Christmas Celebrations With The RCB Family

Fellowship is the glue that binds together Rotarians and helps people from diverse walks of life unite under the banner of Rotary to carry out its mission of doing good for the community. To unite for the larger task it’s very essential for leaders to help bring about not just a sense of purpose but also fraternity and camaraderie. Towards this RCB undertakes several initiatives such as assimilation by the assimilation committee & talks by the in camera committee. To end this calendar year renewing these bonds of friendship the fellowship committee under the leadership of its chairperson Rtn. Ritu Prakash Desai organised a gala Christmas nite for members and their better halves on 20th December 2016 at the Sofitel at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. “It is very important for Rotarians to have a feeling of Fellowship and friendship with each other, and evenings such as these act as a catalyst creating bonds and friendship,” said Rtn. Ritu.

The event offered a nite of live music, dance & cocktails followed by dinner. “The Fellowship committee is always looking for interesting venues for the Fellowships. Rotary has had a long relationship with the Sofitel Hotel as the General Manager Rtn. Biswajit Chakraborty is a member of our Rotary Club. The Sofitel has always been very cooperative and happy to have Rotary events here,” said Rtn. Ritu.

This was the second Xmas nite event held by RCB at the Sofitel. “Since this event is held after work, Rtns. don’t have any issues driving here post office hours. Our chefs also go all out to create a no compromise menu of Indian and International cuisine with a Christmas touch to allow Rotarians to enjoy themselves,” said Rtn. Biswajit. Rtn Biswajit first fell in love with Rotary when he was posted in Kathmandu. His initial tryst with Rotarians was in his previous role as Director Sales and Marketing for the Oberoi. “On my return to India I was very keen to resume my involvement with Rotary. I enjoy going to RCB. They are very kind and supportive people. I help out members when they are travelling overseas and similarly they have helped me out at the Sofitel here,” said Rtn Biswajit.

It took a couple of appeals at the weekly Rotary meetings to put together sponsors for the event. “It was a challenge getting sponsors in a short time, but we have very generous members. Rtn. Director Mudit Jain was extremely proactive in putting the word out for Xmas sponsorships,” said Rtn. Ritu. The sponsors for the event include President Rtn. Dr Mukesh Batra; Treasurer Rtn. Meera Alreja; Rtn. Tara Deshpande, Rtn. Renu Basu, Rtn. Paul George, Rtn. Ashwin Thakkar, Rtn. Pranay Vakil, Rtn. Harkin Chatlani, Rtn. Pashupati Advani, Rtn. Ashish Vaid, Rtn. Joseph Koshy, Rtn. Subhash Sagar, Rtn. Anuj Arena, Rtn. Haresh Jagtiani, Rtn. Sunny and Rtn. Partha Ghosh “By rotation members contribute for such events. Rtns are very generous and usually come forward and as a practise all club expenses are borne out of members fees and sponsorships,” said Rtn. Meera.

Rtns had turned up smartly outfitted with some donning Santa’s cap, some sporting reindeer antler look-alikes and some wearing the Santa gown. “”It’s the festive season and this event is about camaraderie. People are helpful and contribute to fellowships as all these events are for members itself. The sponsors gave us funds readily as they believe in the Rotary spirit of doing good in the world and enjoying ourselves too,” said Rtn. Jain.

Hosting the event at Sofitel was also made possible by the Sofitel quoting competitive rates for the prestigious event. The Xmas nite and Diwali nite are perhaps the largest fellowship events in terms of member attendance. The fellowship Committee also organises other signature events such as the Parsi nite and the Bohri nite.

The birthday felicitations on the day too were Christmassy with Hon. Secretary Manish Reshamwala insisting all those celebrating their birthdays must say Ho-Ho when receiving their gifts . He also outlined the programme for the week ahead including a lecture on Weight loss. “Those who haven’t yet lost their wallets weight may do so now,” said Rtn Manish.

The Gateway presents a photo feature of the Xmas nite.