Led by International President AP Singh, the 85-member delegation will also experience Gujarat’s culture and traditions and Diwali celebrations.
Ahmedabad: A85-lion leader of the Executive officer and Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International, representing 25 countries, is visiting Ahmedabad from October 14 to 17. The delegation, led by AP Singh, International President of Lions Clubs International, will study some impactful service initiatives during the visit.
India has hosted the meeting of Lions Clubs International’s Board of Directors thrice in the past, but this is the first time the meeting is taking place in Gujarat. The visit aims to showcase the finest Lions-managed service projects and offer delegates, who come from the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Korea, The Netherlands, and Iceland, among other countries, an experience of Gujarat’s culture and traditions.
Outlining the objectives of the visit, AP Singh, International President of Lions Clubs International, said, “Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation, known for its commitment to humanitarian work across health, education, and social welfare. Our mission is to bring about a positive transformation in people’s lives. The Lions community in Ahmedabad has undertaken remarkable projects and we are eager to study them and replicate them in other parts of the world.
Mr. Singh said that Lions Club runs 60 dialysis centres, 55 blood banks, 175 eye hospitals, 200+ schools, and 100+ environmental projects, across India. The organisation is developing a cancer hospital at a cost of Rs. 100 crore in Surat.
During the four-day visit, the global delegates will participate in project tours, philanthropic activities, cultural events, and meetings with state leaders.
Pravin Chhajed, Past International Director of Lions Club International, said, “The Lions International Board undertakes visits to regions where exceptional work is being carried out, and Ahmedabad is a shining example. Our projects are among the best in the world, not only in their scale but in their spirit of community service. We are delighted to share our work and also showcase Gujarat and India’s rich culture before our international colleagues.”
On the first day of the tour, the delegates will tour the Rohit Mehta Lions Medical Hub and Lions Hub in Ahmedabad, following a group reception and cultural evening that will showcase Gujarat’s artistic heritage and traditions.
The following day will include visits to the Lions Karnavati Eye Hospital, Lions Karnavati Dialysis Centre, Lions Karnavati Blood Bank, and the Lalji Mehrotra Lions School. The group will also take part in a service project, distributing artificial limbs and assistive equipment to over 100 specially-abled beneficiaries. Delegates will donate books from their home countries to enrich the school’s library.
Later that day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will host a high tea in Gandhinagar, where the Lions Club International Medallion will be presented to him. In the evening, small group dinners at Lions leaders’ homes will offer visitors an opportunity to experience Diwali festivities.
On October 16, delegates will visit ongoing service initiatives, including the Lions Hall Health & Care Foundation, Blind People’s Association, Deaf & Dumb School, Vishranti Gruh, Naroda School, and Gozaria Hospital.
The visit will conclude on October 17 with a special Diwali celebration at senior citizens’ homes in Ambli and Kasindra, where delegates will distribute festive kits to over 110 elderly residents.
The closing event at Jal Tarang near Adalaj ni Vav will feature a 35-member cultural troupe from Vrindavan, performing traditional representations of festivals such as Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shivratri.