It has been 50 years since the Rotaract movement was introduced to Sri Lanka. I am privileged to say I was once a part of it. It took me close to 15 years to understand the dynamics and workings of being part of the Rotary family, starting off with Interact and then moving to Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid-Town. Within these 15 years, I have understood the absolute core value of Rotaract. It is and always has been about memorable moments through connections.

Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid-Town has been in continuous service for the last 40 years and it is the third oldest club in Sri Lanka. I have spent my entire Rotaract career, which is a decade of service, within this club. Let me be honest, as every youth generation, my objective of joining the movement was primitive (attraction for food and the opposite sex). However, after being a part of the movement long enough, I have realized what Rotaract stands for.

While enjoying Rotaract, I saw what brought most of us together was the community service aspect (or charity) of Rotaract. As Sri Lankans, we have the tendency to poke our nose in to other people’s business and help them no matter the cost. Regardless of race, religion and politics, one banner brought everyone together to serve one purpose. “Undertake to work, towards Sri Lanka’s peace and prosperity in the spirit of tolerance and love”

While undertaking work, I realized that different members in the movement gravitated towards different projects. This was a surprise to me, since I believed in one purpose for Rotaract. However, whilst holding office in many leadership positions within the club and district, I realized the purpose of Rotaract for different members was diverse. Some participate in Rotaract for charity, some to play sports, some to party, others to improve professional & soft skills. However, almost all gravitated towards networking.

This need and spirit of networking always brought across friendships that usually is nourished into a life long connection. Every member who has genuinely been a part of the movement will testify towards this. From creating long lasting business relationships, to BFFs, to paving the path to finding a life partner, Rotaract has done it all. These connections you make, within the movement are always directly proportionate to the time and effort you put into the movement. Therefore, as a person who has passed out of Rotaract, my honest advice to all of you is to make the most of it, because Rotaract does have a timeline.

Regardless of your walk of life or lifestyle, you will understand that life is full of moments to remember. These multiple moments together makes what your life is. This is no different to the Rotaract movement as well. From the time you party with a girl to hitting a six off the last ball to win a match to lifting a disabled child on to bed, Rotaract can offer you all sorts of special moments. Nevertheless, like any moment, the impact of the moment to your life is how much you are committed to that exact moment.

Just like life, Rotaract is always what each and every one of you make out of it. The choice you make on how much to be committed to the movement, will determine how much you can take back from the movement. Like most philosophers on social media say, “if you are not going to be committed to go the distance, why embark upon the journey at all”. However, for those of you who want to be committed towards going the distance and embarking on a journey with the Rotaract movement, I guarantee you will always have memorable moments with the people you connect.

By Past Rotaractor PP Muzaffer Sadique – RAC Colombo Mid Town (2008-2018) | Email: Mujijoes@gmail.com