Smart Beginnings
While Mumbai came to a standstill because of the downpours last Tuesday, the Crystal Room at the Taj Mahal Palace was overflowing with warmth, fellowship and affection as the Rotary Club of Bombay welcomed its President for 2019-20, Rtn. Preeti Mehta.
In her acceptance speech, President Mehta said, “Today, as I stand here as President of our Club, with humility and great sense of responsibility and expectation, I promise to do my very best to discharge my duties and fulfill the trust reposed in me and to take our legacy forward.”
The Taj Mahal hotel was at its glittering best as it orchestrated a night to remember for the installation of President Preeti Mehta. 286 Rotarians came together to show support for the new President.
Members were overwhelmed to see Rtn. Vijay Jatia being pinned the IPP pin. President Mehta said, “I congratulate our Immediate Past President Rtn Vijay Jatia and his Board for a commendable and successful year. It is no secret that Vijay bhai for the entire year put his heart, soul and hard work into new projects and pushing our Club further, especially in the District.”
In the wake of having conveyed a fruitful year with pride, the Miracle President made way for the Smart President. With ‘Rotary Connects the World’ being RI President Mark Maloney’s theme of this year, it will be required that Rotary serves the most and reaches the furthest, as it has been doing since its inception.
The evening was graced by DG Harjit Singh Talwar who, with his words and inspiring couplets, touched many hearts as he offered to be a pillar of strength to Preeti.
The Rotary Club of Bombay considers itself a very integral part of the District and we will continue to play a meaningful role in all avenues of service. Preeti assured Harjit, “This year, you can expect some significant initiatives in the area of senior citizens and disabled persons where our Club will deliver significant results.”
Preeti kick-started the year by sharing innovative ideas with fellow Rotarians. She said: “This year, in the spirit of giving and community service, our Club has decided to do something different. The Club is adopting the practice of feeding one underprivileged child for a month on behalf of each member who is celebrating their birthday that week. Instead of a token birthday gift, members will receive a certificate stating the same. Similarly, our guest speakers will receive a certificate stating that a solar-powered lamp has been given to a rural household on their behalf.”
Preeti was overwhelmed with the resounding show of support. She attributed her strength to her husband and family. It was because of their understanding and heartwarming gestures that she was able to take up such a responsible and proud position.
She said, “I would like to thank my better half Gautam who not only is my husband but also a companion, friend and a stabilising factor. He has always stood by me and is my pillar of strength. Gautam – if it were not for the encouragement and support, I have continuously received from you, I wouldn’t have been standing here. But, as a wife, I will say – let it not go to your head, ever.”
Preeti acknowledged missing her folks and was gladdened to see her uncle, Babubhai Thakker, who surprised her by attending the installation ceremony. She said, “I am indebted to the Almighty for everything. Today, I miss my father, the late D. M. Popat – DMP, as many of you had known him, my mother Niranjana, whom too, many of you know, unfortunately cannot be with us today, as she is unwell. She, like my father, has indeed touched very many hearts and lives by her acts of giving. God has indeed been kind to me and given me that extra joy of having in my life, my
father-like uncle, M. L. Bhakta, and my aunt Ramila Bhakta. Kaka has played more than one role in my life – fatherlike, guide and mentor. Thank you, Kaka and Chachi for being here today.”
Preeti closed her speech by saying, “I look forward to an exciting year of service, which witnesses enhancement of our projects and with every member getting more involved. I am confident that we will continue to do even better in our endeavour to serve the community. Let us, with renewed energy, take forward the legacy and mantra of ‘Service Above Self’.”
Fellow Rotarians, join us in welcoming the Smart President of 2019-2020, President Preeti Mehta!
