NEWLY-installed president of the Rotary Club of Penal, Deoraj Ramsingh has set his sights on urgently tackling mental health, domestic and school violence, as he seeks to continue the club’s legacy of humanitarian service, peace and goodwill.
Ramsingh has succeeded immediate past president Vijay Boochoon. He was installed at a recent handing-over ceremony held at Doc’s Ranch, Phillipine.
Ramsingh challenged his new board to do more than the bare necessity to help exceed its mandate and expectation to create a more peaceful and sustainable space.
“Complacency will set us back. Doing the bare minimum is unacceptable. Growth and change are painful, but a dereliction of duty is a disservice to our cause. Let us embrace the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” he urged the new board, which includes secretary Deonarine Jaggernauth, who was voted Rotarian of the year 2021/22.
[caption id="attachment_968148" align="alignnone" width="768"] Rotarian of the Year 2021/22 Deonarine Jaggernauth presents a token of appreciation to Carol Misir on behalf of the Misir family for their annual contribution to the Rotary International Foundation. -[/caption]
The family of Youth Service chair Dr Akenath Misit was recognised for its annual contribution to the Rotary International Foundation
While honoured to lead the club to promote peace, protect the environment, fight diseases, save mothers and children, support education while growing local economies, Ramsingh expressed some consternation about the legacy he is expected to continue.
“I am grateful that we are able to influence change, but apprehensive about what the future holds, given the economic, financial, social and other challenges that lie ahead, as our world is not only trying its best to free itself from the clutches of covid19 but brace the far-reaching negative impact of the Russia/ Ukraine war.
“With consideration for all that is taking place internationally, and given our own unique and very challenging local context, there are needs to be met, and the Rotary Club of Penal definitely has a place and ready market for our purpose.”
He said human beings were not given life and talent just to get an education, become gainfully employed and earn a living just to care for their own family, but for a greater purpose.
“We are empowered to help those in need – our fellow men – as well as take care of our space.
[caption id="attachment_968149" align="alignnone" width="768"] Club president Deoraj Ramsingh and partner-in-service Tricia Ramsingh. -[/caption]
“As Rotarians, we must face some harsh realities about what is taking place around us, in our communities, and in our space with reference to the social, economic, and other ills currently plaguing our society.”
He identified health and environmental issues which he said require urgent attention, such as personal healthcare and well-being, creating awareness of the cause and impact of non-communicable diseases, issues surrounding mental health, domestic violence, violence in schools, promoting
