President’s Message

Dear Friends,

Very Warm Greetings!

Last Tuesday, we were fortunate to have with us Rtn. Jennifer Jones, Trustee of The Rotary Foundation.

It was a delight to listen to Jennifer. During her speech, she recalled Steve Jobs’ address at the graduation ceremony at the Stanford University titled, ‘How To Live Before You Die’ and this, she applied to us Rotarians and to the work we do. Jennifer’s experiences in her journey as a Rotarian are very impressive and touching, and the line said by her younger brother, which she shared with us – ‘In order to live in the kind of society you want, you have to help build it,’ stayed in my mind.

Also last Tuesday, India ended its regional ‘South Asian Games’ campaign with a best-ever medal haul of 312, continuing its undisputed domination in this regional multi-sporting event, by finishing on top for the 13th time in a row.

The Indian sports contingent collected a tally of 174 gold, 93 silver and 45 bronze, after 10 days of competitions in the 13th edition ‘South Asian Games’ to surpass the 309 (189 gold, 90 silver and 30 bronze), it had won in the previous edition in Guwahati and Shillong in 2016. This is a very commendable and laudable effort by the Indian sports contingent.

However, it is unfortunate that this important and heartening news was nowhere on the front pages or subject of media attention, except in the passing. Isn’t there excessive focus on politics, political parties and politicians, and in sports on cricket and the Indian cricket team, and on Bollywood and its stars? Similarly, also, isn’t there much focus on negative and depressing news in our media?

When it comes to other sports, there is very little recognition of other achievements when, as Indians, we should be really proud of the Indian sports contingent.

While one does understand the importance of TRP ratings and the concept of what sells as news, it is equally important for us, as Indians, to recognise and appreciate the achievements of sports persons from other disciplines in sports, including in regional events.

Everything doesn’t have to be at blockbuster events and levels like the Olympics or World Championships. These small beginnings, when recognised, may lead to creating international champions.

Don’t we, as a people, need to change our mindset, recognise, appreciate and encourage these young sports persons into becoming the national pride and icons? All it will take from us as people is some recognition, appreciation and
encouragement for these sports persons to soar higher, become big achievers and be an immense credit and pride to our nation.

Preeti Mehta
President