Mangaluru:  ‘Hosa Chiguru 2019’, a two-day Seminar on District Membership Development, Polio Plus, CSR and RTI Act was inaugurated on 10th August 2019 at Cordel Church Hall, Kulshekar, Mangaluru.

Mysuru City-based District Governor Rtn Joseph Mathew inaugurated the seminar by lighting the traditional lamp. National Vice Chairman of Rotary Pulse Polio Committee Past District Governor Rtn Dr P Narayan, District Secretary Byndoor, District Governor Nominee 2021-22 Rtn Ravindra Bhat, Asst. Governor Zone 3 Rtn Sumith Rao, Rotary Club Mangalore City President Rtn Dr Ranjan RK, Secretary Rtn Prashanth Rai, Seminar Chairman Rtn Rohan Monis were present.

In his inaugural speech, District Governor Rtn Joseph Mathew said “Rains have been giving us a tough challenge. Many couldn’t make it due to rains and landslides. But all those who have come for the seminar beyond all odd’s show their love and spirit towards the organisation. Also the efforts of the Rotary Club Mangalore City, an infant club are appreciated for hosting this seminar in such a grand manner. Rotary has rigorously worked for the eradication of Polio. Soon a flag or stamp will be released and we request students support to make World Polio Free”.

Around 500 Rotarians from 4 revenue districts, Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Mysuru and Chamarajanagara coming under the Rotary District 3181 participated in this seminar.

Four interactive sessions were held on the first day of the seminar on important topics such as Polio Plus by National Vice Chairman of Rotary Pulse Polio Committee Past District Governor Rtn Dr P Narayan, Child and Maternal Health by Rtn Dr S R Nayak, Corporate Social Responsibility by GGM of MRPL Mr BHV Prasad, Ride for Rotary by Rtn Keshava Prasad Muliya and Right to Information Act by RTI Activist Ravindranath Shanbaug. 

Rotary Club Mangalore City President Rtn Dr Ranjan RK welcomed and Rt Asst. Governor Zone 3 Rtn Sumith Rao proposed the vote of thanks. Ms Hima compered the programme.

Membership development seminar ‘Hosa Chiguru’ was held at the same venue on Sunday, August 11, which was inaugurated by former district governor of Rotary International District 3020 Dr Mohan Prasad G V. Addressing the gathering, he informed about the importance of the membership drive programme. “Membership is a strength. As we have to take up several service programmes, the club needs the help of more members. Hence, our focus should enrol more members into the Rotary family,” he said.

Giving Tata and Reliance as examples, Mohan said, “These companies have more than one lakh employees, which is their strength. We will be able to extend our helping hand towards those who are facing problems like hunger, poverty, unemployment, education etc. if we have more strength.”

Mohan called on the Rotarians to induct quality members who actively participate in pro-people programmes of the club. “Mere induction of members into the club will not fetch good results. Those who join the club should be aware of the services the club provides. If not, they will not be satisfied and won’t actively participate in the club’s programmes,” he said, adding that more focus should also be laid on enrolling more women into the club.

In his presidential address to the gathering, District Governor RI Dist. 3181 Rtn Joseph Mathew said that over 300 new members have been inducted into the Rotary club this year and importance has been given to induct quality members. “A total of 12 new Rotary Clubs have been formed in the recent months and several programmes have been taken up by the new clubs. What is important is not the formation of new clubs, but to sustain them for 25 to 30 years. Hence, let us invite new members to our Rotary family,” he said.

The inaugural address was followed by a session on ‘Creating your membership plan’ by PDG Rtn Dr Mohan Prasad G V. The next sessions were on ‘New ideas to retain members in Rotary’ by PDG Rtn Pramod Parikh, Panel Discussion on ‘How to get youth to join Rotary’ by PDG Rtn Suresh Chengappa, Rtn Sathish Bolar and Rtn Crezval Coates, Interactive Session on ‘How to start a New Rotary Club’ by Rtn Shekar Shetty and Rtn Prakash Karanth.

During the valedictory ceremony, Hosa Chiguru souvenir edited by Rtn Canute Pinto was released by District Governor Rtn Joseph Mathew. Clubs and Zonal heads were honoured during the occasion for supporting the Rotary and the seminar on various aspects. Seminar Chairman Rtn Rohan Monis proposed the vote of thanks and Rtn Ravishankar compered the programme

Earlier, the programme was commenced with an invocation by Shreeya Bhandary.

Mangalore City President Rtn Dr Ranjan R K welcomed the gathering. Assistant (Governor Zone 3) Rtn Sumith S Rao, seminar chairmans’ Rtn Crezvel Coates, Rtn Rohan Monis, secretary Rtn Prashanth Rai and district secretary (events) Rtn Vivek Attavar were also present.