When the wisdom of Lions meets the innovation of Leos, the picture of service becomes complete. This intergenerational partnership is transforming communities across India and beyond.
The sound of laughter echoes across a college campus in Bengaluru. Medals gleam in the afternoon sun as specially-abled athletes cross finish lines. In Slovenia, an Indian youth finds common ground with peers from six countries. Across the vast expanse of India, thousands of young voices rise in unison, pledging to combat substance abuse in their communities.
These aren’t isolated moments of youthful idealism—they represent the coordinated impact of Leo Clubs, where service transforms from abstract concept to daily practice. As Lions Clubs International marks its 107th year, the organization’s youth movement isn’t merely inheriting a legacy—it’s reshaping it with digital fluency, boundless energy, and remarkable innovation.
While Lions Clubs International has grown to become the world’s largest service organization, it recognizes that its most promising investment may be in those who have the most years of service ahead of them. Throughout India and across the globe, Leos are not just participating in community service — they are pioneering approaches that could redefine humanitarian work for decades to come.
The true measure of leadership often lies in who gets left behind—or more importantly, who doesn’t. In a powerful demonstration of inclusive service, Leos of District 317A collaborated with NTTF College to organize a Sports Meet for students with disabilities.
The event – marked by enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and a spirit of inclusivity – saw a hundred students participating in competitions tailored to their abilities. There were running races, shot put, three-legged races, relays, and other skill-based challenges. Leos from various clubs of the district didn’t merely watch from afar; they actively assisted the contestants, organized the competitions, and created an atmosphere of genuine encouragement and camaraderie.
Beyond the day’s activities, the district provided sports kits to participants, ensuring the impact would continue long after the event concluded. Dignitaries from the Lions and Leo Clubs were present to encourage the participants and distribute prizes, medals, and certificates to the winners.
On April 5, 2025, M.S. College in Bengaluru buzzed with energy as Leos of District 317A launched INNOQUEST 2025 — a dynamic innovation challenge that brought together the district’s brightest young minds to re-imagine community service; a competition designed not merely to showcase ideas but to implement them.
The event, meticulously organized by Leo District Chairperson Lion R.N. Murthy, MJF and the Leo District Team, brought together three-member teams from clubs across the district. Under the watchful eyes of distinguished leaders including Second Vice District Governor K. Easwaran MJF, participants presented pioneering approaches to three critical areas: Community Service, Fundraising, and Leadership. The entries were judged on creativity, feasibility, impact, and presentation.
What distinguished INNOQUEST was its focus on actionable outcomes. Winning projects weren’t destined for dusty shelves—they were immediately slated for pilot implementation across the district. Other notable ideas earned showcases in Lions newsletters and digital platforms, encouraging broader adoption.
“INNOQUEST 2025 was more than just a contest,” reflected Leo District President, Leo Sandeep M. “It was a milestone in the evolution of Leo service, reinforcing the belief that innovation and leadership must go hand-in-hand to build a more inclusive and inspired future.”
For the distinguished gathering of Lions and Leos one thing was clear: the next generation of Lion leaders are not only ready, they are already leading.
In Telangana, Leos of MD 320 are tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing youth today: substance abuse. Partnering with the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), they organized a comprehensive legal awareness program called ‘Say No to Drugs.’ The initiative – envisioning a drug-free state – educated over 2,000 Leo members from various schools across the multiple about the detrimental consequences of drug consumption and the broader societal effects of addiction.
The initiative went beyond traditional lectures, engaging participants in interactive sessions that illuminated both legal ramifications and the importance of making informed choices. The program culminated in a collective oath, with all Leos pledging not only personal abstinence but commitment to serve as ambassadors for drug-free lifestyles within their communities.
This approach exemplifies how Leos are addressing complex social issues: combining education, community engagement, and personal commitment to create ripple effects far beyond their immediate membership.
While local service forms the backbone of Leo impact, international perspective increasingly shapes how young leaders approach community challenges. The Youth Exchange Program exemplifies Lions International’s commitment to fostering global understanding through personal connections.
In Chandigarh, from July 30 to August 1, 2024, nine young participants from Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands joined ten Indian counterparts for a three-day cultural immersion. Under the leadership of Lion Sanjeev Gupta, District Chairperson of Youth Camps and Exchange Program for District 321F, the international guests explored iconic landmarks, including the Capitol Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while experiencing the diverse traditions of India, and engaging in meaningful dialogues about global issues.
A special highlight of the program was a cultural event organized at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali, where the school students put up an impressive showcase of India’s rich heritage through music, dance, and artistic performances. This interactive session allowed the visiting youth to gain a deeper understanding of India’s traditions while also sharing insights about their own countries and cultures. This dialogue fostered a strong sense of unity and cross-cultural appreciation among all participants.
Leo Yash Goyal has also visited Germany as part of a youth exchange program last year. Emphasizing the importance of such programs in nurturing global friendships and enhancing mutual understanding among youth, Lion Sanjeev explained “This exchange is not just about tourism. It’s about building bridges between nations through the power of cultural exchange and personal interactions.”
Youth Exchange Programs are life-changing for participants like Leo Nayan Gandhi from MD 3234, who spent 25 days in Slovenia in July 2024. The program’s two-part structure—a 14-day family stay followed by a 10-day international youth camp with peers from countries like the USA, Netherlands, Japan, Norway, Italy, and Spain—provided both deep cultural understanding and global networking.
Leo Nayan Gandhi believes that the program broadened his worldview, and deepened his appreciation for different perspectives. Engaging in interactive workshops and collaborative activities, he honed vital life skills such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. “The camp’s warm and inclusive atmosphere encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace personal growth,” he admits. “It was not just a cultural exchange—it was a journey of self-discovery that inspired me to be more empathetic, globally aware, and connected me to a worldwide network of like-minded youth.”
International exchanges aren’t the only way to broaden perspectives. India’s diverse cultures and traditions offer valuable learning experiences right here at home. Leo Darsh Karnani of District 3234-H2 discovered this firsthand at the Youth Exchange Program held in Mumbai, in October 2023. The three-day event brought together over 70 passionate Leos from across India, creating a vibrant and diverse community united by leadership, service, and friendship.
The event was well-organized and left a lasting impression on every attendee. From icebreaker sessions to city explorations and interactive workshops, each moment was a learning experience. As the youngest participant in the program, Leo Darsh Karnani found the experience eye-opening. “Being surrounded by dynamic Leo leaders from different districts exposed me to new ideas, new perspectives, and the true spirit of collaboration,” he reflected. “It strengthened my commitment to service and leadership while broadening my understanding of what it means to be part of a larger, united Leo family.”
District 3232-B1 hosted the MD 3232 Youth Exchange Program on December 28-29, 2024, at the scenic Abhivyakti Jivan Tirth campsite in Gandhinagar. Twenty-nine Leos participated in this dynamic two-day event, which was inaugurated by MCC Sunil Gugalia alongside the leadership.
The program featured comprehensive development sessions led by distinguished facilitators. Payal Shah, Yogesh Pota, and Tejas Vora conducted engaging workshops on personality development, leadership skills, youth empowerment, team building, and effective storytelling techniques. Beyond formal sessions, participants embraced a holistic experience through team-building games, morning yoga practices, evening campfires, nature walks, and a vibrant musical evening.
At ITC Fortune Park Panchwati in March 2025, Leo District 322B1 demonstrated that powerful leadership development often happens when people don’t realize they’re being trained.
LeoUtsav 2025, the district’s flagship leadership camp now in its fifth edition, was seamlessly integrated into the Annual District Conference. It brought together over 120 Leos from different clubs, for what appeared on the surface to be a weekend of fun—DJ nights, pool parties, fun and games. Yet each activity was strategically designed to cultivate critical leadership competencies: ‘Battleship’ taught teamwork under pressure, ‘Chakravyuh’ forced strategic thinking amid chaos, and ‘Ek Aur Ek Gyaarah’ sharpened group decision-making skills.
As one participant observed at the end of the two-day residential program:
“We thought we were just playing. And that’s what made the learning stick. The line between fun and growth blurred in the best possible way!”
The program’s genius lay partly in its approach to networking—limiting participation to no more than two members from the same club in each team, forcing Leos out of their comfort zones. By the end of the camp, hallway chats had transformed into career advisory sessions, and group tasks turned into shared memories. And by the end, the room felt less like a crowd, and more like a community.
LeoUtsav wasn’t perfect—and maybe that’s why it worked so well. There were moments of confusion, delays, and challenges. But just like in real leadership, that’s where the learning happened. Leos didn’t just pick up skills—they picked up perspective. They left a little more self-aware, a little more confident, and a lot more connected.
As Leo District 322B1 continues to grow, LeoUtsav serves as a reminder that leadership isn’t always taught in classrooms. Sometimes, it’s learned in the middle of a loud game, a difficult conversation, or a moment of reflection at 2 AM, after lights out. And for over 120 young individuals this year, that’s exactly what it was.
The Leo program may well be one of Lions Clubs International’s most strategic investments in the future. Leo initiatives across India demonstrate that these clubs are not just youth extensions of Lions Clubs, but vibrant laboratories of service innovation—offering models that strengthen service delivery throughout the organization.
The Leo-to-Lions pathway forms a vital pipeline for sustainability. As Lions International continues to evolve to meet changing humanitarian needs, the perspectives and digital fluency of Leo members are invaluable assets.
Lions and Leos – Better Together
When Lions and Leos collaborate across generations, exceptional service emerges. The wisdom, resources, and established networks of Lions combine with the creativity, technological savvy, and passionate idealism of Leos to create opportunities neither could accomplish alone.
In this inter-generational collaboration lies the greatest strength of the Lions movement in its second century of service. As the examples throughout India illustrate, the spirit of Leos shines bright—not just as tomorrow’s promise, but as today’s vibrant reality.