Community leader Shefali Mehta became the first woman of Indian origin to head a Rotary Club in New Zealand last month.
She took charge as President of the Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside at a ceremony held in Auckland City on June 30.
Rotary District Governor Ron Seeto and other dignitaries and members of the Rotary District, Rotary Clubs, businesspersons and guests were present at the function.
Mrs Mehta said that she would pursue the Rotary theme (2012-2013) of ‘Peace through Service,’ launched by Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka of Japan.
“According to him, however we define peace, whatever peace means to us, we can bring it closer through Service. In Rotary, our business is Peace. It is something we can find within ourselves and achieve every day in many simple ways. Peace through Service will make you a better friend and a better professional. Working together, we should find opportunities in difficulties and not difficulties in opportunities.”
An active Rotarian for many years, Mrs Mehta said that in addition to the support and guidance of Rotarians in her Club and elsewhere, she would vigorously promote the five core values of the Rotary Movement.
“These include Fellowship, Service, Integrity, Diversity and Leadership. I will build on what each President has achieved in his time before me and use my knowledge and experience to ensure the continued growth of our Club,” she said.
She quoted her grandfather, the late poet Professor Balvant Rai Thakore in saying, “Always aim high and accept new challenges. Never mind if you fail in one or two; you will succeed in eight out of ten efforts.”
Mrs Mehta said she would also try to initiate and implement the programmes of the Rotary Foundation during her tenure as the President.
“These are Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water and Sanitation; and Maternal and Child Health,” she said.
