Blue Blaze!!

The AEX team having travelled from far and near where in high spirits for the all Blue Social "Blue Blaze" organised by the tablers of TMRT 108. 

Area Chariman Tr. Sejoe Jose took the opportunity to make this his official visit to Trichy Mookrock Round Table 108. The chairman of TMRT 108 Tr. Madhu gave a brief introduction to his plans for the year as he was presenting a more detailed report the next day at the AEX. This was followed by AC Tr. Sejoe's speech. The Area Chairman touched upon the great work that TMRT has been doing and encouraged them to pursue extention, projects and fund raising this year. The meeting was adjourned for fellowship and thats when things got crazy!!

It could have been the Tequila shots or the Sake (Japanese Rice Wine), or it could have been the flood of snacks, or maybe it was the DJ (who stood testament to the saying - appearances can be deceptive), or it could have been the company. Whatever the reason, everyone had a blast and if my memory serves me right the party was rocking way past midnight.

Thank you TMRT108 for taking such good care of us and showing us such a great time on Saturday night.

First AEX Area 1 2010/11

The first AEX for the year 2010 - 11 was held at Royal Southern, Trichy on the 10th of October 2010 at 11:00 am. The AEX was hosted by Trichy Moonrock Round Table No. 108 and Tr. Sathiyaprabu was the convener. Though most of us were reeling after over indulging our greed at HT Sq. Leg Prem's house we managed to assemble and get the meeting started without much fuss.

I had the dubious honor of being made the sergeant for the meeting and on appointment I set out clear rules that ensured that everyone had a drink in front of them with their mobile phones switched off or in silent mode. Area Chairman Tr. Sejoe got things rolling by requesting the table chairman present, to highlight their plans for the year. As usual each chairman focused on the shirt comings of his club in previous years and promised to work on them. Most chairmen focused on extension, fellowship and FTE, and pledged their commitment to participate in Area events.

The conveners placed on record their plans for the year as well as what they have already done. A lot of discussion was centered around the Area Mass Tour and the Area Sports Meet.

The AST Tr. George gave a brief on the happening in Area 1. He informed the tablers present on the status of MOM's received, C form and D for dues received, etc/

AVC Tr. Bejoy thanked all the AEX members for making it to Trichy and wished everyone luck to the year ahead.

AC Tr. Sejoe requested clubs with low membership to focus on extention as he hoped to end his year with all clubs having a minimum of 15 tablers. He also requested clubs looking to do FTE projects speak to Tr. Pramod (Projects Convener) regarding the P&G tie up. He reminded the AEX that participation in Area events was integral to making tabling successful in Area 1. He made special mention of the @RTI_Area1 twitter page and the blog and mentioned that these mediums will be regularly updated with the latest news and happening of Area 1. 

Though several other relevant points were discussed, I'll leave it to Jeeth to circulate the minutes online. Safe to say, we have an actioned packed year and everyone is excited. Check out the video to catch a glimpse of the action ;)

Ashes to Glory

Every great organisation, be it corporates, institutions, or clubs leave behind a legacy. Round Tables Legacy is its drive to bring Freedom Through Eduction for children all over India. Area 1 has many instances where tables and tablers have put in their all, to make this dream possible. One such story of pain, sorrow, hardship, success and joy comes from Trichy.

Trichy RT 54 and Trichy LC 33 have been associated with a school, 'Kalaipalli Elementary School',

for the last 6 years. This school having been in existence since 1892 was delt a fatal and cruel blow in 2003, when in a fire accident the entire school was destroyed. With the school literally in ashes the children and management had nowhere to go and were asked to shutdown by Government of Tamil Nadu. That was until TRT54 and TLC33 stepped in.

Brick by brick the school was rebuilt. It involved planning and support, not to mention money, but today it is a fine structure with 12 classrooms, a Kitchen Block, a Toilet Block and a Temple. Over and above this, the uniforms for the students are also being supplied by TRT 54 and TLC 33.

But the story doesn't end there; this school has now been declared 'Best School' by Government of Tamil Nadu. This award was handed over by the Honorable Minister, Govt. Of Tamil Nadu, Shri KN Nehru. In his speech, the minister was extremely grateful to RTI and was very emotional about all the good work being done by RTI for the benefit of children and their education.

The drive to make a difference continues to motivate the tablers and circlers of TRT54 and TLC33. They are now constructing five more classrooms at the Ramakrishna Middle School and on October 9th the Ntnl President of RTI and our Area Chairman visited the school.

All this and more have been achieved by a table that celebrated its 800th meeting last week. Kudos to TRT54 and TLC33

A Breakfast for Champions

Every once in a while, as tablers, we get to experience true hospitality. The tablers, circlers and ladies of Madurai took things to a whole new level when they personally served lunch for us after the last session of the AGM. This time around it was Area HT Sq. Leg Premnathan and his gracious wife Circler Rathnamala who did us the honor of hosting breakfast for the AEX members on Sunday morning. 

Trust me when I say this, the title is no joke. It truly was a breakfast for champions. To start with we were greeted with fantastic coffee (something a mallu very seldom has access to). This was followed by a feast no man should ever be denied in this life. For the vegetarians (very few in the AEX) there was traditional Idilis, Appams, Dosas, Chutney, Samabar, etc. and though I didn't try any of it, I heard from very reliable sources that it was awesome. As for the carnivores, well we feasted on Egg Appams, Egg Dosas, Keema Dosas, Mutton Keema, Mutton Chukka, Chicken, etc. If your mouth is watering like mine was, you are excused. The fabulous meal was washed down with fresh juice by some, coffee by others and beer by a few. 

I have the guilty pleasure of doing this the second time, and to tell you the truth I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thank you Prem and Rathnamala for your hospitality, our trip to Trichy and the AEX wouldn't have been the same without your hospitality.