Visit of RIPN Kalyan

A hectic week that was. RIPN Kalyan chose to visit Tiruvannamalai in our district alongwith Binota. This man continues to amaze me with his simplicity and humility, everytime I meet him. There was a press meet prior to the intercity meeting. This was one of the well attended press meets I have seen in recent times. What also set this one apart was the quality of the questions posed by the reporters. They were precise and pertinent. Kalyan fielded them all with his customary ease and disarming smile. I had the pleasure of being the translator during the press meet. His statements regarding the end of our war against polio was widely reported the following day. There was also an exclusive interview with a journo from 'Vikatan' group.

Later that evening, Kalyan addressed the gathering at a huge marriage hall which was packed with rotarians and their families who had come in large numbers. His call to all Indian rotarians to rise above their self imposed limitations to demonstrate to the world that 'we are a force to reckon with', was received well amidst thunderous applause. He exhorted rotarians not to ask what RI would do for their district but to ask what we can do to make a difference.

Another significant feature of this program was the presence of many RI officers from the neighbouring districts. Kudos to DGE Sampath and his team for putting up a great show.