Not Recruited. Inspired. How Service Spurred Growth in MD 3231

GAT Report

In Khadked, a village near Igatpuri in Nashik District, Maharashtra, a new Ashram Shala is ready to welcome its first students. Its classrooms will give children from the rural communities access to education that was, until recently, out of reach. But for Juhu Lions Club, District 3231-A3, the building itself is only part of the story.

The club has a long history of permanent, community-anchoring projects — schools, colleges, hostels, and check dams across rural Maharashtra, collectively touching lakhs of lives. The Ashram Shala at Khadked, conceived in Lions year 2023–2024 and completed this year, continues that tradition. What set this project apart was the leadership it demanded and the example it set.

Anil Agrawal 
GAT Area Leader,
MD 3231 & MD 3232

 

PDG Umesh Gandhi
GAT Vice Area Leader, MD 3231

 

For nearly 18 months, members of the project committee made the drive to Khadked every 10 to 15 days. They weren’t just monitoring construction, they were meeting villagers, speaking with young people—many of them first-generation professionals, answering questions about Lions, and how the organisation works.

The community witnessed firsthand the commitment, transparency, and accountability of Lions, along with the high quality standards maintained throughout the project. Over time, conversations deepened. Curiosity became admiration, and admiration became something more purposeful.

A group of local residents recently approached Juhu Lions Club with a request: to help them form a Lions club of their own. They had seen service in action up close, and wanted to build it in their own community — for their own neighbors.

The club is now supporting that process. A new Lions club in Khadked is on the horizon — membership growth that no recruitment drive engineered, but that consistent service made inevitable.

It is a reminder that visible, sustained service does more than meet immediate needs. It shows what is possible — and quietly prompts others to ask: what if we did this too?

That question, and the action it inspires, may be the most enduring thing Juhu Lions Club has created in Khadked.

Chasing Excellence:
The Jesse Robinson Cup

What does it take to be the best? The Jesse Robinson Cup celebrates districts that achieve the highest annual membership growth rate in each constitutional area—making it one of the most prestigious honours a district can earn.

Winning teams don’t just take home pride—they get their names engraved on their CA’s cup and receive a replica trophy to commemorate their achievement!

CA 6 – ISAME Standings (As of March 3, 2026)

1 District 315A1 45.59%
2 District 318 D1 27.47%
3 District 317 A 26.36%
4 District 3242 B 26.15%
5 District 3231A1 24.92%
6 District 325 F 24.31%
7 District 325 R 23.99%
8 District 3233 C 23.54%
9 District 3242 F 21.61%
10 District 317 C 21.01%

The race is on, and every new member counts! Now is the time to energize your districts, drive growth, and aim for the top.

Let’s work together to see more districts qualify and compete for this incredible recognition.

Learn more: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/presidential-awards-initiatives/jesse-robinson-membership-growth-cup

VDG Challenge
Recognition 2026

Leadership is measured by impact—and the VDG Challenge Recognition celebrates Vice District Governors who are building the future by chartering new clubs ahead of their term. Outstanding leaders will be recognized at the 2026 Convention in Hong Kong.

Qualifying Criteria:

  • First Vice District Governors (2025–2026): Extend 2 new clubs during your VDG years.
  • Second Vice District Governors (2025–2026): Extend 1 new club during your 2VDG year

Note: Must be listed as an “extension award nominee”

India Performance Snapshot (As of March 5, 2026)

FVDGs:
55 out of 84 qualified – 65%

SVDGs:
57 out of 83 qualified – 69%

Top performers:

District Qualification
MD 3233 100%
MD 3241 100%
MD 316 83%
MD 321 80%

Leading the way:

District Qualification
MD 316, MD 3241 100%
MD 3242 100%
MD 3231 75%
MD 3232 71%

Now is the time to review progress with your VDGs, drive action, and ensure more leaders qualify for this prestigious recognition.

Let’s work together to strengthen our districts, expand our reach, and celebrate leadership excellence on the global stage.

Important Reminder: Report Key Team Members Promptly

The Lion Portal is now open for entering your district team selections. As you finalize your team, please ensure all appointments are reported without delay.

Why timely reporting matters:
Prompt updates ensure that critical team members—such as your GMT and GET Coordinators—receive all relevant MISSION 1.5 Summit communications and invitations on time.

 

 Let’s stay aligned, stay updated, and ensure every key leader is connected to the right information at the right time.

2026–2027 District Goals Submission Now Open!

First Vice District Governor/District Governor-Elect: Your 2026–2027 District Goals are due by April 30, 2026.

At this time, your district’s Membership, Leadership, Service, and LCIF goals, along with action plans need to be submitted.

Why this matters:
Clear and timely goal setting ensures your district is fully prepared and aligned for the upcoming MISSION 1.5 Summits—setting the stage for stronger planning, collaboration, and impact.

Action Required:
Please submit your district goals at the earliest using the submission link provided.

Need help?
Refer to the 2026–2027 District Goals webpage or reach out to the Global Action Team for support.

Let’s set the direction early and build a strong foundation for a successful year ahead.

Thank you for your continued leadership and service.