TIP Reporter ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (TIP): Lion Mahesh Chitnis became the first person of South Asian origin to be elected a Governor of Lions district 16-J. He was elected by unanimous vote at the recently concluded 93rd annual state convention of the organization. Lion Mahesh Chitnis joined Lions Club International as a LEO in 1985 and participated several community service activities including disaster relief, mentoring youth, serving the homeless and under privileged. He will be leading 60+ lions clubs in central Jersey in 2014-15.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.

International Director Lion Esther LaMothe was the Keynote speaker at the 93rd annual convention of New Jersey Lions (Multiple District 16) this weekend at the Bally’s in Atlantic City. She emphasized the importance of service. She challenged lions to be “glow worms” in our communities. Her speech was well received and motivated lions around the state.

Honorees and Lions: From Left: Bob Virgadamo, Sarvesh Dharayan, Kajol Bishnoi, ID Esther Mahote,PCC Mel Bray, Reena Bajpaiand Ojas Chitnis

It was a very successful year for Indian Americans in New Jersey. Lion Anu Chitnis of Edison Visionary Lions received President’s leadership medal, 3rd highest award in Lions organization, for her service as chairperson for Women empowerment. Lion Sarvesh Kumar Dharayan, Lion Atma Singh, Lion Kajol Bishnoi (The Indian Panorama Reporter), Lion Rina Bajpai and Ojas Chitnis received prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship for their involvement in disaster relief effort.

All lions present at the convention applauded their support for humanitarian causes undertaken by Lions clubs international foundation. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org or contact Lion Kajol Bishnoi atkajol.bishnoi@16j.org.