Aurangabad, June 24:
“There were only two Lions Club in the city in 1988. Later, the number of Clubs increased. Many social works are being carried out through the clubs. The concept of Lions family will give energy to the coming generation,” said Rajendra Darda, Editor-in-Chief of Lokmat Group of Newspapers and chief of Lions family.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Regional Orientation Programme’ organised at Hotel Taj on Thursday for newly elected officer-bearers of 18 Clubs under Lions Club International. He watered ‘tulsi’ plant to mark the inauguration of the programme.
Lions Club International director Dr Naval Malu, multiple council chairman CA Vivek Abhyankar, region chairmen Rajesh Bharuka and Ashish Agrawal, Sandeep Malu, past Governor Rajesh Raut, Mahaveer Patni, Tansukh Zambad were present.
Rajendra Darda said that there were only two clubs-‘Lions Club of Aurangabad and Lions Club of Chikalthana’-in the city 34 years ago.
“Late Lion Hazari was president of Lions Club of Aurangabad while I was president of Lions Club of Chikalthana. We jointly established the Lions family at Lokmat Lawns during Diwali Milan programme. This family has given eight district governors, two multiple-council chairmen and one international director in the form of Dr Naval Malu. This is because of the strong leadership of the family,” he said.
Darda said that Lions Eye Hospital, Lions Dialysis Centre, Lions Baalsadan, Lions Blood Bank, Lions Diagnostic Centre and Lions Pathology Laboratory at Government Medical College and Hospital received Rs 7 crore contribution from Lions International Foundation.
“A total of Rs 60 lakh fund was sanctioned for Lions Diabetic Centre. Family’s affection, equality and integrity have made this possible,” he added.
Dr Naval Malu gave information about services and good conduct through 7 Cs for clubs office-bearers. Sandeep Malu gave information about the ‘Club Excellence Award.’ Rajesh Raut guided on the coordination between members and office-bearers of the Clubs.
Mahaveer Patni administered the pledge of Lions family to all those who present. Prof Vishal Ladniya conducted the proceedings. Jaideep Ghuge, Radha Tornekar, Jairaj Patil, Sanjay Kasliwal, Kishor Lalwani and others took efforts for the success of the programme.