Let’s take a trip down memory lane. All the way to the beginning, to where it all started, the day you made a decision to join a movement for the greater good.

Let me ask you a question.

Why did you join Rotaract?

Maybe because a friend wanted you to, maybe for a special someone or maybe to make most of your free time? Whatever it is I’m sure it was an amazing journey!

Apart from joining this prestigious movement how many of us actually know what Rotaract is? Where it started? What is its purpose? I’ll be completely honest with you I didn’t know a lot about it… Until I was a part of Rotaract 101.

Rotaract 101 was a project organized by the Rotaract club of Colombo Mid Town and the Rotaract club of ACBT for the third year running.

With a mix of experienced rotaractors and a few new members like myself a committee of 12 came together from both clubs to initiate this anticipated event.

Unfortunately unlike the previous years there was no meet and greet planning meetings but nevertheless we had constant communication using WhatsApp. The planning began way back in February. With Rtr Dina and Rtr Meshach volunteering as chairpersons for the project.

And then there was a twist in the tale…

Island wide curfews and lockdowns were initiated by the government to control the spread of the Corona virus.

Just like the old saying “If there’s a will there’s a way ” we started finding new efficient methods to proceed with the project. And with everyone’s consent we decided to execute the project virtually.  Within a few hours the date and the virtual platform was decided and it didn’t take long before the last few pieces of the puzzle were added to finalize the planning.

Within 24 hours of the event my WhatsApp was buzzing with exited rotaractors anxiously waiting for Rotaract 101 to commence.

Headphones ✓

Connection ✓

Outfit ✓

And Rotaract 101 was underway with the welcome speech delivered by none other than the president of the Rotaract club of Colombo Mid Town Rtr Nipun Alwis. Next up was a speech on “Why you should join Rotaract” by PDG PHF Rtn. Thariq Thulbar. The PDG as usual delivered an inspiring speech to the 100+ viewers while not forgetting to add a bit of humor quite often to entertain the young crowd.

PP PHF Rtn. G S Sylvester was up next on the agenda. The importance of Rotaract was made important by Rtn. Sylvester while delivering his speech.

Speeches are inspiring and motivating but any audience would always love for a bit of entertainment. And entertainment is exactly what we got with Rtr Nishela from the Rotaract Club of ACBT singing a cover of “Love someone by Lukas Graham “. With an astounding voice it was a treat to listen to her sing.

Next was a speech from DGE PHF Rtn. Ajith which was delivered on the relationship between Rotaract and Rotary to educate the viewers of its importance.

Towards the latter part of the agenda PDRR Rtn. Mohamed Husni spoke about the importance of project management. As Rotaractors that’s a crucial topic as all of us are a part of so many projects throughout the movement.

Last but certainly not the least DRR Rtr. PP Bala addressed the online viewers about the importance of staying connected while not forgetting to thank the organizing committee for their hard work and dedication.

Rotaract 101 was then concluded by Rtr Keith Mehta with the vote of thanks

It wouldn’t be fair for me to voice only my opinion on this project so here’s what other participants thought about Rotaract 101.

DRR Rtr. PP Krishan Balaji – “Rotaract 101 was a very informative session, sharing the benefits of joining Rotaract and linking the ideas from various different expert views.”

Rtr. Teruni Perera (RAC Mid City) – “Rotaract 101 was a well-planned and informative event for all the Rotaractors who doesn’t have an idea of Rotaract and its boundary also to get know each other’s & especially the guidance and instructions got from all the senior Rotarians and Rotaractors was immense.”

Rtr. Shabeer Ziyam (RAC Colombo Mid Town) – “Great session for the new members. Was able to grasp a lot of knowledge from experienced senior Rotaract members.”

Rtr. Sethna Thilakarathne (RAC ACBT) – “I personally learned what Rotaract actually is about, hands down to the two clubs that worked for this successful session.”

Well I learnt a great deal about the Rotaract movement from Rotaract 101 and I’m sure you did too!

Thank you

By Umar Inthikab | Email : umarinthikab@gmail.com