Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, AUG 1 (NPN): Immediate Past International Director (IPID) Lion Rajkumar Agarwal on Saturday called upon Lions members to strengthen club membership, undertake innovative service projects and make greater use of grants available through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to expand humanitarian activities.
Addressing the District Cabinet Installation of Lions International District 322D for the Lions Year 2026–27 at Dimapur Town Hall, Agarwal lauded the Lions clubs in Dimapur for their active commitment to community service, saying their practice of combining major celebrations with service activities reflected the true spirit of the organisation’s motto, “We Serve.”
He also acknowledged the guidance provided by past district governors and senior members in fostering a strong culture of service within the district.
Reflecting on the history of District 322D, Agarwal said that despite the creation of new districts over the years, District 322D had retained its prominence and remained one of the strongest districts in the Lions movement.
Emphasising the importance of recognising volunteers, he said appreciation and awards were essential to motivate members, noting that Lions Clubs function entirely through voluntary service.
Highlighting the global Mission 1.5 membership campaign, he said the initiative was aimed not merely at achieving numerical membership targets but at encouraging the formation of new clubs and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
Agarwal congratulated District Governor Dr. Neena Dutta for mobilising more than 200 delegates from District 322D to attend the 108th Lions Clubs International Convention in Hong Kong, describing it as the largest delegation from any district. He said the strong participation of Indian delegates helped secure the passage of key resolutions, including increasing the number of directors representing the ISAME region from 2029.
Speaking on LCIF, he said the foundation had substantial funds available for humanitarian projects and urged districts to submit more grant applications under various categories, including diabetes, vision, childhood cancer, hunger, environment, disaster relief, schools, hospitals and blood banks.
He noted that Indian Lions continued to play a leading role globally, with over 300,000 members, making India the largest contributor to the organisation’s international membership. He also highlighted India’s growing leadership within Lions Clubs International and said the country had left a strong impression during the Hong Kong convention.
Agarwal further informed that Lions Clubs in India would celebrate 70 years of Lionism this year, expressing hope that District 322D would organise a major programme to commemorate the milestone.
Urging members to embrace innovation, including the use of artificial intelligence in planning service initiatives, he encouraged clubs to introduce new projects, strengthen their membership base and continue serving communities with renewed dedication.
The programme was attended by Lions members and office-bearers from across District 322D as part of the installation ceremony for the 2026–27 district cabinet.