103rd Rotary International Convention

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabron
Walailak Akra Rajakumari of Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand. The 103^rd Rotary International convention is now held in Thailand with hosts President Kaylan Banerjee and the RI Board of Directors from May 6 to 10, 2012 at the biggest Compact Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. Impact convention center is one of Asia’s largest and modern exhibition and convention center and with state of the art technology and with 5-star ultra modern facilities. Together with the host partners are The Rotary Foundation Trustees, the 2012 Bangkok Convention Committee, the 2012 Host Organization Committee and host districts 3330, 3340, 3350 and 3360 of Thailand.  They welcomed the more or less 1.2 million Rotarians from more than 200 countries all over the world.

At the plenary convention, there are simultaneous interpretations available in French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Thai.  At the Opening of the plenary session today (May 6, 2012), no less than Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabron Walailak Akra Rajakumari of Thailand delighted the delegates with her presence.

During the welcome remarks by the Convention Chair O.P. Vaish of the Rotary Club of Delhi Mid-Town, India, he said that coming together in the world convention is a commitment by each Rotarian to be innovators of change in the years to come. He said, “We have come from more than 200 countries, with different culture but united in one purpose, to make a difference. The flag of each country, each is representing the truth, courage, peace and unity in diversity.”

CP Lim of Malaysia, PN Lando Navarra of RC Metro Kalibo,
PP Megs of RC Roxas, and Pres. William of Myrtle USA

The program also recognized each the more than 200 country flags presented by RI Director Shekhar Mehta of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar West Bengal, India.  He also welcomed the new Rotary clubs from the Republic of Nauru, South Sudan and Bhutan. This was followed by Ms. Sung Tata Yang, the most well loved classic Thai singer, who sang the National Anthem of Thailand, being the host country to the 103^rd Rotary International Convention, while Chin-chin Bhosle of India did the performance of the National Anthem of India.

The Aide of RI President Julio Sorjus of the Rotary Club of Barcelona Condal, Spain introduces RI President Kalyan Banerjee (RC Vapi, Gujarat, India) and his family. After which, this was followed by his welcome address.

RI Pres. Kaylan Banerjee in his speech reminded the delegates why they are brought together by Rotary in the theme, “Reaching within to Embrace Humanity.” He said, “Just look around you and be the change you want the world to see. Start within your family. The world is a better place than a year ago. The changes that have been changed are what you did. The change is because of you, for what you have done in the family, for what you have achieved in the community. It is because you have achieved to embrace humanity.

Pres. Kaylan Banerjee

Pres. Kaylan was overwhelmed by the attendance of the Rotarians from all over the world. With pride and joy, he mentioned some life changing experience and visit around the clubs in the world, through the club’s project and community outreach program done by the different clubs.  For him, each Rotarian has touched one life, making the world safer, healthier and hopeful. Kenya is one example for teaching the community sustain a livelihood project program; in New York, they sponsored a camp to embrace the disabled children and adults; the Shelter Box America had been providing shelters to afflicted disaster area victims; India started a literacy program for the poor but deserving students, envisioning a 200% literacy rate in year 2017; Rotarians caring for cancer patients, disabled and others who are still the state of poverty and repair and many other amazing service projects.  “There is so much to do in the world that we need to see around us,” he added. He even mentioned that when he visited Rome, His Holiness Pope smiles when he hears about Rotary.

Now, some government sought Rotary engagement to help solve problems in the society. By raising the public image, Rotary creates awareness to others who needed help. He also encouraged fellow Rotarians to let the people know of what Rotary does in the community. For him, Rotary is family, we help each other to bring family together to understand what we do in Rotary, so that the future will be there too. He encouraged them to get their family involved and to make Rotary part of their family, too.

Rotary’s public image is one of the thrusts of the Rotary’s program.  Thousands of Rotary links social media as a way to strengthen its network, to improve and develop more the Rotary’s profile to show the world what they do and connect themselves with others, too. This way, they put value to what they do, locally and globally. To inspire people even more, Pres. Kaylan reiterated that social media is a good way to inform the public what is Rotary, who are the Rotarians and what they do in the community. Rotary End Polio now is a landmark of success in creating major Rotary thrusts in public image.

Rotary Club of Roxas delegates led by Pres. Mariz Gepilano

“We can’t enjoy the warmth of a good heart when others are cold. The reason we gather in Bangkok, is part of something greater than ourselves. Everyone of us has given the resources to recognize it, appreciate it and share to others, so you know how much you can give,” Kaylan at the end of his speech.

Rotary convention is a life-enriching experience, making the 103^rd Rotary International Convention in Bangkok is the second highest in attendance after the 2008 world convention.  There is more learning opportunity lined-up for the 5-day convention for all the Rotarians to learn and bring home. The next 104^th Rotary International convention will be held in Lisbon, Portugal.