This month marked historic milestones for Rotary Chandigarh, with two significant events being celebrated in high zeal and verve. Let’s take a sneak peek into these momentous occasions!
Breaking Barriers
In the 12-year history of Rotary Chandigarh City Beautiful, a significant milestone was achieved as Ritu Mittal, a rotary member, was appointed as the President for 2023-24, making her the first woman to hold this esteemed position. The installation ceremony commemorating this momentous occasion took place, during which Ravinder Garg was officially appointed as Vice President, Jagdeep Chadda as Secretary, and Vaibhav Garg as Treasurer, joining Ritu Mittal in the new leadership team.
Speaking on the occasion, an elated Ritu Mittal expressed her immense gratitude towards the members of ‘Rotary Chandigarh City Beautiful’. She also thanked the organisation for giving an equal space to women to lead the office. On her appointment as the first woman President of the organisation, Mittal said, “This landmark decision is a sign of equality and women empowerment. I want to thank all Rotary members for showing faith in me.”
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Former District Governor and Rotarian, Dr K A Kuriachan from Rotary District 3201 comprising parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and Guest of Honour, Professor Amit Gupta, Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER, Chandigarh.
“I will carry out the work in line with the Rotary International President’s call, prioritizing projects to support mental health and preventive health care to create hope in the world,” added Mittal while outlining her vision for the organisation.
During the event, esteemed Chief Guest Dr. Kuriachan delivered a compelling speech, calling upon the Rotarians to dedicate their efforts to uplift underprivileged sections of society. Stressing the significance of protecting the environment, he emphasized the need to raise public awareness about this crucial aspect. The meeting concluded with a gracious vote of thanks delivered by Cmde Rtn RK Das, expressing gratitude to all participants for their presence and support.
Championing Love and Harmony
During the installation meeting of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh, Kalyan Banerjee, the esteemed former world president of Rotary International (the third Indian to hold this position in 2011-12), graced the event as the chief guest. Inspired by his experience at Wimbledon, where he was called to the city by his senior world president of Rotary International, Rajendra K. Saboo, Kalyan Banerjee urged the Rotarians to embrace the spirit of tennis as they embark on their new Rotary year.
Drawing a parallel to tennis, where every game begins with “Love All,” Banerjee emphasized the significance of carrying this spirit into all their endeavors. In his heartfelt speech, he encouraged the Rotarians to approach the year with love, compassion, and unity, fostering a sense of togetherness and harmony in their service to the community. As Anil Chadda was installed as the new Rotary Club Chandigarh’s President, the Rotary community witnessed the continuity of this spirit of love and camaraderie in their impactful endeavors.
Rtn. Anil Chadda, a chartered accountant, received the collar of presidentship from his predecessor Rtn Vinod Kapoor. He said that the club is already in the process of setting up a Human Milk Bank in Mohali for which Rs. 31 lakhs have been contributed.
The club shall also initiate a special programme for the senior citizens, to commemorate the 70 years of Chandigarh and 65 years of the Rotary Club of Chandigarh.
Past RI President R.K. Saboo recalled how Rotary began its journey by donating a mortuary van in 1961, and how the club has given to the city two chief justices of India and six supreme court judges.
District Governor Arun Mongia of Rotary District 3080 informed that Rotary clubs in the region shall be conducting 10 lakh eye check-ups of school children, a blood bank is being opened at Ambala Cantt, four dialysis centres and two eye hospitals are being set up in various cities in the District.
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