September 2015

A joint project of Rotaract Mora and Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City

RACONTEUR

YEAR IN BRIEF

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Contents

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The Perfect Holiday

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0704

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IlluminateRESONANCE ̀ 15The Director Training Session of the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City

HAND IN HANDHand in Hand is yet another noble project led by the young Rotaractors

at Rotaract Mora

For a Brighter Tomorrow

DROP OFHOPE

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Another successful Rotaract year has seen its end, making space for the dawn of yet another year. Inspired as always to be the best at each turn, it’s once again the time for the Rotaractors to reminisce and retell their stories of success over the past couple of months.

This time around “Raconteur” takes a special turn, as it joins the stories of two crowds across the ocean. Rotaract

has always brought together people with diverse backgrounds in comradeship and goodwill to seek positive change in the commu-

nity. And things are getting more exciting as Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa and the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film city join together to bring forth the “Raconteur”

The Rotaractors have been busy, planning ahead for the New Year, and Raconteur too keeping a keen eye on their progress. So he weaves their story of success, spiced up by differences in cultures and coloured by humanity.

This story is a brief recapture of each refreshing moment, each novel experience they enjoyed for the past two months, under the Rotaract movement. With greetings for a flourishing Rotaract year, we humbly present you the joint bulletin, “Raconteur”

Editorial

“This story is a brief recapture of each

refreshing moment, each novel experience they enjoyed for the

past two months”

Rotaract Club of University of MoratuwaRtr. Hansadi Jayamaha

Rotaract Club of Bombay Film CityRtr.Drashti Sangani

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“Some journeys teach you much more than they are meant to!” The Director Training Session of

the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City turned out to be one of the best learning sessions for the directors with wholesome of novel and mind-blowing training activities along with immense fun. The entire team headed to Lonavla on 11th of July from 8 in the morning and ending up at a Core member’s bungalow in Ambey Valley City. Major plot behind this was to rid everyone of the responsibilities in the city and foster club bonding. The event started on an energetic note with Johari Window for the directors to understand significance of prioritising events and other things in life, followed by an activity to anon-ymously write two good and two bad

points about all the people on the BOD. Then was the activity of putting down our perceptions about the club on a chart paper in the form of newspaper cut-outs followed by club dinner. The activities on the next day were a club walk in the city followed by a quiz wherein the knowledge of the directors was tested about the club, district and Rotaract. All of these events were brilliantly chaired by Club HRD Rtr.Tanay Iyer with the aid of Past President Rtr.Roshni Lachhwani and PDRR and Past President Rtr.Vinit Parikh. Enfin, the event was executed as per the expectations with the BOD taking back a surplus of unforgettable memories along with uber knowledge of their roles.

R E S O N A N C E ` 1 5The Director Training Session of the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City

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RESONANCE `15

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A common goal towork for the better-

ment of cancer patients

‘Hand in Hand’ is yet another noble project led by the young Rotaractors at Rotaract Mora. This focuses not only on assisting the Maharagama National

Cancer Hospital to enhance and develop the facili-ties, but also on making a real difference in the lives of cancer patients. Initiating the project, a painting session was held at the kids play area at the hospital on the 3rd of February 2015. A group of Rotarac-tors spent the morning hours with the kids painting pictures and having a pleasant and memorable time. Through this simple endeavor, they managed to bring smiles to these vulnerable yet courageous young kids. The contentment that was experienced at being able to touch such young souls with smiles and hope cannot be expressed with words.

The project didn’t end there. Taking one massive step ahead, it was decided that these paintings done by the

youngsters will be used to print Vesak cards. Funds were raised through the sale of these. With the goal of selling over 10,000 cards throughout the island, a group comprised of a considerable number of Rota-ractors worked vigorously together planning and going ahead with them. Through this invaluable initiative the Rotaractors have managed to create awareness in the society and among fellow colleagues about this devas-tating disease that has robbed many lives. This has also managed to bring together Rotaractors from different fields within the university to pursue a common goal; A common goal to work for the betterment of cancer patients. The project saw its successful completion on the 24th of May 2015, with a final painting session where considerable amount of donations were made to the hospital. The project was chaired by Rtr. Savindu Herath and Rtr. Nipun Mahesh with the steady guid-ance of the senior members of the club.

HAND IN HANDRtr. Hansadi Jayamaha

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DROP OFHOPE

We as Rotaractors not only owe our hearts to Community Ser-

vice but also have the prowess and the arena to spread it to the largest of mediums. The R. I. D. 3140 along with each and every club in the district took one such heart-warming and a responsible initiative – Drop of Hope. Drop of Hope was a mega blood donation drive which was strategized and spread throughout the Mumbai city so that we, as a mass youth organization, could do its bit in rendering blood bottles to the bank and be of aid to humanity. The event took place on the day of commencement of new R. I. Year 2015-16 i.e. on 1st of July

2015. As other clubs took up var-ious areas and railway stations, the Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City took up Times Square in an Andheri-Kurla Road in Andheri East area of the city. RCBF volunteered right from morning 11am to 4pm in the evening hosting and serving the needs of various medical staff who had come to collect the blood donation in bottles as also attending and felicitating the donors with claps and pro-viding a whole meal to them. It developed a sense of pride as well as responsibility to all the Rotaractors in the club and the district to conduct such a be-nevolent initiative.

Drop of Hope was a mega blood donation drive which was strategized and spread throughout the Mumbai city

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RACONTEUR

DROP OFHOPE

Illuminate:For a Brighter

Tomorrow

““Illuminate 2015”, a project

aimed at improving the English Language

skills ofstudents”

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2015” strives to help the students of Dudley Senanayake College, Narahenpita, since majority of its students are from underprivi-leged communities. Under the guidance of the Ed-ucation Ministry of Sri Lanka, the students are provided with revision on lessons stipulated for the ordinary level examination. Apart from the sessions on devel-oping English language skills, the students participate in interac-tive mentoring sessions during the monthly workshops we carry out. Reading the testimonials we received, we feel happy to be a part of a cause much greater than ourselves. It isn’t only about teaching prepositions or gram-mar rules; it is also about encour-aging youngsters to stand up with confidence and discover the skills that lie deep within. Sometimes, teaching right from the basics is daunting. Yet, it is definitely worth it; since to brighten their tomorrows is to brighten a whole new world.

As I gazed into the eyes of my flock of students, I could almost picture

myself in their shoes. Few years back, I was just like them; strug-gling to work my way through the nuances of a foreign language. Thus, volunteering at “Illuminate 2015”, a project aimed at improv-ing the English Language skills of the students who would be facing their Ordinary Level ex-amination, is a special experience for me. Initiated by Rotaract Club of Uni-versity of Sri Jayewardenepura and organized with the collabo-ration of Rotaract Club of Uni-versity of Moratuwa, “Illuminate

By Rtr. Rochelle Silva

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TH

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ER

FEC

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HO

LID

AYBy Rtr. Devni de Silva

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries with a very vast and rich cultural diversity. Sri Lankans celebrate not only the festivals inherited to them, but

also they indulge in celebrating festivals of other countries. . .

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Every holiday is a perfect holiday to every Sri Lankan because he or she gets the opportunity to

relish the culture which the country is inherited with. Sri Lanka has al-ways been home to various multicul-tural festivals which are celebrated throughout the year. Whether they are religious or customary, each fes-tival gives everyone a fascinating in-sight into the culture and heritage of different races in Sri Lanka.

One of the major cultural events is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cele-brated in the month of April to mark the passage of the sun from Pisces to Aries. The whole process is directly linked with astrology and the auspi-cious times at which all the Sinhala and Tamil people gather and carry out the traditions and customs at the same time together, giving the country a sense of love, peace and harmony. Engaging in the traditional games and visiting the relations give time for families to be together in this busy society. The sweetest part of all is indulging in delicious sweetmeats and sharing them among the rela-tions and neighbours offering unity and warmth.

In each month on the day of full moon Buddhists celebrate and per-form religious observances to mark the special incidents of Lord Buddha. Out of them, the most colourful and the extravagant event is the magnif-icent Kandy Esala Perahera(proces-sion) held on the full moon day of August. This procession, one of the most historic events of the country, provides the opportunity to venerate the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha led by scores of fabulously enrobed and light bulb encrusted elephants and traditional dancers, drummers ,etc.

Another important festival celebrat-ed by the Muslims is Ramazan and it is considered as the month given to people by God. It is a family reunion where extended families of different

areas get together and celebrate with happiness, peace and laughter and help poor by giving money.

The most joyful and the colourful season of all is the Christmas season which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. People find it as the most per-fect time for sharing love, kindness and compassion. During this season the whole country is decorated by dazzling Christmas trees, colourful lights and attractive decorations. It is a festival celebrated by both Chris-tians and non-Christians by sing-ing carols, sending Christmas cards, having Christmas parties, concerts and sharing the sweetmeats and wine. Simply it is the month of joy and delight.

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries with a very vast and rich cultural di-versity. Sri Lankans celebrate not only the festivals inherited to them, but also they indulge in celebrating festivals of other countries such as Halloween and Holi. The country Sri Lanka is a perfect place for everyone to have a perfect holiday to revel with vibrant and vivid events, and indulge in customs and traditions.

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A perfect holiday is not a specific county or a state; it’s not any hill station nor is it any tourist spot. For me a perfect holiday is a place where you can be yourself, keeping all the worries of the world

aside. It’s a place where you can hear the wind whispering in your years, you can feel the warmth of sun on your skin, you can touch the sky with-out any barriers. This place gives you peace of mind; it diverts your brain from the busy schedule of life and lets you think about yourself. It makes you feel better of yourself. A perfect holiday does not always mean go-ing on a fancy trip to another continent. As long as you have discovered something new in this journey and captured a memory that will last for-ever it’s a perfect holiday.

Rtr.Priya NanduPresident 2015-16.

Warm Rotaract greetings!

A perfect holiday is a place where you can relax, be yourself and enjoy every bit of the moment. For me a perfect holiday would be any day spent doing things I love knowing people over the globe,

travelling and exploring. I am pleased to be able to associate with Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa yet again. I’m sure we will create endless memories through service and bonding! As we go beyond borders and explore beautiful des-tinations, let’s begin a new journey of Rotaract.

Rtr. Mausam MehtaSecretary and President Elect 2015-16

There are stages when life can be very tiring, stressful and annoying. This is when we really need to get away from school, work or family and do things that we really want to do. Going on a holiday once a

while is a very important thing to do, because it is the time where you can be yourself and do anything you want to do without any pressure. When it comes to holiday, Bali is the perfect place for me to visit!It has beautiful view, weather and it is not very expensive. There is always something different for everyone to do each minute of the day. Anyone who has been to Bali, must be looking forward to come back, because once you’re there, the memories, the charm will lead you back in Bali no matter how hard you try to avoid it. If you are looking for something new, something rare and fun, Bali is the perfect place to go on a holiday. It’s the best place to relax and spend some time with nature. So yes, for me the perfect holiday destination is Bali!

Rtr. Parth ParekhPR Marketing and International Services 2015-16

According to me a perfect holiday is not something which is only about re-

laxing or pampering yourself but it is also about the embodiment of all the fantasies, the dreams which have had a place in your head since forever, giving more time to analyze and know your-self. A perfect holiday for me would be like going to some ran-dom or remote place with those set of friends which know you in and out, may be where nature is eminent, for example for a trek. The presence of nature all around us will impulse us to not only to gaze its beauty in awe but be ourselves, our nature. The last vacation I had been to a 10-day trek in an Indian state known as Himachal Pradesh, which is the epitome of natural beauty, scenic landscapes and a never vanishing feeling of God-liness. My companies were a set of three friends and the rest 46 in the group were completely unknown. What followed in the next days was how in spite of meeting everyone was the first time in their lives, everyone was acquainted with the other’s na-ture and that’s when I realized that some journeys like these are the ones which aid you intro-spect and explore your soul, and know your strengths and short-comings and turn over a new leaf which you’d never thought you would.It was my kind of a perfect holi-day. :D

Rtr. Drashti SanganiEditor and Joint Secretary 2015-16

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A place which has lush grass, scenic beauty and mouth watering food makes a perfect holiday destination. For making a holiday perfect you need to add two ingredients, a

bunch of good friends and some magical moments. Magical moments are something which make a trip memorable which will engrave that trip or say holiday in your mind. This moment can be anything rite from finding a topic for taking someone’s case to some frightening moment in which a shiver run down your spine. These things when come together gives rise to a “Perfect Holiday” :)

Rtr. Harpreet SinghSports Director 2015-16

The revamped Dubai may be young but it is full of everything tourists want from a great vacation. The finest shops and restau-rants line streets of Dubai and there are so many things to do that

a week or two will not be enough to get to them all. Who hasn’t dreamed of taking a ride in a hot air balloon? A sunrise or sunset ride through the skies above the mountains and deserts of Dubai can be a dream come true. After a lot of fun, when you wish to relax, ex-perience the beautiful Dubai from the skies. So yes, Dubai is my perfect holiday destination to enjoy, relax and have some fun!

Rtr. Bhumi ZaveriJoint Director of Finance 2015-16

Life has got enormous amount of stress. Happy days are when

a person gets his perfect peace happiness’ to feel free without

tension.

According to me a perfect holiday is to visit SINGAPORE

feels like the perfect holiday to spend.

Royal beaches, sentosa island, universal studio etc. It defines the amaz-

ing experience to explore and the place worth visiting.

Rtr. Dhaval DoshiGeneral Body Member 2015-16

A day on which a festi-

val, religious event,

or national celebra-

tion is traditionally observed.

I have been to many places and

have enjoyed but not completely

always. A perfect holiday should

be like in which you don’t miss

a thing you want to do and then

regret about it later. Well, my

perfect holiday would be a hill

station (snowy peaks) in Swit-

zerland. I want to have this hol-

iday with my loved one proba-

ble future wife , having a

candle light dinner with her on

Valentine’s Day ordering one of

the finest champagne and going

on a long drive in my Audi r8. It

wouldn’t be a perfect holiday if it

wasn’t for the romantic dance on

the song ‘Just the way you are’.

Rtr. Utsav PanchalGeneral Body Member 2015-16

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Best Wishes from Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City!

Rtr.Priya NanduPresident

Rtr.Mausam MehtaSecretary

Rtr. Reema PunjabiPast Secretary

Rtr.Parth ParekhPR, Marketing and ISD

Rtr.Drashti SanganiEditor and Jt.Secretary

The lady to have the most esteemed collar this year, Priya is an impeccable amalgamation of beau-ty and brains. She knows how to get work done and is the perfect mascot on face and core values. Her vivacious charisma and effortless leadership skills are sure to take her miles ahead.

A blissful soul, a charming nature, Mausam is a force of mystical calmness, marvelous creativity and a never-ending fortitude for the club. Really sweet to talk to, she is generous, diligent and gracious in all the moves she makes. As she seconds the President, she is all ready to rule the roost next year.

Reema is a gifted soul with exceptional writing as well as communicating skills. You can actually not move your eye-balls when she is right in front of you, orating at her best always. She’s creative, pro-active , unmatchably exuberant with the personality she carries and above all has a never stuttering focus towards life goals which is enhanced by her me-ticulous and disciplined nature.

A marketing fanatic, a social butterfly, he is ul-trazealous for his targets. An English Series fanboy , he has a knack of mak-ing people buy his words without an option. With a pro-active mind and an enviously ambitious spirit , he’s determined to take the club to soaring heights.

An ace writer and a gen-uine hard-worker, she is friendly and reflects herself in what she pens down. A to-be-engineer but unambiguously oppo-site, a quick learner, she has an alluring person-ality, ready to channelize her visions towards new horizons.

Rtr.Sonal JainCommunity Service

Prefers to keep the fin-ger on her lips and focus on her goals. Her contri-bution and participation together with her love for Rotaract is omnipresent. Her humility combined with her ‘Never Say No’ attitude is what it takes to call her a silent killer.

Rtr.Urvi PandyaClub Service

Initially an introvert, Urvi is now definitely one of the most active members of the club. She is soft spo-ken , gentle and one of the best seekers ever. Her will-ingness to always lend a hand along with her abil-ity to perform outstand-ingly makes her the rising star of the club.

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Greetings from Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa!

Rtr. Amitha DissanayakePresident

Rtr. Achini HerathSecretary

Rtr. Madhuri Bhashana SondarangallaPast Secretary

Rtr. Tharuka DilshaanDirector of Club Service

He is a cool person with extra care on nature, es-pecially street puppies and wild ponies. Amitha is currently being used as the test subject for one of his colleague’s projects on “Mind Controlled Ro-bot”. The truth is there is so much and more to tell about this particular Rota-ractor, there’s hardly any time! Definitely deserv-ing of the title “Rotarac-tor with the most number of stories”, he is also the responsible and humble Rotaractor deserving of the title “President for Ro-taract year 2015/16”.

For those not very famil-iar with her, she is “bad-minton Achini”. She is someone you’ll hardly find without a racket with her. Be it a meeting, be it a lecture, have no doubt, you can catch a glimpse of a racket peeking out of her backpack! Yet for us at Rotaract, she is not only a good sports person but a very loyal friend, a steady helping hand and a spirit of hope for Rotaract Mora!

Known far and wide as the “Patroness of Cats”, she falls into the very special class of Rotaractors who ‘got everything through Rotaract’. She also proba-bly sets the record for the Rotaractor with the most number of nicknames.On a more serious note, she is one of the most fasci-nating persons you would ever meet in your life. A most reliable and respon-sible Rotaractor, she is also blessed with a million other qualities that endear her to all who know her!

Don’t be fooled by the dwarf appearance of Tha-ruka, as it is just the way he wants you to think. The moment you put your guard down and let your-self be deceived by his innocence, he will strike right at you and after that it will be hard to unglue him from your life! He is an excellent Rotaractor and an even better friend worth knowing. We are all glad he is part of Rotaract Mora family.

Rtr. Dasuni SamarakoonCommunity Service

A minion with long legs! Her incredibly pesky per-sonality with innocent looking smile are few things that make her en-dearing. Wherever she goes, at the end of the day you can expect a self-ie on facebook and we at Rotaract are lucky to have such a unique poser! Everything considered, she is an incredible friend, a spirited Rotaractor and an indispensible resource for Rotaract Mora!

Rtr. Chamal KuruppuInternational

Undersatanding

Chamal has an army of girls that he commands. If you try teasing him about it, you better be ready to bear his nonstop verbal attack which will eventu-ally make you regret what you just said! All in all, a softie with the height of a giant, he is one of the most reliable Rotaractors at Ro-taract Mora, and we are all glad he is part of this family!

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ABOUTUS

Rotaract Club of University of MoratuwaRI District 3220, Sri-Lanka & Maldives

RACONTEUR

Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa is the first university based Rotaract Club of Sri Lanka. Chart-ed under Rotaract District 3220, the club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Colombo West. Initiated in 1995 with 16 members, the club has now grown to a membership of over 150 members from all the

faculties of the University, namely Faculties of Engineering, IT and Architecture. Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa is more than just a community service club. Over the years, the club has widened its scope into other areas like Professional Development, Club Services and International Understanding apart from Com-munity Service.

The Rotaract Club is one of the most active clubs within the university. One of the key projects of the club is the “Are You Ready?” programme, the Official Careers week of University of Moratuwa. The club has won the award, “Rotaract Outstanding Project – South Asia Region” twice for the projects “You Are Not Alone” and “HandZ” in 2000 and 2011 respectively, from the Rotary International. Apart from the international acco-lades the club continues to win awards and citations at the annual Rotaract District Assemblies. Upholding the motto of Rotaract, “Service Above Self”, the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa continues to initiate dozens of projects each year, serving as the ideal platform for the men and women who believe they can make a difference to gather around.

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ABOUTUS

Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City

RACONTEUR

The Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City was chartered on the 23rd of February, 2000, under the esteemed Rotary Club of Bombay Film City. The club functions with an aim of having quality projects. At the Ro-taract Club of Bombay Film City, we have taken up various long term projects as well as projects which

are spontaneous in nature, with an immediate impact. Overall, the club has had a glorious past, and with a massive body of passionate Rotaractors, the club is all set to attain zenith through endless zeal.

We Believe In – » Accepting people as they are, not as we would like them to be.

» Approaching relationships and problems in terms of the present rather than the past.

» Treating those who are close to us with the same courteous attention that we extend to our family.

» Trusting others, even if the risk seems great.

» Working without constant approval and recognition from others.

» We believe in leading people by walking besides them.

» We believe in recognizing the outstanding qualities.

» We believe in working as an organizational family than an organization.

» We believe in building & fostering relationships which last till eternity.

A joint project of Rotaract Mora&

Rotaract Club of Bombay Film City

RACONTEUR