Smiling Sheriffs at Goa – Unique Gathering of DGNs 2016–17
Probably for the first time in the history of Rotary International, the District Governor Nominees of India and Nepal came together almost two years ahead of becoming District Governors, to know each other and formulate an agenda of action before starting their tenure. The group of DGNs 2016–17 was titled ‘Smiling Sheriffs’ by RIDE Manoj Desai on July 5, 2014.
DGN Gopal Mandhania of District 3140, DGN Dr. Pramod Kumar of 3120, DGN Hitesh Jariwala of District 3060 designed the event; DGN Dr. Vinay of 3170 arranged the venue and logistics; DGN Prashant Deshmukh 3131 and DGN Er. Darshan 3040 organised the guest faculties/ trainers to make the event fun and informative. The 31 Smiling Sheriffs along with their spouses gathered at Ramada Caravela Beach Resort in Goa on August 22, 2014.
DGNs and their spouses were introduced by Dr. Pramod. The gathering was treated to soulful ghazals rendered by DGN Vinay and the Goan dress code added flavour to the evening. The informal meeting enabled the ‘Sheriffs’ to bond with each other as long-time friends and they exchanged pleasantries over delicious Goan food.
Beyond this fun and fellowship, the DGNs were empowered with training on various Rotary subjects, delivered by accomplished faculty comprising of PRIP Kalyan Banerjee, RID P.T. Prabhakar, RIDE Dr. Manoj Desai, PDG Dr. Deepak Shikarpur (3131) and DG Vyankatesh Metan (3132) for the next couple of days.
PRIP Kalyan highlighted on how the DGNs can play a significant role in taking forth the Rotary movement in India. Comparing the growth of Rotary in India with other countries in South Asia, he appealed to the DGNs to build a stronger network concentrating on growth in terms of Membership and Foundation contribution.
RIDE Manoj gave a crisp presentation on the action plan to be undertaken till July 2016 and the disciplines to be followed during the year 2016–17. He led the Smiling Sheriffs on a pledge to take India to the second position in the Rotary world, in terms of Foundation contribution and make India No.1 in Membership Growth.
IPDG Deepak Shikarpur shared with the DGNs his ideas and rich experience in membership growth and success in attracting TRF contributions. He elaborated on strategies to achieve the targets set, and shared his thoughts on how the DGNs should start concentrating on planning for their Rotary year from September 2014 so as to effectively implement their course of action when they take over as District Governors in July 2016.
DG Dr. Vyankatesh Metan stressed upon the DG communication systems, programming, action plans and a methodical approach for a successful DG year.
RI Director P.T. Prabhakar inspired the DGNs with his motivational address on Effective Rotary Leadership. His talk was peppered with many interesting case-studies and real-life examples that served as a morale-booster for the Smiling Sheriffs. At the end of the day, the DGNs shared enthusiastic plans with each other with a promise of an action plan for their next meeting which would be at the Rotary Institute, ‘Vanakkam Chennai,’ to be held at Chennai in December 2014.
To sum up, the meet at Goa proved to be a unique learning exercise for the District Governor Nominees and they went back home with an improved confidence and courage to lead their team in an efficient manner and take Rotary to new heights.
Compiled by
DGN Prashant Deshmukh
RI District 3131
