Under the leadership of International President AP Singh, the 85-member delegation will immerse itself in the rich culture, traditions, and Diwali festivities of Gujarat.
Ahmedabad: An 85-member delegation, led by AP Singh, the International President of Lions Clubs International, is visiting Ahmedabad from October 14 to 17. Representing 25 countries, the group will explore various impactful service initiatives during their stay.
India has previously hosted the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors meeting three times, but this marks the first occasion it is being held in Gujarat. The purpose of this visit is to highlight exemplary service projects managed by Lions and to provide delegates from countries such as the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Iceland, among others, with a rich experience of Gujarat’s culture and traditions.
AP Singh, International President of Lions Clubs International, outlined the purpose of the visit, stating, “Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization globally, recognized for its dedication to humanitarian efforts in health, education, and social welfare. Our mission is to create a positive impact on people’s lives. The Lions community in Ahmedabad has initiated impressive projects, and we are keen to learn from them and implement similar initiatives in other regions around the world.”
Mr. Singh said that the Lions Club runs 60 dialysis centres, 55 blood banks, 175 eye hospitals, 200+ schools, and 100+ environmental projects across India. The organisation is developing a cancer hospital at a cost of Rs. 100 crore in Surat. During the four-day visit, global delegates will engage in project tours, philanthropic activities, cultural events, and meetings with state leaders.
Pravin Chhajed, former International Director of Lions Club International, remarked, “The Lions International Board makes visits to areas where outstanding efforts are being made, and Ahmedabad stands out as a remarkable example. Our projects rank among the finest globally, not only due to their scale but also because of their commitment to community service. We are thrilled to present our work and highlight the rich culture of Gujarat and India to our international colleagues.”
On the inaugural day of the tour, delegates will visit the Rohit Mehta Lions Medical Hub and Lions Hub in Ahmedabad. This will be preceded by a group reception and a cultural evening designed to highlight the artistic heritage and traditions of Gujarat.
The following day will include visits to the Lions Karnavati Eye Hospital, Lions Karnavati Dialysis Centre, Lions Karnavati Blood Bank, and the Lalji Mehrotra Lions School. The group will also take part in a service project, distributing artificial limbs and assistive equipment to over 100 specially-abled beneficiaries. Delegates will donate books from their home countries to enrich the school’s library.
Later that day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will host a high tea in Gandhinagar, where the Lions Club International Medallion will be presented to him. In the evening, small group dinners at Lions leaders’ homes will offer visitors an opportunity to experience Diwali festivities.
On October 16, delegates will visit ongoing service initiatives, including the Lions Hall Health & Care Foundation, Blind People’s Association, Deaf & Dumb School, Vishranti Gruh, Naroda School, and Gozaria Hospital. The visit will conclude on October 17 with a special Diwali celebration at senior citizens’ homes in Ambli and Kasindra, where delegates will distribute festive kits to over 110 elderly residents.
The closing event at Jal Tarang near Adalaj ni Vav will feature a 35-member cultural troupe from Vrindavan, performing traditional representations of festivals such as Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shivratri.