecan help ensure their needs will be met tomorrow by building a strongendowment through contributions to the Permanent Fund<http://www.rotary. org/en/Contribut e/Funds/Permanen tFund/Pages/ ridefault\.aspx> .Our Foundation's humanitarian grants, Rotary World Peace Fellows,and other programs are essential to realizing a better world. Together, let's embrace both pillars of Foundation support and expand ourcapacity to improve health, support education, alleviate poverty, and light the way to peace.

Jonathan Majiyagbe
Foundation Trustee Chair

Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary

R I President's October 08 Message

October 2008 Dear fellow Rotarians, When I was a child, Korea experienced a terrible war. After it was over, my country received a great deal of help from other governments and humanitarian organizations, help that put Korea on a track of health, hope, and economic growth. In the decades since the war, both Korea's economy and its Rotary club membership have grown enormously. I feel there are two reasons for this. One is Koreans' desire to help others as we were once helped ourselves; we all want to pay back some of what was given to us. The other is the natural affinity Koreans have for the values of Rotary: integrity, honor, hard work, and fairness. Many of Rotary's core values are also core values in Korean business. Koreans know very well the lesson taught by Herbert J. Taylor, author of The Four-Way Test: We do not succeed professionally despite our ethical behavior; we succeed because of it.When Korean businesses interview potential employees, they look for what we call chim shin uro, or "pure heart." A person with a pure heart is someone who has personal integrity, a person who treats others with honor and respect and can always be counted on to do what's right. It is a highly valued trait in companies, and it is equally important in Rotary. As Rotarians, our integrity is what makes us successful in business, in service, and in life. "Pure heart" is what we in Rotary call Service Above Self.Koreans also talk about work as chip an. Chip an means "inside the house." It is a way to talk about how important our work is to us, how our companies are like our families. Our businesses and the people in them should be treated with respect, honor, and dignity because, Koreans believe, good personal relationships are the basis for good business. We in Rotary also believe that honest, open relationships with customers, co-workers, and employees are important, as are our relationships with all our fellow Rotarians and those we serve through Rotary.True service gives us pure hearts when we bring it "inside the house." This is the reality behind Service Above Self. This is the reality of Rotary, the reality that inspires us and challenges us every day.

Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee
President

New Generation Month

Dear Rotarians of 3240,

In the Rotary world, the month of September is generally known as New Generation Month. A month we dedicate to the youth and take up activities related to their welfare. In relation to this I wish to take up Youth Exchange Activities as per the RI programme. We all know that RI has a beautiful programme of having Districts across the world to exchange youth for a long period (one year) and short period (two Weeks). In the long period the participating youth gets the opportunity to attend school arranged by the host District for an academic year. This programme is reciprocal as in case of GSE. In order to take part in this Exchange our District needs to certified by Rotary International. As it involves handling of Youth we need to get into certain formalities before we are allowed to participate. Our DG D N Lohia and self are on the job to obtain certification from RI. All Volunteers (Rotarian as well as non Rotarians )involved in this programme need to undergo a special trainning on 'Abuse and Harrasment Prevention" under RI guidelines. I would like to bring to the attention of all Rotarians who are interested to host Youth or send youth from their club need to send me their name, after which a seminar will be arranged for them. I am also preparing a draft YOUTH PROTECTION POLICY, which will be presented to the clubs. Looking forward to your participation in this programme.

Ajit Irom
Chairman Youth Exchange 3240.

Charter President Rtn. Sunil Kumar Mukherjee passes away

Charter President of our club, Rtn Sunil Mukherjee is no more with us. He passed away at Bangalore day before yesterday at around 7.30 pm (Monday, 8th Sept 08).
We all pray to Almighty God that his soul to rest in peace.

Rtn Ajit Kumar Bhagat
IPP, RC Burdwan Greater
AG, Zone - 3.

RI President's September Message

September 2008

Dear fellow Rotarians,
In Rotary, we know that planning ahead and planning wisely are the keys to successful service. This is why I urge all of you to plan ahead – and plan wisely – by registering now for the 2009 RI Convention in Birmingham, England. If you have been to a convention before, you already know how wonderful this annual event can be. And if you have never been to a Rotary convention, Birmingham is the perfect place to start. Like Rotary, Birmingham is a mix of the old and the new. With a pedestrian-friendly downtown area and excellent public transportation, the city offers diverse neighborhoods, historical interests, great dining, and ample shopping. And Britain's extensive rail network makes it easy to get to many sites in less than an hour. The excitement of London, the natural beauty of Wales, and all the charms of the English countryside are close enough for a daytrip and engaging enough for a postconvention vacation.With its own airport and rapid rail links to London, Birmingham is an easy destination from anywhere in the world. And once you're in Birmingham, your stay will be more than worth the trip. There, you will join thousands of Rotarians from dozens of countries as you celebrate a year in which we have worked together to Make Dreams Real for the world's children.It is impossible to describe the energy and excitement of a Rotary convention. It is the highlight of the Rotary year and an event that I look forward to from the end of each convention until the beginning of the next. I know I will see old friends and make new ones, learn about Rotary projects throughout the world, and find new ways that my club can put Service Above Self.Each convention is different, but each one promises the same friendship, fellowship, and inspiration. Each one is unique, and each one is memorable. Each one is an opportunity that will not come again. I strongly believe that every Rotarian should experience a Rotary convention at least once. It will forever change how you see Rotary. And after you leave, you'll find that you are already planning for the next convention. Young and I look forward to seeing you in Birmingham for the 100th convention of Rotary International.
Dong Kurn (D.K.) Lee
President,
Rotary International
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eFlash_Rotary
Courtesy: eFlash_Rotary

Observation of Forestry Week

· Project executed on 20th July’2008 and project Co-ordinator Rtn. Dr. Apurba Ratan Ghosh, a member of our club’s Service Projects Committee and Reader, Dept. of Environmental Science, Burdwan University.
· This project was executed by planting saplings in two different locations within Burdwan Town.
· The 1st phase of the project was a joint project with the Burdwan University, Dept. of Environmental Science, Golapbag. Our club members planed two saplings - one of Swarna Champa and other of Amlaki in the Golapbag campus, just in front of the Dept. of Environmental Science in presence of Chief Guest Dr. J. K. Datta, Professor and Head of the Dept. of Environmental Science, B.U. , Guest of Honour – PDG of R.I. Dist. – 3240 Rtn. Samir Kumar Choudhury and a Special Guest – Shri Arup Choudhury, an English Teacher of Nadanghat High School who is freelance writer and poet on Environmental Issues, a keen tree lover and a social worker with a mission to protect environment. After plantation of the saplings Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest, Project Co-ordinator Rtn. Dr. Apurba, Projects Committee Chairman Rtn. Dr. Mainak, President Rtn. Soumen and Secretary Rtn. Partha delivered their brief contentions and reported various issues on the need of tree plantation and Save Greenery Movements. This was a unique Club project with over 75% Attendance of the members.

· The 2nd Phase of the project was planting tree saplings at M/S Nilkantha Rice Mill, at Alamganj, Burdwan where almost nine saplings (comprising of Gama, Mehegony, Teak etc.) were planted. We also viewed that the trees that our club members had planted in the previous year were also taken a good care by the said Mill Authorities.
· This project has nicely been covered in the local daily newspaper “Samayer Dak ”.

Observation of World Population Day (2008)

· Project mentor - Service Projects Committee Chairman and PR Committee Co-Chairman cum Editor Rtn. Dr. Mainak Mukherjee, PHF.
· Today’s population explosion has taken the world in a move. Every person is concerned that if population growth increases in such a prolific way then what shall be the future of the world in times to come. Keeping such an issue in mind and to create a mass awareness and consciousness on this issue our club was keen to have an awareness project on this issue of population control.
· Rtn. Dr. Mainak, our present Editor, a writer by passion, a freelance Medical Writer, has published two articles in vernacular dailies on Population Explosion, its control and related issues. One vernacular Daily being “Natun Chithi” in which the write up on the issue was covered on 12 / 7 / 08 in a statistical reporting format and another write up in the form of an interview with Dr. Pravakar Chatterjee, Ex- Director of Health Services, Govt. of West Bengal and a World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant, having been covered by “Samayer Dak” on 30 / 6 / 2008.

Doctor's Day Observance (2008)

· Project executed on 1st July’2008 and Project Co-ordinator Club Secretary Rtn. Partha Sarkar, PHF
· This was Rotary Year’s 1st Project.
· The Doctors being in noble profession act as life saver of society. This Doctor's Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of one of our eminent doctors of West Bengal and Ex-Chief Minister of West Bengal Late Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.
· A team of our Club Members visited the practicing chambers of our two Doctor Club Members while they were busy serving their patients (a) Rtn. Dr. Mainak Mukherjee, PHF – a renowned Psychiatrist of Burdwan Town and a member of International Psychiatrist Association and (b) Rtn. Dr. Nasima Khondker, RFSM – a famous upcoming Gynaecologist of Burdwan Town and felicitated them with a citation and a token of love for their services to the society. Thereafter another Dr. Club member P.P. Rtn. Dr. Firdos Ahmed, PHF – a famous Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon of Burdwan Town was felicitated with a citation and a token of love in the 507 RWM which luckily coincided on 1st of July’ 2008. In the 507 RWM Rtn. Dr. Mainak explained the house the importance of the Doctor's Day and P.P. Rtn. Dr. Firdos reflected upon certain utilities of true Doctors and their need in society.
· ‘Rotary always cares for those who serves’. This project was done to mark deep respect and true spirit of the doctors who serves the society out of love and passion for mankind.
· Service Projects Committee Chairman and PR Committee Co-Chairman cum Editor Rtn. Dr. Mainak had published an informative write up in vernacular news daily ‘Samayer Dak’ on the Doctors Day under the captioned heading “Poila July : Chikitsak Dibas”.

11th Installation Ceremony (2008-09)

The Installation Ceremony of Rotary Club of Burdwan Greater, RID 3240, was held on Sunday, the 13th July 08 at Sanskriti Annexe Hall from 7.30 pm onwards. The programme was very successful with PDG Rtn Debashis Mitra from RI Dist 3291 as the Chief Guest; also present in the ceremony was PDG Rtn Ranajit Ghosh & PDG Rtn Samir Choudhury, IPAG of our Zone Rtn Sanjoy Mondal. A total of 187 audience was present, with members, annes and lets from RC Guskara, Durgapur Central, Barddhaman Heritage, Burdwan South, Burdwan, Bolpur Shantiniketan, our club, members of RCCs sponsored by our club, member of Lions club and local people along with media & press.

The outgoing President, Rtn Ajit Kumar Bhagat, thanked his DG Rtn Prabhat Kedia for excellent help, support & guidance he has received from him throughout the year; he also mentioned about the prompt replies he has received from him whenever any information was asked from him. He also mentioned about the various District Grants first time received by the club this year. He also thanked other district officials from whom the club has received help, support & guidance thru out the year.

The local Doctors who helped our club in various medical camps were felicitated by the club; Rtn Dr. Nasima Khondker, Editor 2007-08, received the Best Rotarian award of the year. Secretarial report was presented in a Power Point format by Rtn Amarnath Prasad, which was prepared by Rtn Dr. Mainak Mukherjee. New President Rtn Soumen Roy, after being installed and delivering his address to the gathering, introduced his board members. A colorful souvenir was released by the Chief Guest and was assisted by Editor Rtn Dr Mainak Mukherjee.

Chief Guest PDG Rtn Debashis Mitra gave a very inspiring speech, followed by felicitation to the newly installed President by the nearby clubs present in the hall. After adjournment of the meeting fellowship & dinner followed.

August Message from the R I President

Lee thanks Rotarians for their support
August 2008

Dear friends,
Thank you very much for your good wishes and kind congratulations welcoming me as RI president. It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of messages that my wife, Young, and I received. We appreciate and are humbled by the attention.
I am honored to have been chosen as the 2008-09 Rotary International president. Young and I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving Rotary. We feel that with the continued support of dedicated Rotarians around the world, we can truly Make Dreams Real.
I am particularly pleased by the response to my RI theme, Make Dreams Real. It is gratifying to hear that my call for Rotarians to make the world a better place for children has resonated with so many of you.
I am glad you are ready to embrace this theme and to stand shoulder to shoulder with me to achieve this goal.United in Rotary, we can Make Dreams Real for all of the world’s children by reducing child mortality.
As we begin this new adventure of Rotary service, Young and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and visiting your many worthy projects. Stop by my Web pages monthly to see the various places we have visited during our RI travels.
Sincerely,
Dong Kurn (D.K.) LeePresident, Rotary International

Introduction

Rotary Club of Burdwan Greater, RID 3240, was chartered on 20th May, 1998. Our Charter President, Rtn. Sunil Mukherjee, is still active and available at our weekly meetings, at a ripe age of 76 years. Our Charter Secretary, Rtn. Partha Chaudhury, became a Club President later on. Currently, we have 29 members, 4 of whom are Paul Harris Fellows and 6 of whom are Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members. We meet at 8 PM on every Tuesday, at Bishram Bhavan, Curzon Gate, Burdwan. Our Club Code is 51219 and we are under District Zone III. Our IPP, Rtn. Ajit Bhagat, is the AG of our District Zone this year. We very cordially welcome you to this Blog and await your valuable feedback.