Fellowship
Intercity Meet & Greet In Honor Of RI President Hosted By RCIM
Rotary Club of Islamabad Metropolitan (RCIM) was honored by the District Governor Rtn. Adnan Saboor Rohaila to host the “Intercity Meet and Greet” event at Islamabad Serena on 8th August 2022.
RI President Jennifer Jones and her spouse were the Chief Guests, along with RI Director Rtn. Faiz Kidwai and RI Trustee Rtn. Aziz Memon.
The RCIM team, in close coordinaHon with District Team and District Secretary, and under the leadership of District Governor, managed the event. President RCIM Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi and ExecuKve Secretary Rtn. Mian Shaukat Masud along with District Team led the onsite event execution, including all branding and event management.
RCIM also arranged a Tree PlantaKon for the RI President. A special place was dedicated for tree plantaHon by RI President Jennifer Jones at the Rose and Jasmine Garden Islamabad through RCIM. RI President, along with her spouse and the RI Director, RI Trustee and District Governor, IPDG, and RCIM President planted the trees.
RI President Jennifer Jones and the Rotary InternaHonal Team, along with District Governor, Past District Governors and District Team, visited the Tree House, a school for underprivileged children adopted by RCIM. During her visit, students sang the Canadian NaHonal Anthem, which was an emoHonal moment for the RI President.
Celebration Of New Year With Music
The RCIM family ushered in the new year 2023 with a befitting musical evening. It was an event enjoyed by all.
The artists Mr. Nauman and Ms. Rubab, along with the accompanying musicians, captivated the audience with their brilliant, memorable performance.
Promoting Peace, Love & Mutual Respect - Kartarpur Sahib Visit
The Rotary Club of Islamabad Metropolitan (RCIM), consisting of 12 members and 5 guests led by RCIM President Imran Ghaznavi, visited the Kartarpur Gurdwara on March 4th 2023. Kartarpur is a visa-free corridor where both Pakistani and Indian citizens can meet and greet while paying homage to the great Sikh Saint Baba Guru Nanak Sahib.
The purpose of the visit was to meet with the President of the Rotary Club of Delhi South Metropolitan (RCDSM) Rtn. Winnie Singh ji, her spouse General Bhopinder Singh, and fellow Rotarians. This was a planned meet-and greet event, the first part of which took place virtually in December 2022.
The visit was part of the Rotary Indus Peace Park Initiative, which aims to promote peace, friendship, and mutual respect through twinning numerous Rotary Clubs in Pakistan and India. RCIM has been twinned with RCDSM as sister clubs.
The meeting took place in the corridors of the Gurdwara, where flags were exchanged, pleasantries were swapped, and both Presidents gave brief speeches.
Later on, langar was taken and a brief photo session was held.
Both Presidents appreciated the initiative, resolved to continue strengthening the relationship, and stressed that such meetings should be a regular feature in future.
The trip was a seven-hour journey one-way; the Rotarians left Islamabad at sharp 5 am and arrived at Kartarpur around noon. After a stay for about three hours, the group left at around 3 pm On the way back, the group stopped at a strawberry farm to enjoy some freshly-picked strawberries. Had dinner at Bhera and arrived back in Islamabad at around 11:30 pm. This was an 18-hour journey; a memorable trip full of fun and joy.
Rtn. Waqas Ali Malik, Rtn. Majid Qureshi and Rtn. Abdul Qadir Sultan played a pivotal role in making this event and journey fruitful.
The Visiting Team included: President Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi, Rtn. Majid Qureshi, Rtn. Shahid Saeed, Rtn. Muhammad Arif, Rtn. Salman Farooq, Rtn. Tayyaba Gul, Rtn. Tayyba Abbasi, Rtn. Waqas Ali Malik, Rtn. Ghani Barlas, Rtn. Abdul Qadir Sultan, Rtn. Irma Malik, Rtn. Azhar Zia, and five guests.
International Women's Day celebrated by RCIM family
International Women’s Day was celebrated by RCIM at the March 13th 2023 regular meeting. President RCIM Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi paid tribute to the outstanding women of the Club. Special tribute was paid to Past President Dr. Shamim Zaidi, Ambassador Fauzia Nasreen, and PAG PP Tayyaba Gul.
Dr. Azra Yasmin, RCIM Secretary, read the profiles of the three legends of the Club, and all members applauded the efforts and outstanding work done by these women in their respective fields.
RCIM hosts Golf Championship at DISCON 2023, Peshawar
RCIM hosted the District Conference Golf Fellowship (DISCON Golf Championship 2023), a major step in promoting public image of Rotary in Pakistan among the cross-section of society.
The DISCON Golf Championship 2023 was a successful event organized under the District Conference of RID 3272 in Peshawar, Pakistan on March 17th 2023 at the PAF Golf Club in Peshawar. Over 70 golfers participated in the amateur and senior categories, and over 120 corporate professional, members of civil and military bureaucracy, legal fraternity, doctors, businesspersons, and financial sector professionals attended the closing ceremony. The event was highly appreciated by the Chief Guest, Admiral (retd.) Muhammad Asif Sandila, and the District Governor, Barrister Adnan Saboor Rohaila.
Traditionally, the District Golf Fellowship takes place during the District Conference and is strictly among local and visiting Rotarians. However, this year, the myth was broken and a professional Golf Championship was organized under the title “DISCON Golf Championship 2023” in Peshawar, Pakistan. The even was organized by RC Islamabad Metropolitan (RCIM), and golfers from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore, and other cities of Pakistan participated in the championship.
A lavish brunch was served, and the closing ceremony was held, where prizes and trophies were given to gross and net winners, as well as gross and net runners-up in both categories. Additionally, branded goody bags with gloves, markers, tee-shirts, caps, flags, and ball sleeves were distributed among all players.
The event received high praise from the Chief Guest, Admiral (retd.) Muhammad Asif Sandila, former Naval Chief of Staff, who commended the organizers for arranging such an amazing golf championship at the Peshawar Golf Course. The District Governor, Barrister Adnan Saboor Rohaila highly appreciated the arrangements and commended the efforts of Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi, President of RCIM, for making it happen. The echoes of appreciation for the event were heard throughout the District Conference at Peshawar.
Overall, the DISCON Golf Championship 2023 was a highly successful event, bringing together Rotarian and non-Rotarian golfers from different cities in Pakistan to compete in a professional championship. The event was appreciated by the attendees, and the organizers were commended for their efforts. It was indeed one of the most memorable events hosted by RCIM in the history of Rotary Pakistan. This was a major step in promoting the public image of Rotary in Pakistan among the cross section of society.
Meet & Greet with Sister Club RCDSM
The RCIM family got a unique opportunity to socialise with members of RCIM’s twin sister club RCDSM (Rotary Club Delhi South Metropolitan) from across the border. A Zoom session conducted via video link made this meet and greet possible. This meeting was a truly special experience, and one had to be there to appreciate the atmosphere.
The session began with the introduction of RCDSM President Winnie Singh by RCIM President and introduction of RCIM President Imran Ghaznavi by RCDSM President.
The self-introductions by both Clubs’ members were full of warm sentiments for each other. Almost everyone had some memory of a visit to Pakistan / India or of origins in Pakistan / India, or even of some favourite foods and eateries in the other’s country. The camaraderie and love was palpable.
Another unique element of the evening’s proceedings was the briefing of each Club’s history and activities. As Rtn. Manjit Sawhney and Rtn. Majid Qureshi respectively enlightened all on this topic, many amusing and heartening anecdotes were exchanged. An interesting coincidence that emerged was that both Clubs were chartered in 1987, both are in the capital city, and both have ‘Metropolitan’ as part of their name.
Fellows of both Clubs had many questions to ask of each other and much to share, and so the Q/A session was quite lively and informative for all. Finally, a few words of goodwill were spoken by Rtn. Sonal Singh (RCDSM) and Rtn. Mian Shaukat Masud (RCIM).
By the time the Zoom session came to an end, the Fellows of both counterpart Clubs had meaningfully mingled with each other. Invitations to each other to visit were heartfelt, and from English we graduated to conversing in the more familial Punjabi. All and any barriers between the two countries began to feel superfluous. The meeting overall was unique, emotional and jovial. The RCIM family along with RCDSM members truly exemplified the meaning of Fellowship and Friendship & Peace beyond borders.
RCIM holds fun quiz competition for members
A surprise fun Quiz Competition was arranged for RCIM members and conducted in a cheerful atmosphere. The RCIM family exhibited excellent knowledge of fairly diverse areas, including trivia on Pakistan, Rotary, World History, General Knowledge and Math riddles.
Collectively, all RCIM members along with waiters and other staff members present who answered questions took home gifts worth about Rs. 40’000. These gifts were generously sponsored by LNG Flex exclusively for RCIM. The Quiz was conducted by Rtn. Kulsum Abbasi and Rtn. Tayyaba Abbasi, with President Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi jovially distributing the presents.
Meet & Greet with RC Bucharest, Romania
RCIM members engaged with RC Bucharest Cismigiu Romania via Zoom video link. Members of both Clubs began by introducing themselves and exchanging light moments of witty conversation. Having spent some memorable years of his life in Romania, RCIM President Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi remarked that Bucharest, Romania, was his second home.
Rtn. Majid Qureshi introduced RCIM for the benefit of RC Bucharest members, while Rtn. Gabriella provided a briefing of her Club.
The exchange was an amazing experience of mutual learning. RC Bucharest has agreed to twin with RCIM and both Clubs look forward to working together in serving communities.
Meet & Greet with RCDSM & exchange of project updates
The RCIM family had their second interaction with Sister Club RC Delhi South Metropolitan via Zoom video-link. RCIM President Rtn. Imran Ghaznavi warmly greeted the RCDSM members and remarked that this interaction looks forward to a cementing of the relationship between the two Clubs and anticipates many more to come. RCDSM President Rtn. Winnie Singh reciprocated the feelings and extended greetings to members of both Clubs.
Both Clubs exchanged updates on their various projects.
RCIM Rtn. Admiral Shahid Saeed gave a brief talk on the Senior Citizen’s Club, a forthcoming RCIM project. He remarked that while the concept of senior citizen’s clubs or elderly care centers is commonplace in western societies, in the Pakistani culture the idea is relatively new. However, with fast-changing social norms, the idea to give traditional caregivers (e.g. sons and daughters-in-law) some help in taking care of elderly parents would gain traction and would be highly valuable. The general idea is to provide a recreational center for senior citizens where facilities would include a) indoor games, b) basic medical check-up facilities, and c) a decent kitchen for snacks.
From RCDSM, PDG Rtn. Manjit Sawhney briefed the audience on the Keep India Clean project by RCDSM. Under the purview of this sanitation and hygiene project, 40 toilet blocks were constructed in the locality of Mewat, about 60km from Delhi. The toilet blocks are complete with running water and washbasins.
Septic tanks are used for sewerage and each toilet block has a dedicated water tank above it. Additionally, WCs in a similar fashion were also built inside individual homes in Mewat, totaling 5250 WCs. This project solves the problem of open defecation in low-income communities, prioritizes privacy and security of womenfolk, and enhances sanitation and hygiene practices.
RCIM Rtn. Majid Qureshi spoke about the Islamabad Traffic and Youth Engagement project by RCIM. He remarked that as the number of vehicles in the city is rising, the quality of traffic is deteriorating, with a greater number of traffic violations and accidents taking place. In order to create awareness and advocate for better compliance of traffic rules, RCIM plans to engage university students and traffic personnel, who will be deputed at selected junctions for this purpose.
Finally, the RCDSM Livelihoods Project is one where training is provided to locals of Kusumpur Pahari, a slum area in the heart of Delhi. Primarily girls are being trained in the hospitality and technical sector, with a special focus on making sure that they are absorbed as workforce. So far, about 800 girls have been trained over a period of 2 years. This project was a result of a Global Grant, and is run as a Pilot Project so that it may be replicated by Rotary International worldwide. In the same locality, a crèche is also being run where daycare facilities, basic literacy, and homework help is provided to young people and children. This enables the parents to focus on their livelihood while their children are safely being looked after.
The Q/A session and discussion was thoughtful and exemplified the potential of learning from engagement with Clubs from around the world. Regarding the RCIM Senior Citizen’s Club, RCDSM President offered to gladly share the management and operation practices from her own experience for the benefit of RCIM. With respect to the RCDSM sanitation project, it was pertinently pointed out that toilet facilities for the disabled should also be considered as an enhancement of the already great work accomplished.
Literacy Day celebrated & certificates awarded to RCIM Educationists
RCIM took the opportunity to celebrate Literacy Day during the Club meeting. On this occasion, District Governor Rtn. Adnan Saboor Rohaila graced the meeting with his presence and addressed the audience in his lively yet profound manner.
He pointed out that while schools, grades and books are a part of literacy and education, literacy is far more than that, and what is lacking is the important ingredient of “tarbeeat” or upbringing. Where nurturing, fostering and cultivation of children is absent, a culture of envy, selfishness and ungratefulness arises, and so “tarbeeat”is a value that needs to be strongly instilled in the definition of literacy.
On this occasion, RCIM also took the opportunity to honour educationists among its members for their services to education and literacy. They were presented with Certificates by the District Governor and the Chief Guest Admiral (retd.) Mohammad Asif Sandila.
Recipients of the certificates were:
– Rtn. Admiral Shahid Saeed
– Rtn. Sofia Agha
– Rtn. Dr. Shamim M. Zaidi
– Rtn. Dr. Muhammad Ali
– Rtn. Dr. Malik Ashraf Hameed
– Rtn. Prof. Ghulam Abbas Miana
– Rtn. Dr. Ambreen Saba
– Rtn. Farkhanda J. S. Andrabi
– Rtn. Farhan Khan
– Rtn. Fauzia Nasreen
– Rtn. Dr. Azra Yasmin
Fellowship Dinner
The first Fellowship Dinner of the year 2022-23 was generously hosted by Rtn. Shahid Akram. He welcomed the RCIM family to a fabulous rooftop ambience and exemplified tremendous hospitality.
Fellowship Iftar Party
A generous Iftar was hosted by Rtn. Muhammad Arif and his family for the RCIM family. The food was sumptuous, and the company even better. This memorable evening was demonstration of warm and cordial fellowship at its best.
Fellowship Mango Party
Rtn. Zaheer Hussain Naqvi organised a fellowship event on July 24th 2022 at his place. A large number of Rotarians, guests and diplomats joined the party and availed the opportunity of fellowship.