Message from the RI Director – September 2016
Art of Balancing
Is it not true that we are in a world that seems to prefer argument over dialogue (Vi-vaad over Sam-vaad)? We are increasingly addicted to the Self — self improvement, self realisation — even selfies! This is taking us away from the Art Of Balancing in Life.
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony,” said Saint Thomas Merton.
Friends, Rotarians want to make the world happy. How can it be done without they themselves being happy? They do enjoy good quality of life. They have mastered the art of balancing between family, business and friends — precisely in that order. Those who are not in sync suffer. Do you all know the meaning of ‘full time Rotarian’? As Director, I am continuously balancing between profession, family and Rotary.
Let me give you one example — we as human beings are out of balance, out of sync with the Earth. As a result, we are facing several problems. Now we are trying hard to restore the balance; but is it not too late? Well, it is better late than never. We have seen Rotarians recharging bore wells, creating thousands of check dams, planting and nurturing thousands of trees, adopting villages and implementing newer ways to get three crops. Even tribals in Dang have started growing strawberries — thanks to Rotary who reached out and changed their lives. This balances our ecosystem where we can nourish each other with food, love and add meaning to each other’s lives.
Friends, the journey for humanity is not a cakewalk. I quote shayar Nida Fazli, whose words were beautifully recited by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi:
Safar mein dhoop to hogi, jo chal sako to chalo;
Sabhi hain bheed mein, tum bhi nikal sako to chalo.
Kissi ke waaste raahein kahan badalti hain;
Tum apne aap ko khud hi badal sako to chalo
Yahi hai zindagi, kuchh khwab-chand ummidein
Inhin khilono se tum bhi bahal sako to chalo.
I salute your commitment to humanity. Year after year, leaders come and give their best. Polio eradication, Literacy and WinS are truly admirable flagship projects, which have given Rotary its true identity as ‘Preferred Partners’ for the Government and corporates.
Just remember the word — BALANCE. I urge you to maintain a balance between Membership, Projects through TRF and Public Image. Of course, all these, only after you have taken care of your family and business.
Manoj Desai
Director, Rotary International
