Rotaractors bond over SEARIC Summit
The annual summit of the South East Asian Rotaract Information Centre (SEARIC) was organised as a three-day event in December at Gwalior and was hosted by RID 3053, the home district of SEARIC MDIO president PDRR/Rtn Kaushal Sahu. Over 300 Rotaractors from across 22 states and from countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Timor Leste attended the gala event which was presided over by RI’s Rotaract Committee chair PDG Ravi Vadlamani, accompanied by his wife PDG Rajyalakshmi. He encouraged the delegates to support the underprivileged people in their community and provide sustainable solutions to the community’s specific needs. He urged the Rotaractors to focus on Rotary’s seventh area of focus — supporting the environment. “Climate change is real and happening. As a proactive organisation we are well-poised to address the situation effectively in our neighbourhoods. Encourage your club members to plant native trees, check plastic use, segregate waste at their homes/offices and boost use of solar power,” he said.
PDG Rajiv Sharma (RID 3030) urged the Rotaractors to become dual members, and recommend Rotary to their friends. “Enhancing membership is the priority focus of our RI President Shekhar Mehta. Do bigger, bolder projects and do not miss any opportunity to let the community know about the good work of Rotary. The more the visibility of Rotary’s participation in the common good, the more it will inspire people to become part of the organisation,” he said.
PDG Dr Virendra K Gangwal (RID 3053) highlighted the unique relationship between Rotarians and Rotaractors. “With #Elevate Rotaract becoming effective after the last CoL, the role of Rotaractors is more pronounced and significant. A lot of good can be achieved when Rotarians and Rotaractors work in tandem,” he pointed out.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia, the chief guest for an evening’s programme, commended the Rotaractors for their service activities. “Your team spirit and empathy towards the less privileged, especially during these challenging times, is laudable,” he said, and urged the delegates to take the ‘swachhta pledge’ to keep their homes and surroundings clean.
Sahu, in his welcome address, gave an insight into how SEARIC acts as a reservoir of valuable information regarding policies and projects, and how it helps in connecting Rotaractors among the participating districts. PDRR Abhay Dubey was the Summit chairman. Host district DRR Sonal Jaiswal ensured a meticulous arrangement to provide a secure and comfortable experience for the visiting delegates.
Winners of the popular television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati Kiran Bajpayee and Geeta Singh Gaur, and motivational speaker Himanshu Buch inspired the audience with their presentations. The Cultural Nite gave a microcosm of the art and culture of the various regions of the participating districts. The DJ Nite and Zumba sessions had the delegates energised and dancing to peppy filmi music.
The visitors were able to appreciate the rich architecture and grandeur of Gwalior’s palaces and fortresses as they were taken on a one-day guided tour of the city.
Matthuna Karki was crowned Ms SEARIC Summit 2021 and Arsh Jain won the male title. Summit secretary Deependra Jadon presented the vote of thanks.
