Tuesday, 2 October 2012

JCI Bangalore Horizon Chapter Induction


Article by Jc Sakunthala N



 Month of August has been usually my lucky month.  So many lucky things like my first job, friend’s marriage, change of job etc; last year it was HMP training.   So there an eager anticipation as the month of August approached and passed.    For a difference,   I realized later in September that something important had indeed happened in this year’s August too

I guess,   I should be discussing about our Chapter induction and not about my sentiments…

My journey with JCI started with a call from Jc Anuradha on week day.   I did not have any clue about JCI and I was wondering whether to go or not.  Unless it is important, Jc Anuradha would not have called us on that day.  So, I decided to go.

There was a gathering of around 15.  A JCI member from another chapter addressed us explaining what JCI is and how it will help individuals

We had follow up meetings. There was excitement in the air.  There was a brainstorm session to come with the chapter name.  Finally all of us agreed with “Bangalore Horizon”.  Office bearers were selected. 

All other activities of membership’s fees, getting new members, designing of logo followed soon.

The induction day, venue modalities kept on changing.  Probably Our President might have spent numerous rounds of talks before the date was finalized.   Zone Executive Vice President(Zone D) Jc Subburaj was scheduled to visit Bangalore and it decided our chapter will be formally inducted on that day.

We all met again to discuss about the chapter induction. It was a tremendous team work. Someone volunteered to sponsor the banners, badges, someone else sponsored flowers for the occasion, someone volunteered to make handmade scrolls as gifts to the guests and not to forget the gentlemen who sponsored the audio system.

There was so much of work to do, Mementoes to be designed and purchases, scrolls to be made, various follow up with the venue, food etc.

Some of us were busy giving final touches to our preparation on that day of induction and  everything just fell into place before the event is due to start J

With excitement, we all reached the venue and it was   very pleasant evening.   There was a huge gathering of our brother JCI chapters and the place was filled with laughter and chatter everywhere.

There was pin drop silence the moment the function was started.  We were amazed by the professionalism with which the business was conducted. 

Then came our turn for the chapter to be inducted.  Then something which we have not even dreamt happened.  Two very eloquent JCI members introduced each member of our chapter to the gathering in such a manner that we all felt we are kings and queens.  (I learnt later that JCI member are trained even in this skill)

JCI oath was administered to all JCI BH members and CGB team.   We were rained with congratulations by our brother chapter member.  Zone Executive Vice President Jc Subburaj congratulated us and addressed the gathering.  All other formalities followed and the function concluded with dinner.

There was happiness and feelings of achievement on our faces when we were leaving. What a wonderful day it was.  A new chapter… A new beginning. The seed is sown and it is going to grow stronger and wider in the days to come…

Coming back to my August sentiment..   Everyone including our chapter President were pouring praises that there are only few other places that will match the standards of JCI training. I expected the JCI trainings will be good but it was hard for me to believe it was one of the best.  As an ignorant individual, I did not take this seriously.

 My impression changed fully when we underwent the EPS training later and realized that indeed, our President’s statement was true.  I felt lucky that I have joined JCI. 

I forgot to tell you.  Our chapter induction happened on 15 August 2012. J

 

Monday, 1 October 2012

Independence day celebrations - Aug 2012


Article by   Jc Suchetha, Secretary

What is Independence?
Independence means different to different people. For some it is the freedom of expression, freedom of choice while for others it is the very basic freedom to live, to be alive.

We asked the same question to a bunch of school students; to come up with their own idea of independence. They were asked to depict their ideas in the form of a chart. This is how we, JCI – Bangalore Horizonites celebrated our first ever social event

JCI – Bangalore Horizon wanted to celebrate our I-Day in a special, more meaningful way and  what better way to celebrate than with school kids when the young minds gives us the utmost, pure meaning of Independence

The day of 15 Aug, 2012 began with 5 of our chapter members heading for People trust campus at Sri Ramanahalli to meet the students of TREP (Total Residential Education Program). Around 50 boys and girls are given free education and accommodation here.

We were introduced to some of the great, inspiring people from all walks of life.
  • An ex-army brigadier, who has seen many battles and earned many awards,
  • An American couple, who have dedicated their life to impart value based growth to the underprivileged children
  • Other staff members, who play key roles in the success of this program
We were given a tour around the campus by two simple yet great personalities,   Mr.Harish Uthaiah, and Mr.Bobji,   who are the inspiration behind the TREP
 
Along the way, we came across numerous kids who cheerfully greeted us with the words ‘Sai Ram’. Everywhere and in everyone we found simplicity, humbleness and noble thoughts.

After the brief tour of the campus, soon it was lunch time and we had organized for a special lunch for the kids and staff of TREP complete with delicious dessert et all. The kids loved it!

Post lunch, we were taken to the ‘Sun room'; a big, spacious room upstairs, which was pleasantly illuminated by lots of sunlight. The prayers were in order, many patriotic songs followed.  
Earlier, we had requested the children to form groups and prepare charts on theme of Indian Independence
We were amazed by their creativity exhibited through the charts.  We collected the charts and carried them back to select the three best charts.

Chocolates and few other basic stationery were distributed to the students.
The entire experience reinforced my trust in JCI. I realized the meaning of independence in a whole another perspective. The feeling of goodwill in this place is infectious.
This experience makes us believe and reinforces our faith in humanity that much more. It was an absolutely different, unique, inspiring experience and that is exactly what it makes it so special. One of my childhood dreams came true on 15 Aug thanks to JCI, looking forward to more such visits.

Link to the  People'e Trust ...
TREP website
People's Trust Website






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