Classrooms of Hope
Growing up in a joint family, Mahendra Shah learned early the profound meaning of ahimsa and jivdaya—the principles of non-violence and compassion for all living beings. These childhood lessons would later shape his remarkable journey as a member of the Vapi Integrated Lions Club, District 3232-F2.
When Shah took on the role of District Chairperson – Jivdaya in 2009, he envisioned bringing Lions together across geographical boundaries while serving communities in need. This vision gave birth to the Lions Jivdaya Fellowship and Service Yatras—annual journeys where Lions from District 3232-F2 travel to different parts of India, combining humanitarian service with fellowship.
The inaugural rally in 2009 saw 61 members participating in this journey of service to the Miyagam village, in the Vadodara district of Gujarat. Since then, 18 such rallies have touched lives across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The warm welcome from local Lions Clubs set a precedent for what would become a cherished tradition.
At the 15th Jivdaya Rally to Sikkim and Siliguri in November 2022, Lions of District 3232-F2 enjoyed the warm hospitality of Lions of District 322E and gifted wheelchairs, sewing machines and solar panels to those in need at Siliguri.
“Each year, we eagerly anticipate these trips,” shares PDG Vijay Singh Umat from District 3232-F1. “The combination of joint meetings and service projects creates bonds that transcend district boundaries.” The initiative typically brings together 70-80 members annually, who contribute towards gaushalas, provide mobility aids, and distribute essential supplies to communities in need.
From Local to Global…
The rally’s reach has steadily expanded—from serving communities within state borders to touching lives across India and then extending beyond national boundaries.
Following their successful mission in Nepal, Lions visited Sri Lanka in 2023. Working alongside Zone Chairperson Ms. Niwara Eliya of the Nuwara Eliya Lions Club, District 306C2, the group provided wheelchairs valued at ₹51,000 to local residents. The impact of these service rallies hasn’t gone unnoticed. PDG Kulbhushan Mittal from Indore, who hosted the group in 2017, believes this model should be widely adopted, noting its effectiveness in strengthening the Lions’ public image while serving communities.
What makes these initiatives particularly special is their collaborative nature—each participating member contributes to the project funds, embodying the true spirit of collective service. As the group plans their next adventure to Vietnam, they continue to prove that compassion knows no borders.