Vol. 59 No. 38 • March 27, 2018
Dear Friends,
Every organization has its high profile and high decibel members. Performers who are seen and heard and rightfully recognised for what they bring to the table. But then sometimes we forget to specially acknowledge a significant group who soldier on, not caring for the spotlight, happy to do what they feel is right.
And so today I am bowing low to salute the women in our Club. Not because they are an ignored lot, but because I feel there is a need to specially point out to them and acknowledge their contribution.
The picture we have here is of Dr. Ashwini Bhusara. Not many of us would recognize her. But ever since she took over the running of the Ajit Deshpande Medical Centre at Talwada, the number of patients has jumped to dizzy heights. Today we have an average of 2000 patients visiting the ADMC and that gives us great satisfaction.
I am not for a moment ignoring the efforts of others like Dr. Deshpande & Priyanka Doctor at Talwada. And Ashwini is just an example. But today is my personal tribute to the women. To people like Dr. Rohini Chougule who has silently worked at Talwada for all these years, and the pillars of Bhavishya Yaan beginning with Rashna Cooper and now Avaan, Jaya, Ekta, Rashmi and Beena. I really do not know if everyone appreciates the amount of work these lovely ladies have put in for us. And how can we forget the ever-smiling Billimoria Roda, or Meher Poonawalla and Tanya Sood and Anita Patel who make the Women’s Empowerment and Urban Heritage Committees tick. And Freyaz Shroff and her dedication to students. Or for that matter Poornima Advani who heads the Programs Committee that brings you great speakers week after week, or Natasha Treasurywala and Zinia Lawyer of the Legal Aid and Scholarships Committee or even the everhelpful Shernaz Vakil who not just heads Public Awards but is always there to generously support a good cause. And the large-hearted Vrinda Rajgarhia and Arin Master.
But this is not just a roll call of women. nor does it purport to be a complete list of the women who make a difference.
These only symbolize the exceptional individuals who go beyond the call of duty and step up to take on responsibilities that could be rather daunting. These are the shining examples of people who put service before self, and I name them as an example of the many other Rotarians from Sabira (the first lady to be a Rotarian at RCB) and Dolly to Ashrafi, Zenia and Rhea (the recent additions), and the many Rotaryannes who add such great value to our Club.
As we enter our 90th year I am pleased that we can look back on women leaders like Kalpana Munshi and Sonya Mehta who steered the fortunes of this Club as Presidents, and and Tara Deshpande who helps lead it now and to the future where the Club will be headed by people like our very likeable Preeti Mehta. I would have loved to name every single Rotarian and Rotaryanne who has contributed, but they will know that they are all being saluted today.
So why didn’t I write this on Women’s International Day a few weeks ago? Because I genuinely feel that knowing you all is an on-going celebration.
Let’s cheer to that.