President’s Message
SO LONG, FOLKS!
What a year it has been! A truly memorable one!
And all that happened was showcased at my Final Meeting on June 22nd, 2021.
There were many who worked hard in front of and behind the camera, but first and foremost I thank each and every one of you for coming together on that day to celebrate with me as I acknowledged all the wonderful work done and all those that deserved recognition.
Yasmin, Meher and Gautam, thank you so much for agreeing to step in and being such good sports and amazing Masters of Ceremony. Your wit and humour and one liners were spot on and extremely entertaining. Aditya your ideas and assistance in writing the script were invaluable.
District Governor Sunnil Mehra was very generous in his praises that night and I have to acknowledge his vision for this year and the congenial manner in which he encouraged me and my fellow Visionary Presidents all throughout. Our working relationship has developed into a strong bond of friendship.
PN Vineet, I suppose I owe my biggest thanks to you for not caving under peer pressure and sharing all the ‘andar ni vaat’ and also for your very kind words. And PE Shernie, thank you for so eloquently acknowledging all those who were involved with the final meeting.
Khurshed, you’re always willing to whip up an artwork or an invite or certificates at the drop of a hat and everything is always so well composed with precise attention to detail and keeping with the theme.
Jamshyd, you have collected, collated, edited all the data and pictures from all committees, as well as from others, and have been a quiet but extremely active behind the scenes person for the final meeting.
Freyan Bhathena of Word It Well, our social media has never been this interactive and the ‘Year Gone By’, though tedious to put together, was so well received.
Alpana Lath of The Narrators, I know it takes hours to create a look that is both synonymous with the rest of the issues of the year and yet fully different. You have done a stellar job of all The Gateways all through the year.
Ketki Mehta & Monik Doshi of Hansa Events, kudos for making and editing all the slides, for attending practises at all odd hours over multiple days, to bring the final event together seamlessly.
Lindsay & Reena, what an after party! Your melodies coursed through our veins and we were instantly on our feet swaying away with delight.
Rhea, you have been the awesome conductor waving your imaginary baton and ensuring that everyone performed at their peak and with precision and élan. Thank you for always being there!
I was deeply touched and humbled by the testimonials given by:
President Yosi Agiv of the Rotary Club of Ramlah in Israel;
Ms Pratibha Pai of Chirag Foundation; and
Ms Durga Vadilu, Sarpanch of the Vaidu Samaj
For me, it was a night to remember, as I soaked it all in with Zarina, Pheroze, Rohaan, Zahan (from the US) and mighty Samson by my side.
The Presidency, an honour that I shall always cherish, has had its challenges, and rewards; but it has been a journey of learning, maturing and evolving, as I have worked closely with so many of you and have also forged even closer friendships that have played a major role as our Club has once again accomplished so much.
This year will be etched in my memory forever!
Framroze Mehta
President