Requiem for Lion' s Club of Chinchinim
It was the initiative of late Prof LJ.Denis my teacher at St Xaviers Bombay. Introduced him to potential members but it was a disappointment when request was politely declined. He persisted in his efforts and enrolled second order of people and thus established LIONS Club at Chinchinim. Membership internationally to prestigious Club is tough.But with proliferation of clubs in Villagers demanding standards had to be lowered Hence even tigers, leopards foxes adorned Lions attire.Lions are professionals businessmen Industrialist and prominent citizens otherwise.It started with a bang and regret ended with a whimper Some past presidents like Eng Gabriel, Adv Velho, Sarto Furtado John Dias kept the flag flying high.Many left as the international contributions and yearly dues on activities were stiff for many members..Resource mobilization did not succeed Enthusiasm too was on wane and popularity was hinged on activities to prove existence.The number of members were just enough to form required administrative committee Felicitation of rank holders of Chinchinim schools was first priority and then trickled down to recognition of teachers The bus stand near the Communidade building and at St Sebastian Chapel leaves their legacy of identity to remind and serves a useful purpose.The Panchayat should in collaboration with schools must maintain cleanliness and upkeep, now that Lions Club of Chinchinim has folded up >From the initial euphoria or lack of interests it was bound to happen sooner than later.The Club did provide an opportunity for leadership , management resource mobilization communication skills building fellowship and enhancing sphere of influence and commitment for social service The Lions Ladies were a crowning glory adding glamour of sort and providing them a platform for social interaction It is a pity and lack of foresight that the tail enders did not exert pressure and efforts to ensure continuity Being prominent and influential group they did and could project needs more effectively with Govt and other organisations At one point P.CTrust wanted to entrust schemes to the Club for administration and it was not a worthy idea after all as it looks now Similarly Junor Jaycees International then headed by late Cyprian Lopes winded up too for similar reasons..The footprints still linger in the form of an instituted award for Konkanni for the highest marks in the subject at SSC from amongst the schools of Chinchinim Village However limited they served the Village and a purpose All good things must finally come to an end seems prophetic Nelson Lopes Chinchinim