Dotivala’s domain

Lioness Yasmin Jamshed Dotivala was installed as president of Multiple District 323 by Lion Dr Ashok Mehta, past international president of the Lions Club International on August 1, 2011. The grand function at Surat’s Hotel Taj Gateway was graced by the presence of district governor Lion Deveshwar Bhatt, vice district governors Lions Mubarak Kasli and Dr Bhanu Patel and president of the All India Lioness Conference, Lion Indu Mehta, notes a press release forwarded to Parsiana by Dotivala’s son Cyrus.

The function commenced with a prayer by Dilnaz Besania. Lioness Marook Gandevia, past Multiple District president from Ajmer and chairperson for the evening, welcomed everyone. Dotivala’s husband Lion Jamshed, past District Governor and chairman of the Multiple Lioness program this year, introduced Mehta. Later there were speeches by Lionesses Nayana Kapadia, Daksha Kothari, Ranju Dugar and Keshmira Kharadi among others, the press release notes. Lioness Multiple District 323 comprises 12 districts spread across five states — Gujarat, Maha­rashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Over 350 delegates attended this installation ceremony, as per the press release.

(From left): Lion Jamshed Dotivala, Lioness Yasmin Dotivala and Lion Dr Ashok Mehta handing over gavel

Installing the Multiple Cabinet in his own signature style, Mehta motivated the ladies to serve society in various ways and implement the SCENT program initiated by Dotivala. SCENT stands for Sight first (eradication of blindness); Care for senior citizens; Education; No to female feticide; and Tree plantation. Mehta then released the Multiple District Directory. The District Pin with the slogan "Kindle the flame of service” was released by Lioness Kawal Rekhi, past Multiple District president and guest of honor, who had come from Bombay. In the Directory, which bears her photograph on the cover as well as the image of the special pin, Dotivala acknowledges the role played by her mentors Gandevia and Jimmy Patalwala who have provided "motivation and inspiration” and of her husband Jamshed, children Cyrus, Zinobia, Sharukh and Mehernosh without whose "support this long journey would not have been possible.”