I look back upon my stint at this great institution as I write my last piece as a member. Difficult? Yes! Not because I have little to say, but because I fear, my article will be cut by the editors for its length. Five years have whiffed past just the way a handicapped swimmer in “Splash’04” did. Well, my first project in the Rotaract Club of Churchgate was the most humbling experience for I thanked the Almighty that day for giving me all fours. Equally humbling was my last project, ‘The Last GB”, at Rtr. Prashant Chari’s residence, I thanked the Almighty again for giving me the years that followed. For the uninitiated, the value of five years will surely grow, when I say, Five Years is half a Decade, or even better, a child, just out of school graduates in 5 years to be a man. I hope I have. Ha!
If I was pushed against the wall and asked to recall my most poignant moment in the movement, I would bow out. It would be only unfair to the other moments I’ve had, if I chose one. Also, if I had one, it wouldn’t be really apt to describe it here as you may not relate to the incident or people and therefore, not value the memory as much as it should be. However, with pride and a dash of confidence I can say, what I shall describe right now, is timeless and everyone associated with the club and the movement will relate to, irrespective of the time that has passed since this message has been written. The following feelings are etched in my memory forever, and each time I think of them, my heart fills with nostalgia. Incidentally, the word is formed by Greek words ‘nostos’ – “return home” and ‘algos’ – “pain”. The word couldn’t have been formed any better. It pains to think that I won’t be able to return home like I did in the last 5 years, with contentment and satisfaction filling my heart after a day spent well with the Rockstars.
Seems, I’ve drifted enough. Quickly, coming back to what I was to say. Years change, boards, Presidents and even Ones’ Role in The Mix changes, but what remains is the Feeling. The feeling of rush, anxiety and excitement on the night before a project remains. The sense of joy when the number of people present exceeds the number of people expected, remains. The feeling of anger when a designated duty isn’t done remains. The feeling of helplessness if a judge or a sponsor backs out remains. The feeling of fulfillment, when the project is over and a success remains. Questions asked by the mind are answered effortlessly by the events taking place. Did I expect it to be this way? How did we manage to do that? Is this for real? Each one of them is well taken care of. But for me, above all, what remains and shall remain forever is the ritual, the one that was never missed, in good times or bad. It was all-inclusive, all defining and ubiquitous. Most importantly, all participated in it and missing it was sacrilegious. Neither an individual, nor a President, nor a Director, nor a Member, but One sound resonated, the sound of tapping feet, clapping hands and One voice singing “We Will Rock You!” I know for sure, its nothing else, but just this one feeling that glues each one to this club. Sorry, for excluding you, my non-Churchgateite friend, but only an RCCite can understand the last bit of the aforesaid.
As, the page fills, as I reach closer to the Final Frontier and the editors’ frowns become more apparent, I shall quickly proceed to post my last message in the beloved mouthpiece, “Moments”. My predecessors and batch-mates as well, may have thanked individuals for the great times they spent here but I have no one but The Rotaract Club of Churchgate to be grateful to. For, if it weren’t for the club, it wouldn’t have been the people or the experiences and even the Feelings, which I spoke of. On this note, I would wish the Club all the best for the future and any assistance needed from me as an alumnus, I shall happily oblige. And you, my reader friend, we shall see you around and because, you may take us out of Churchgate but not Churchgate out of us, next time we meet, we can and we will, Rock You.
Yours In Rotaract
M
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