Dear Friends,
It is indeed a great pleasure to write a message for our fellow members.
The Bridging Team is all set to address the needs
of the communities that they serve. This is evident from their response to the
numerous training programs conducted in the last six months and I am sure that
these programs have provided good inputs to build the bridges that they have
planned.
We are entering the crucial phase of the war
against Polio in our country, one of the four endemic countries at present. The
twentyfive years battle that we waged against this dreaded disease is all set to
be over. Perseverance pays and we do see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Polio, at present, is confined to a small pocket of thirteen revenue districts
in UP and Bihar. The good news is that in the last six months there have been
only twenty-one reported cases against a few hundred around the same time last
year. Yet, there is no room for any complacency. Our past experiences tell us
that a little slackness in our efforts only gave upper hand to the deadly virus
to resurface and spread quickly. We simply cannot let that happen. We have to
put in our best efforts in containing and totally eradicating this virus from
the face of the earth. Remember the words of Winston Churchill during World War
II, “Be prepared to fight till the end”. It is not the end but the beginning of
the end. Our efforts in eradicating the polio virus is no less than a war.
Remember that we have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, but have
only borrowed it from our children.
It is our responsibility to ensure a clean and
healthy earth for our children to grow up in. We still need resources to
continue this battle. Our commitment to a polio free world for the children of
today and tomorrow can become a reality only if we keep up the current phase of
operation. The deadline for Bill Gates' Challenge Grant of USD 200 million,
which he had promised for Polio Fund, is fast approaching. This is the time we
should generously contribute, no matter whether we had done it in the past or
not. I remember what Mother Teresa once said on giving, “Give till it hurts
you”. District 3230 has a great history of contribution to the Foundation and I
am sure 10-11 will see the trend continue.
RI President Ray has given us a wonderful theme
for the year 10-11. Looking at the phase at which the incoming district leaders
and club leaders are working, it will not be a daunting task in building
wonderful communities and bridging continents. I am sure 2010-11 will be another
eventful year with easy, effective and enjoyable Rotary.
