Looking Back: IPP Rtn. Nirav Shah’s Shukriya Night
Rtn. Nirav Shah
Rotarians, Rotaryannes and friends got together for an evening of glitz and glamour as they bid a fond farewell to IPP Nirav Shah and R/Anne Devina Shah on June 28. The masquerade ball-themed party, which was organised by Hon. Rtn. Ajay Piramal and R/Anne Swati Piramal at the Piramal Towers, saw approximately 400 people in attendance.The dress code for the event was any outfit that glitters or is black in colour, and all attendees were given masks. The evening began with a grand fellowship, after which, Rtn. Nirav gave an emotion-filled speech describing his association with the Rotary Club of Bombay (RCB).
His speech was followed by the Club Awards Ceremony 2013-14, where deserving members were felicitated for their continuous and dedicated efforts towards the Club’s projects. After the formal meeting concluded, it was time to look forward to the ‘Regency Menu’, which was presented in style by R/Anne Dr. Swati Piramal. Dressed in a classic 17th century European look, R/Anne Swati spoke about how the lavish parties of the Regency reign, started by George, Prince of Wales, inspired them. She introduced the grand Regency menu, which included dishes such as Domino Open Sandwiches, Vol au Vent with mushrooms, salads, pastry-encased cottage cheese, crepe roulade with garden vegetables and bow-shaped pasta with Arrabiata. The highlights of the grand buffet, however, were the desserts and ices. Prepared specially by Rtn. Nirav’s mother Arunika Shah, the dessert buffet in the ‘kitchen studio’ impressed all those present.
After the lavish dinner, Club members and guests danced the night away. Watching Rotarians bond was truly a sight to behold.
President Nirav bids an emotional farewell
During an emotional farewell presentation, Rtn. Nirav thanked Board members, committee members, donors, South Mumbai co-presidents, Rotary office staff, friends and family for their support and encouragement. He began his speech with statistics he has always been proud of — the fact that RCB is the 30th largest club among 35,000 clubs in the Rotary world and the second-oldest in India. He described his journey as a Rotarian and stressed the importance of “service above self”. He was proud that his team stood by him and encouraged him during tough times. He also praised the Club for generating a record donation of `3.5 crore for Charities Trust No. 3 and `1 crore for the Rotary Foundation. “It is thanks to you generous donors that we achieved our targets and more,” he said, adding, “The contribution of Rtn. Haso Thadani towards the low-cost shelter project is commendable. It is because of donors like him that we stand with our heads held high.” He also lauded the Committee Chairpersons and thanked members for their hard work and achievements. He also thanked Rotaryannes for their active participation throughout the year and the Programme Committee for a wonderful list of speakers that kept the Club engaged and informed throughout the year.
Towards the end, he spoke about how different District clubs could learn from each other to grow better and thanked ACE presidents for their support. He concluded by thanking his family, especially Devina, for being his major source of motivation and encouragement.
Rtn. Shailesh Haribhakti then proposed the vote of thanks.