Time for the magical DisCons
It is that time of the year when the sun is said to be born again and begins a new journey across the heavens. It is a time for joy and kindness towards one’s fellow beings. Christmas is just around the corner and people all over the world shower gifts on their loved ones. It is time for love, affection and fellowship.
It is also the time when we think back to the New Year resolutions we made last January, and wonder whether we kept them or completely forgot them; the good habits we decided to pick up, the bad habits we promised to give up.
December marks the end of the first half of the Rotary year; six months down, six more to go. It is time to appraise our own performance as Rotarians and Rotary clubs. Have we given enough to our Rotary Foundation? Have we brought enough new members to Rotary? Have we done enough to serve to change lives?
As lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted, Rotary clubs are gradually moving back to regular physical meetings. While we did our best to use virtual platforms over the last 18 months, last year’s fall in membership highlights the importance of meeting each other in person.
District governors will now be preparing for their respective district conferences, the high point of their tenure. Rotarians everywhere look forward to the great fellowship, exchange of ideas and exposure to the world that comes from attending the district conference. There must be a lot of planning, organising and trouble-shooting afoot as the conference team rustles up maximum registrations, the best speakers and the best entertainment for you.
I urge all new Rotarians not to miss their district conference. This is where you can experience the magic of Rotary beyond the club level. The RI President’s Representative will be there to share the Rotary leadership’s thoughts with you.
I would love to be there at your district conference to meet and shake hands with each one of you.
I wish you all the best! Have a wonderful Christmas, and let us prepare to welcome the New Year on January 1, 2022!
Dr Mahesh Kotbagi
RI Director, 2021–23
