SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH,SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF COMPLETION OF 118 YEARS OF ROTARY AT SUKHNA LAKE CHANDIGARH ON FEBRUARY 23, 2023 AT 10.00 AM

Today is a special day as you have gathered together to celebrate the completion of 118 years of Rotary doing good in the world.

In 1905 in Chicago, one gentlemen – Mr. Paul Harris got a simple idea, and invited three of his friends for a high-tea. They enjoyed the meeting, and decided to repeat the experience. To take the idea further, they rotated one another’s offices for the meetings. Thus came the name Rotary. 

Eventually, that little seed got as big as the Rotary International that has spread to around 200-plus countries across the world, having a strong public image. The basic idea of Mr. Paul Harris was to bring together business and professional leaders and harness their potential for providing humanitarian services to society, thus advancing the cause of goodwill and peace around the world. That idea is now being taken further by all of you.

Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a non-governmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council, which oversees many specialized UN agencies. 

Celebrating February as “Peace building and Conflict Resolution and Prevention month” is a befitting tribute to founders of Rotary. 

Rotary Peace Centers have trained over 1,300 peace fellows to become effective catalysts for peace through careers in government, education, and international organizations. 

Peace building today needs a new approach. We need to approach the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening the scope of what we mean by peace building, and finding more ways for people to get involved. 

India is exerting its influence at the world stage through its presidency of G20. Promoting peace requires valuing and considering both oneself and others. As such, peace is central to every situation throughout our lives. 

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” is the theme of G20 given by India. It is so meaningful and explains the concept of peace and summarises India’s commitment to be a peaceful nation. 

Peace nurtures the hope of forgiveness, community, and reunion with those with whom we share the planet.

 As Rotarians you are carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, you take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. 

Dear Rotarians,

I have been touring the State extensively in the last 18 months that I have been here as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh. I have also had the privilege of interacting with persons from all sections of society in numerous events that I have attended. At all these events I have repeatedly stressed the need for character, discipline and integrity in public life.

A nation can become great if its citizens are willing to serve the nation with sense of selflessness. Men and women of character can alone successfully lead society towards peace and prosperity. All of you assembled here have the ability to change society. Therefore plan carefully before you act. Once you have decided to act, please do not look back. Your actions should be free from attachment and be only guided by the benefits they will confer on your society, the state and the nation. 

I request the Members of the Rotary Club to contribute their time and money liberally for the success of their projects. It is also important to make more and more youth take to social service by inculcating in the youth a passion for selfless service and the urge to dedicate oneself for social good.  This is how the legacy that will be created by the present members will continue eternally for the times to come.

Here, it is apt to recall the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”.

It has always been part of the tradition of India to care for the weak, the poor and the suffering.

Mahatma Gandhi said I quote “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. (unquote)

The Government alone cannot take responsibility to build communities. This I believe has been well comprehended and understood by Rotary as I can see that Rotary is vibrantly working hand in hand with Governments to supplement the efforts of building communities.

Friends, 

We all exist in an inter-dependent, inter-related and inter-connected world. Swami Vivekananda expressed it very well when he said and I quote:

“One atom in this universe cannot move without dragging the whole world along with it.”(unquote) That is why, it is important that individuals, organisations and governments work together to make our planet more prosperous and sustainable.

Thousands of years ago our Saints and Sages gave us a powerful prayer -

'सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः,

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयः'।

It means, may every living being be happy and may every living being live a healthy life. Let this be our guiding principle.

You could not have chosen a better venue for this special meeting. The serene environment of the Sukhna Lake on one side and the symbol of peace, the Rotary Peace Monument on the other, fills us with calmness and inner happiness. By designating Chandigarh as Peace City, Rotary has honoured its citizens. I complement Rotary Club Chandigarh for contributing much to the city. I also convey my warm felicitations to the office bearers and members of the Rotary and to all those who have been engaged in promoting the cause of the organization in a selfless and dedicated manner. And, wish to exhort them to expand their activities manifold in the coming years. All the best!

Thank you,

Jai Hind.