“Ashtapailu” – Gr**8 Presidents Day
An event of a thousand years, a congregation of the most potent of numbers, 08-08-08 was celebrated by all Gr8 Rotarians of District 3140 in a fitting manner as “Ashtapailu” at the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East.
The event was co-hosted by 8 clubs of our District (Mumbai Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai nariman Point, Mumbai Shivaji Park, Mumbai Sion, Thana West, Thane Uptown, Thane Suburban and Mulund Hills) and the 8 Presidents and their spouses ably coordinated the entire evenings’ program.
The word Ashtapailu literally means “All-Rounder”.
It draws from the eight most important facets of a person’s personality that make him or her a successful contender in the race of life.
“Sahitya”- Your command over the language, your vocabulary, expression
“Sangeet”- The soul of your being that helps you appreciate all creations
“Natya”- Your body language, your gestures and movements that help to convey the right message.
“Udyog”- Your job or task that enhances your outlook with a variety of experiences.
“Vyavasaay”- Your salesmanship and marketing strategies that help you to stay ahead in the race.
“Chitra”- A well-rounded personality needs creative expression and this facet adds a much-needed dimension to your personality.
“Kreeda”- Sportsmanship, sporting talent, goal-setting abilities and team-work are worthy abilities to pursue in order to achieve your ambitions.
“Nritya”- A worthwhile talent to cultivate that helps you to de-stress, focus and enjoy life to the fullest.
The evening opened to registrants posing beside a vividly coloured banner to forever capture their memories as part of a permanent pixel parade.
A beautiful hand-crafted silver coin with the “Gr**8” motif was given to all, which would be an extremely cherished piece for years to come.
Everything in the room was specially coordinated to bring out the magic of the momentous day.
The large bouquet of multi-coloured flowers that was shaped in the form of an eight, the rangoli made with eight grains and shaped around two lamps, the colourful banner inviting all to enjoy the evening.
The event was introduced by the dynamic duo of Milind and Manjusha Ballal.
The young games host then took charge and what followed was two hours of frolicking fun and fellowship.
Participants were tested for their quick-wittedness and sharpness as they answered questions without saying the taboo words, Yes or No; an event based on Sahitya.
Sangeet, the next event jogged the participants’ memory as they reeled out songs that had numbers or numerals in them!
The Presidents’ “Udyog” this year? To dress up for the weekly meeting of course: Team members’ coordination, agility and skill were tested as they helped to dress up their President with a blazer, tie, collar, gavel, bell and pins.
The Natya event was one which had everyone in splits. Four ladies draped saris on to four willing yet skeptical male “Models”, who later walked the ramp much to the glee of a wildly cheering audience.
In Chitra, the participants drew a picture in parts and later explained it as a composite whole, thus bringing home the importance of being a perfect cog of the Rotary wheel.
The Kreeda event had all participants on their feet, as they passed the parcel along in a race to reach the finish line first.
As the clock chugged along to eight minutes past eight, a fabulous cake with our familiar “Gr8” motif was cut.
The most poignant moment was “The Gr8 Proclamation”, an oath taken in unison by all the greats of the District 3140. It said,
“We, the great presidents of District 3140,
do solemnly swear,
To uphold the eight guiding Principles of Rotary-
Love, Respect, Honesty, Service,
Tolerance, Justice, Friendship and Fellowship.
We promise to serve without prejudice,
to give and yet not receive,
to be just and fair in all that we undertake
and to the best of our abilities,
so help us God..”
A toast was raised with a unique commemorative mocktail, released especially for the evening made with, you guessed it: 8 ingredients!
The evening culminated with the event based on Natya, where the participants readily shook a leg with Dandiya sticks though they seemed a little baffled by the rock rhythm!
The DJ took his cue and all party animals thronged to the large square stage in the centre, and danced away to the latest tunes. The DG seemed to be in his element and very reluctantly left the stage to proceed for dinner.
Here again, the dinner hall had an ambience that all people enjoyed and appreciated, the large canopies, the well placed tables and tasty food ensured that everyone enjoyed a leisurely meal and left the hall satisfied.
Prizes were awarded to “Best Dressed President”- Male/Female, “Early Birds” and of course “Ashtapailu King and Queen”
Those who attended the event appreciated the entire experience and those who did not You really missed IT!
