PS: Thank you aarti for helping put these thoughts into words :)
Chief guest, Guest of Honor, Rotarians, Other Club Rotaractors, and last but definitely not the least “My Club” I am making it my club a person because I think it has made its presence felt as any individual would struggle to do. The club has been a learning ground in the past and still continues to be. So, the question that would come up in anyone’s mind would be what is special this year that I am being so emphatic about it. It was this year when Deonar took a step in future putting the entire onus of this more than a two decade old club on the shoulder of a young president unlike the usual trend of presidents having a vast experience which would be a great learning for each one of them. I was no exception! But my learning started in my year as the president and hence I was sure my agenda would be much more than the rest. The year started with a zing and it was slowly and steadily that I realized that “With Power comes responsibilities”.
The first day when I sat amidst all the GB members my thoughts ran helter skelter saying which one is the path that I need to tread along. Inch by inch I kept walking carefully measuring each step as I walked ahead. I started to plan, prioritize and execute. Well, I always thought that these were lessons of management which were taught in B-Schools only but then little did I know that here no one teaches you but it is inherent in any Deonarite. I was proud at every point of any project that we did. My team always showed me the spirit which kept my faiths afloat and trust my members with all the efforts that they have put in. It is with complete conviction I am saying that what my members did is what makes me proud of. Every king or the ruler has a court in place and someone plays the “Birbal”. I have been fortunate to have 2 of them. Rtr.Rahul and Rtr.Sudha.Thank you both for being by my side all throughout.
What makes an organization complete is the fact that it has a history. Deonar has always been renowned for its rich experience in projects as well as the strong belongingness of the members to its club. I am sure I have been very fortunate with this part of the culture too that has been existent in Deonar. The alumni members have always been an asset to the club and have been very instrumental in any small way that they could. It is a special pleasure to acknowledge the two ladies of my life, my mother and my sister Bindu who have been very instrumental in my success as a president.
Rotaract is referred as an organization because of its hierarchies. The hierarchies are not the usual ones where there are decisions which are imposed and work is something that creeps out the enjoyment. The very existence of a District council at any moment with the most approachable members is what was ideal in my year. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rtr.Ravi Kiran Apte and his council on a fantastic year at the district end and would also wish DRR (E) Rtr. Hari Krishnan Pillai all the very best for the year 2010-11.
Well my conversation with you guys is only because I have had two people standing right behind me always reassuring that whatever I do I should give in my best and we are sure you will. It is definitely not clear when I say this statement cryptically. I am referring to my mom and sister. They have been an inseparable part of me throughout this year. No award or no recognition can satisfy the degree of unconditional support and advice that has come from them. I am an individual with the respect and pride that I owe to them.
When I was penning this speech down for the first time I realized that my thoughts were flowing at the speed of the ink from the pen. I thought not more than once because this year has probably been one of the most important years in my whole life. I have had a lot of small pleasures, a lot of fights and disagreements, a lot of sleepless nights; here I refer to only work related sleeplessness J, a lot of running around, a lot of crisis management, a lot of advice and all in all everything at its trough and crest. But the best part was every small thing molded me into a person that I am today. I have learnt that every small thing has something to learn from be it a fight or a celebration. Beyond the learning this post has taught me the sense of true responsibility.
This is an overwhelming moment for me. As many times I have stood in this podium to deliver speeches and presentations to bag a project, this one is a sentimental expression from me. In pretext of good humor its time I hand over the gavel to start and end the meeting to someone. The first words that come to your mind would be “Order order” when you see a gavel. The order here is not of the same type as the legal proceedings but the order that everyone follows as a code of conduct, the professionalism that Rotaract has imbibed in each one of us. I am sure at the brink of this year the next president has great plans and potential to unfold and achieve greater success than any other president would have ever thought of. With an enthusiastic set of members and experienced Deonarite guidance elite (EDGE) the alumni Deonar will flag off the 21st year of R.C. Deonar.
With all the mixed emotions and acknowledgment that I have to sign off I hand over the office to Rtr. Shripad.
I once again thank all those people who have stood by me, my associates here and other peripheral support, for the recognition I have gained in this one year. With a satisfied soul and a final thank you to god I say my final goodbye and wish everyone the very best as the President of this ever vibrant club “My Rotaract club of Deonar”
Awesome Speech. Can feel the depth in the words indeed. Congrats on an awesome year !!
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