Rotasia 2019
If we were to sum up the experience of organising Rotasia Goa 2019, it would be through Conrad Hilton’s words — “Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”
Through this journey that lasted a year and touched its peak during Feb 21–24, we’ve made mistakes a dime a dozen. We’ve stumbled, fallen down, we’ve helped each other up, but above all, we’ve grown. And what is Rotaract if not a means through which we don’t just help the community grow, but ourselves too?
Over 1,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors and school students participated in a record-making creation of the largest human representation of a text.
Rotasia Goa 2019 was District 3170’s magnum opus, the likes of which the district had never seen before. Not only did it serve as a rallying point for Rotaractors from across South-East Asia, it also saw the might of the district in action, putting up the show of a lifetime.
And what a show it was. Right from the opening ceremony which saw a veritable galaxy of notable personalities including the likes of Dr Prakash and Mandakini Amte and the Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha, to the closing ceremony on Feb 24, by all accounts, the attendees had a gala time.
The opening day saw a number of speakers, Goan folk dances and the all-too-novel DRRs parade that stole the show.
The business sessions were as informative as they were motivational. Notable lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, social activist Pravin Nikam, distinguished Toastmaster Ashley Lobo and
Rtr Bhagyashree Sawant conducted a series of sessions that surpassed each other. The cultural show put up by various districts and the DRRs’ presentations added colour and verve.
Rotasia Goa 2019 was District 3170’s magnum opus, the likes of which the district had never seen before.
Over 1,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors and school students participated in a record-making creation of the largest human representation of a text. The endeavour, made in association with RC Mapuca, has got the Guinness World Record certification. Later, the delegates explored the nooks and crannies of Goa, including a trip to a spice plantation, a feni (a local alcoholic beverage) factory and other popular Goan locations on a hop on-hop off bus.
Rotaract clubs and Rotaractors were felicitated for their achievements and hard work with awards. A live band in the evening was a perfect opportunity for the delegates to let their hair down.
All in all, Rotasia Goa 2019 was an overwhelming experience carried out under the leadership of DRR Nishita Pednekar, Chairperson Rtn Sai Dhekne and Rotasia Secretary Rishikesh Jadhav. It served as the site of fellowship and bonding for over 1,700 Rotaractors from world over.
The writer is District Secretary, RID 3170
