BLITZ BUREAU
Gurugram – The Installation function for the District Governor and Club Presidents of Rotary Year 2024-25, named “UTKARSH,” was held with grandeur at the Hotel Grand Hyatt, Gurugram.
The evening began with the donation of an Ambulance Van by Rotarian Dr. Sangita Bansal, graced by the Chief Guest, Past Rotary International President (PRIP) Rotarian Shekhar Mehta, and his spouse Rashi. The National Anthem set a patriotic tone for the event, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the auspicious lamp by dignitaries, invoking reverence to knowledge. The event’s cultural highlight was a captivating Ganesh Vandana dance performance by Sakshi and Arya, the daughter and granddaughter of District Governor Mahesh and Sujata.
Outgoing District Governor (2023-24) Rotarian Jeetender Gupta delivered his final address, showcasing the achievements of his term. He proudly highlighted a contribution of $2 million to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), with $500,000 from a single club, the establishment of 22 new Rotaract Clubs, and over 6,000 cervical cancer vaccinations. He assured his full support to Mahesh and his team for the upcoming year, wishing everyone success.
In a ceremonial transfer of leadership, marked by the sound of a conch shell, Jeetender Gupta bestowed the Governor’s Collar and DG’s Lapel Pin upon Mahesh Trikha, who reciprocated by placing the IPDG Lapel Pin on Jeetender. The President of R C Delhi then presented the Governor’s Home Club Banner to the President of R C Delhi South East.
PRIP Rotarian Shekhar Mehta administered the Oath of Office to the newly installed District Governor Mahesh Trikha. The event featured another mesmerizing cultural performance – a Shiv Vandana dance by Bhavna, the daughter-in-law of DG Mahesh Trikha.
In his inaugural address, DG Mahesh Trikha urged the Presidents to spread the “MAGIC OF ROTARY” in 2024-25. He outlined ambitious goals, including a $2.25 million contribution to TRF and 100,000 cervical cancer vaccinations. He emphasized initiatives like Plastic Warriors, Youth and Girl Child empowerment, and support for Interact and Rotaract clubs.
Significant commitments were announced, including:
– $100,000 for Cervical Cancer Vaccinations by Rotarians Pinky and Ajay Singhania
– Second level AKS contribution by Rotarian Mukesh Aggarwal
– $41,000 by DGE Rotarian Ravi Gugnani
– Future AKS commitment by Rotarian Dr. Pushpa Sethi
Notable contributions were also pledged by Rotarians Ajay Gupta, Hemant Bhasin, Dinesh Goel, and Hari Khemka. An MoU was signed with Mr. Aditya Kalia of WhatNext to support cervical cancer vaccinations for underprivileged girls, and another with Water India Trust for water conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies and check dams.
The District Core Team was introduced, and the District Website, presented by Rotarian Arvind Kanoujia, was launched by the Chief Guest. Additionally, the Governor’s Monthly Letter (GML) was launched, with DG Mahesh Trikha expressing gratitude to Rotarian Padmini Parmeshwaran for leading the GML team and presiding over her club.
Recognition was given to RCD Rajdhani for enhancing Rotary’s public image nationally by distributing paper cups with the Rotary logo in trains. Cheques totaling $250,000 were handed over to DG Mahesh Trikha in the presence of PRIP Shekhar Mehta, with the day’s total contributions expected to exceed $500,000 following an additional pledge by Rotarian Dinesh Jain’s club members.
District Treasurer Rotarian Ravi Bhatia presented the budget for 2024-25, maintaining district dues at Rs 650 per member plus GST, which was approved by the assembly. PDG Rotarian Sanjay Khanna, District Mentor, concluded the event with a heartfelt gratitude.
