“Did I hear anyone speaking Marathi (Indian vernacular language) just now, or am I imagining?” asked Aparna.

“Yes, it was I speaking in Marathi” replied Manik Paranjape, wife of Shirish Paranjape, a member of Rotary Christchurch New Horizons.

It turned out that Aparna and Manik were connected not only through the same Marathi language, they in fact had learnt music from the same teacher – 45+ years back – as school goers at Nagpur India. What a small world!

Aparna was part of a 30-strong group of Rotarians from India, who were doing a “car rally” through the entire length of New Zealand, from Paihia to Milford Sound. Rotary Christchurch New Horizons hosted them one evening when the rally was passing through Christchurch. Little would Aparna, or anyone else, have imagined that she will meet her childhood friend after 45+ years!

What a splendid example of “Rotary Connects the World”, which is the theme of Rotary International this year!

This rally was intending to spread several messages including international friendship, peace & goodwill, global warming and “End Polio Now”. The visiting Rotarians together represented 12 different clubs belonging to Rotary District 3131 in Western India and were led by Subodh Joshi, himself a Past District Governor of RD 3131.

Throughout their journey, they were welcomed / hosted by several different clubs on the way, including Rotary clubs of Bay of Islands, Somerville (Auckland), Rotorua Passport, Wellington, Blenheim (South), Christchurch New Horizons and Wanaka. These clubs together represent Rotary Districts 9910, 9920, 9930, 9940, 9970 and 9980.

Apart from spending time with these Rotary clubs, they visited New Zealand Parliament as well as met a few members of Parliament.

At Auckland, they were interviewed by Radio Tarana / Indian Newslink, and at Christchurch in Marathi by Akashvani Sydney, a community radio station in Australia. This programme was broadcast on 10th March.

Their ‘flag-off” from their hotel at Christchurch was done by Hon. Nicky Wagner (Member of Parliament) and the event was covered ‘live’ by TVNZ as part of the ‘Breakfast’ show. It was amazing how quickly the visitors became part of New Zealand households – they reported that even a Subway owner recognized them and gave them ‘special treatment’.

From all accounts, the team achieved every objective they had set out to achieve, while also spreading the message of selfless community service through their travels and interactions.