On Saturday, a grand installation ceremony took place in Godhra for seven clubs of the Lions Club International Panchmahal family. The event was held at the Federation Hall and saw a large turnout from various Lions Club members from Panchmahal, Kheda, and Anand districts.
The ceremony began with a welcome song and flag hoisting by young girls from the Sadbhavna Mission Class. Dr. Tahir Bhattuk, the outgoing president of the Lions Club Godhra, and Hemant Verma, the event’s convener, welcomed everyone and shared details about the organization’s charitable activities.
New office bearers were sworn in during the ceremony. Ketaki Soni took the role of president, Hina Gadhvi became the secretary, and Parul Soni was appointed as the treasurer for the Lions Club Godhra. Other new leaders included Satyeendra Singh Solanki and Preeti Solanki from the Dahod Godi Road Club, Priyanka Verma from the Godhra Five Star Club, Kamlesh Limbachiya from Dahod City, Minesh Patel from Dahod Ability Club, Harshita Chhatwani from Godhra Commerce NCC Campus, and Dhruv Chouhan from the Bamroli Road Commerce College Campus. They all took their oaths from Past District Governor Bharat Shah, who also explained their responsibilities.
The ceremony featured speeches from notable figures, including Past District Governor Manoj Parmar, J.P. Trivedi, Prabhu Dayal Verma, Dr. Upendra Diwaji, and prominent social worker Firdaus Kothi. In a significant move for women’s empowerment, the event marked the first time women held the positions of president, secretary, and treasurer in the club’s history.
During the ceremony, new members Shital Shah, Bhakti Soni, Hema Soni, Pushpaben Parmar, and Dr. Rohiniben Pargi were welcomed into the club. President Ketaki Soni and Satyeendra Singh Solanki outlined the service activities planned for the coming year. The event was well-managed by Hiren Darji, with support from Hemant Verma, Shailesh Sheth, Ketan Sharma, and Pradip Soni, who played vital roles in making the ceremony a success.
Lions Clubs International is an international service organization with over 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide. The organization focuses on community service, including sight conservation, youth outreach, and environmental issues. Founded in 1917, it has evolved into a significant force for good in local and global communities. The motto of Lions Clubs is “We Serve,” and their commitment to helping others is evident in the various initiatives they undertake.
The Lions Club also operates on a model of inclusiveness, welcoming members from diverse backgrounds. In 1987, the constitution was amended to allow women to join, and since then, many clubs have embraced female members, contributing to the organization’s growth and diversity. The installation ceremony in Godhra is a testament to this commitment, highlighting the important roles women are taking in leadership positions within the club.
As the new office bearers take charge, they are expected to continue the legacy of service and community improvement that the Lions Clubs are known for. The coming year promises to be filled with exciting projects and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in the local community and beyond.