- Delegation of 85 senior leaders from 25 countries led by International President A.P. Singh visits Ahmedabad to explore impactful projects
- “Gujarat Lions Clubs inspired our first eye hospital in Africa and continue to set benchmarks in healthcare and eye donation,” says Dr. Manoj Shah
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will host a high tea for the delegates, where he will be presented with the Lions International Medallion
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, OCT 14
For the first time, Gujarat is hosting the meeting of the Executive Officers and Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International (LCI), the world’s largest service organization. A high-powered delegation of 85 global Lions leaders representing 25 countries arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday to study some of the state’s most impactful service projects and experience its vibrant culture and Diwali festivities.
Led by A.P. Singh, International President of Lions Clubs International, the delegation includes key international dignitaries such as Mark Lyon (USA), Dr. Manoj Shah (Nairobi), Tony Benbow (Australia), Fabrício Oliveira (Brazil), Dr. Patti Hill (Canada), Gudrun Yngvadottir (Iceland), and Brian Sheehan (USA), among others.
“Lions Clubs International is known globally for its commitment to transforming lives through service in health, education, and community welfare,” said A.P. Singh, adding, “The Lions community in Gujarat has undertaken some of the finest and most sustainable projects in India. We are here to learn from their work and replicate such impactful models across continents.”
Mr. Singh appreciated Gujarat’s contribution to the organization’s humanitarian legacy, noting that Lions Clubs in India operate 60 dialysis centres, 55 blood banks, 175 eye hospitals, and over 200 schools, and are developing a Rs. 100-crore cancer hospital in Surat.
Gujarat’s Inspiration Reaches Africa
Sharing his reflections, Dr. Manoj Shah, Second International Vice President of Lions Clubs International (Nairobi), whose native is Jamnagar and family settled in Africa over a century ago, credited Gujarat Lions Clubs for inspiring one of the organization’s landmark healthcare initiatives in Africa.
“Nearly 25 years ago, with the guidance and support of Lions leaders from Gujarat, we established our first eye hospital in Africa,” Dr. Shah recalled. “That partnership planted the seeds for what has become a network of healthcare and eye-care institutions across the continent.”
“The spirit of service we witnessed here in Gujarat — the dedication to community, the passion for healthcare, and the emphasis on sustainability — continues to guide us in Africa. Today, we have expanded our activities to include over 500 eye donations, cataract surgeries, and outreach programs inspired by the model set by Gujarat Lions Clubs,” he added.
Showcasing Service and Celebration
During their four-day visit from October 14–17, the delegation will tour prominent Lions projects in Ahmedabad and nearby areas, including the Rohit Mehta Lions Medical Hub, Lions Karnavati Eye Hospital, Dialysis Centre, Blood Bank, and Lalji Mehrotra Lions School. Delegates will also participate in service activities, distributing artificial limbs and assistive devices to more than 100 specially-abled beneficiaries, and donating books from their home countries to enrich local libraries.
CM’s hospitality to leaders
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will host a high tea for the delegates, where he will be presented with the Lions International Medallion.
The visit will conclude with a special Diwali celebration at senior citizens’ homes and a cultural extravaganza at Jal Tarang near Adalaj ni Vav, featuring a troupe from Vrindavan performing traditional festival tableaux.
“Ahmedabad exemplifies the Lions’ global vision — where compassion meets community action,” said Pravin Chhajed, Past International Director, adding that the visit will strengthen collaboration and inspire service innovation across the global network.
With its blend of service, culture, and celebration, the Lions International Board visit reaffirms Gujarat’s reputation as a hub of humanitarian excellence — a place where service is not an act, but a way of life.
