Dear Friends,

Please find attached herewith an invite for the 5th NeX meeting to be held on 11th July’ 09 at 10:30 am at Hotel Park Hyatt, Goa.

Please dress up according to the dress code provided.

Regards as WE make the difference,

Tr. Pranay Trivedi

National President – 2008-2009

Round Table India

Cell:   +91 92465 27156

email: pranayt@gmail.com

Dear Friends

We presume that a lot of deliberations has taken place to consider the 2 day format for the COB. We, in the Committee, felt it was best for the Head Table to decide the way forward and plan their official agenda. We also felt no one would want to come over just for a ‘single day’ to a destination such as Goa. Therefore, irrespective of the decision of the Head Table & the Nex, we had decided to go ahead with an ‘INFORMAL NITE’ and make it an optional event with a cover charge of Rs. 900 (this is the dinner charges at Hyatt).

Subsequently, we took another bold step to turn this entirely into a ‘COMPLIMENTARY’ as you would have noticed that we are charging a registration amount of just Rs. 1750 which has been rate for one ‘banquet-dinner’ in the past. While, we are looking forward to someone sponsoring this event, we would be ambiguous on our budget if we did not have the exact figure much in time. Hence, anyone registering after the 30^th June will pay an amount of Rs. 750 as the late fee. Please register in time to avoid this late fee.

We are confident that most of you will be present on the 10^th and participate in one of the biggest fellowship event RTI is to witness. We suggest that all of you carry the right attire to be dressed as per the theme for the evening. Please open the attachment for the theme & the dress code at the INFORMAL NITE on the 10^th July at the HYATT.

Thanking you

With regards

Tr. Mohan Mankani & Cr. Sagri Handa

Convenors, COB 2009

Dear Friends,

Wish to share my experience at Area 7 and Area 2 which I visited last week:

Coonoor RT 117 – 03.06.09

After landing up at Coimbatore, I was whisked away by Area Chairman 7 Tr. Vijayanth straight to Coonoor – must say, he can give competition to ace F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan I have a special relationship with this Table whose World Meet and Table AGM I had attended after I took over office as well as a wonderful school inauguration and was glad to be back with them once again.

Upon reaching, we were met by Chairman Tr. Manoj and a couple of Tablers over a relaxed lunch at the Club. A couple of hours siesta and then Tr. Manoj gave us a guided tour of a Tea factory and then around town.The business meeting in the evening saw good attendance including IPC Tr. Rajesh who was recuperating from a major road accident.

The fellowship that followed was special as I was treated to a drive in the forest for bison spotting – all that we could get to see was a domesticated pig and a hare :) Anyways, the entire evening was filled with lots of fun.

Ooty RT 55 – 04.06.09

Before the start of the meeting, we were taken across to a school project which will be undertaken by the Table in partnership with Rochdale RT 55 – RTBI. Round Table India will derive huge publicity from this project as it is located at a very prominent place in Ooty – Charing Cross and once the building comes up, it will be seen from all directions.

I am pleased to inform you that Rochdale RT 55 have confirmed a donation of 3500 GBP for the ground floor block and will also help them for the first floor.

The meeting was held in an beautiful British property owned by the incoming Chairman and it was glad to see many Tablers at the meeting over lunch, which was on a working day. I had the pleasure of inducting a prospective into our fold.

After a sumptuous lunch, it was time for us to move ahead to our next destination – Salem, a drive of nearly 5 hours…..

Salem – joint meeting of RT 28, 84 and 175 – 04.06.09

A joint meeting of 3 Tables, big crowd, bigger party, interaction with so many Tablers, great fellowship and not to forget – Chinese drink……

Guys, believe me, Tabling in smaller Tabling centres is out of the world and it can be felt only when you experience it.

Salem RT 28 – Tree planting and School block inauguration – 05.06.09

On the occassion of World Environment Day, RT 28 had organised a Tree planting project which was also attended by Area 7 Chaiperson Cr. Pinky Balaji. This was followed by the inauguration of a 2 classroom school block jointly built by the Table and the Circle.

Coimbatore – 05.06.09

Finally got the time to chill out and relax but the joy was shortlived as the big boys of Coimbatore had planned out an informal get-together at the Golf Club and then gate-crashed into past president Illango’s house and partied till late.

Coimbatore RT 133 – Swing and Run – Fundraising event – 06.06.09

Set my foot for the 1st time on a Golf course and what a sight it was. Unbelievable chill weather in Coimbatore and we were all there at 6:30 am to tee-off the participants. TTE Satish was our guide who took us around the golf course and explained the nuances of the game and aslo showed us some peacocks.

Due to my other committments, I had to miss the marathon and the party in the evening.

Madras Mylapore RT 3 – 50th year celebrations – 06.06.09

Had the privilege to be at this Table’s landmark event where a lot of nostalgic moments were shared with all the invitees. Had a good time interacting with Indu Chandok who had lots of stories to talk about.

Once the meeting was over, went party hopping to past AC 2 Giri and NHT 2 Sai’s social. The highlight of this social was the belly dancing – not by professionals by by Giri and Sai…….That was a sight to watch :):)

I wish to thank Area Chairmen Vijji and Sakthi and Table Chairmen Manoj – 117, Shahid – 55, Madhukar – 28, Ashok – 84, Sushil – 175, Vikram – 133 and Dilip – 3 and all other Tablers and Circlers for the hospitality extended to me during this trip.

That’s all from this leg of the trip, more to come the next week.

Regards as WE make the difference,

Tr. Pranay Trivedi

National President – 2008-2009

Round Table India

Cell:   +91 92465 27156

email: pranayt@gmail.com

Dear Friends

The following FAQ may help you and other members who would want to enjoy the COB.   

1. What is the COB?

a. ‘Change Over banquet’ is much like an Installation, where the new President along with his team takes over from the incumbent President. It is always held on the 2^nd Saturday of July. It is normally attended by the outgoing & incoming members of the NEX. It is advisable that Table & Area executives attend the event. The official ‘change over’ is followed by fellowship & entertainment. The outgoing NEX has its last meet & the incoming NEX have their 1^st meet preceding & following the banquet respectively.

2. Where is the COB this time?

a. The COB is being held at Hyatt, Asia’s premier resort with the largest pool in India. It’s a brand new property. The details are available at its official website www.goa.park.hyatt.com

3. Who are the hosts?

a. The COB, this time is being hosted HRT 37 along with HCRT 142, HART 153, HKRT 178, BRT 7, PCRT 128, HLC 45, HCLC 71 & BLC19.

4. When is the COB being held?

a. This time, it is being held over 2 nights for a variety of reasons on the 10^th & 11^th July. Moreover, Goa is not a destination that anyone would want to visit just for a ‘single’ day.

5. What is the program over the 2 days.

a. The PACART meeting will be held on Friday the 10^th between 10am & 2 pm.

b. The PACE meet will be held for the incoming officers on Friday the 10^th between 2pm & 6pm.

c. The COB part 1 & informal night party will be held on Friday the 10^th from 8pm onwards. It may be an outdoor event. Monsoon is playing an obstacle at the moment. The event will have a theme with dress code and lots of entertainment.

d. The outgoing NEX (RTI & LCI) meeting will be held on Saturday the 11^th from 10am to 6 pm.

e. The COB part 2 & gala party will be held on Saturday the 11^th from 8 pm onwards. This will be in the banquet hall. The event will have theme with a dress code and lots of entertainment.

f. The incoming NEX (RTI & LCI) will be held on Sunday the 12^th between 10am & 6 pm.

6. What about the pre & post COB program?

a. The committee members will reach Goa on the 9^th by 12 noon. There will be contributory dinner-optional on the 9^th with all the delegates reaching a day in advance. It may be at the Hyatt or at Titos or elsewhere. Details will be sent by the 30^th. A number of international delegates are reaching on the 9^th.

b. A small number of delegates have already opted for the night stay on the 12^th. We may have another contributory dinner. The delegates will leave on the 13^th after breakfast.

c. The rate for those checking in on the 9^th or staying back on the 12^th will be the same amount of Rs. 6000 on Bed & breakfast basis.

7. What is the registration amount & the last date?

a. The registration amount is being maintained at the same level as in the past in spite of the event being spread over 2 nights. This is Rs. 1750 and shall include 2 dinners, entry to the COB, entertainment & other logistics.

b. The last date for registration is 30^th June without the late fee of Rs. 750. The hotel is very strict with wanting to know the exact number of delegates attending the event at least 2 weeks in advance. We also have constraints with the number of delegates that could be accommodated in the hall; although it is the biggest resort convention hall in Goa. Please ensure that you register by sending in the form & the full amount of Rs. 1750 before the 30^th June.

8. What are the convention Hotels, its rates & the last date for confirmation for accommodation?

a. Hyatt & Royal Orchid are the only 2 convention Hotels for this event. All the official events are happening only at the Hyatt. The rates are Rs. 6000 & 3000 per day on twin sharing basis inclusive of all taxes respectively. This includes bed & breakfast. You need to pair with your own colleague/partner in case you are attending the COB single. Ask the other Tabler not to pay for the room when he sends in his registration.

b. The distance between these 2 properties is 1.5 km on road and a 15 minutes’ walk along the beach.

c. You also have the choice of staying at any hotel of your choice. Refer any travel site for details. Try & stay close to the Hyatt which is located at Arossim beach, Cansaulim, south Goa. But, don’t fail to register before the 30^th June.

d. There is no last date for the hotel confirmation. It is on first come basis. You are required to pay at least one day’s advance for confirmed reservation and the balance needs to be paid by the 30th June.

e. We have only blocked 100 rooms & 25 rooms at Hyatt & Royal orchid respectively. We shall stop taking any hotel advances after the rooms are full. Information about this will be sent thro mass mail, sms & to the existing NEX group. Thereafter, you will be required to make your own arrangements for stay.  

9. What are costs for the children?

a. The registration costs for children up to 6 is free but no plates will be provided by the hotel as the accounting is based on ‘plate count’. Lets accept this fact.

b. The registration for children between 6 & 12 is Rs. 850 and shall include dinner for 2 nights.

c. The accommodation charges for children is Rs. 1500 at Hyatt. This will entitle an extra bed in the room.  You could pay this on the spot. Please remember that the information of the extra bed is being provided to the hotel. In case, you fail to register in advance, the hotel will charge normal rates to your bill and the same will be much higher than the one that is offered to us. 

d. The extra bed cost at Royal Orchid will be charged to room bills and the same can be paid at the time of check out. You could even avoid this if you don’t avail an extra bed.  Negotiate with the staff at the time of check in. They wouldn’t charge if the child looks very young.

10. What about Lunch?

a. Lunch has always been optional at all COBs. It is the same here. The coupons will be sold for Rs. 500-600. The lunch is only made available on the 10^th & 11^th & 12^th.

b. It will be made available for Rs. 300-350 for children up to 12 years.

c. There is no provision for lunch on the 9^th & 13^th by the committee. The delegates may make their own choice from Ala carte.

11. What about confirmation of accommodation for the 9^th & 12^th ?

a.  Those who want to stay on the 9^th or the 12^th will have to intimate to us by the 15^th June. The amount can be sent alongwith the 2^nd instalment which is the 30^th. In case you have already registered in full, then send in the intimation thro an email along with the balance amount by the 15^th.

12. What are the transport, pick-up & drop facilities?

a. The pickup & drop arrangements will be made from & to the Airport and Margao railway station to the delegates staying at the 2 convention hotels. Please provide the arrival & departures details in the registration forms to avoid any last minutes requests & confusion.

b. Shuttle services are also available to those staying at the Royal orchid. We shall be providing one MUV/SUV to each group at Royal Orchid with drivers’ contact number so that the group could use the vehicle at their discretion; limited to & fro Hyatt .

c. Hyatt is 30 minutes from the airport & 45 minutes from the railway station.

13. Is there any sightseeing or games for children & delegates that are not part of the Nex during the day?

a. Half day free sightseeing is being held on the 11^th from 10 am to 2 pm. This is open to the 1^st 75 delegates assembling at the lobby. Contact Tr. Prashant Hebsur for participation & details

b. Games will be held at the poolside on the 11^th between 11am & 4 pm. Contact Tr. Vijesh Saigal for details & participation.

14. Can I have the choice of the room at Hyatt?

a. We have blocked all the standard rooms at the hotel. Rooming list will be done, taking into consideration that Tablers from particular table stay in one block.

b. You could upgrade your room by paying the actual difference. Details on this will be sent later.

15. What are the facilities for the drivers?

a. Just outside the Hyatt gate, there are shacks & restaurants that also provide accommodation at modest price. Please make use of it.

16. What about crèche?

a. Hyatt has a well equipped crèche/play area for children. Crèche will be available on the 10^th & 11^th from 7pm to 3 am and the same will manned by maids. Crèche food (limited menu/unlimited quantity) will be available for children up to 6 years on FOC between 8pm-10 pm.

17. What are important dates to remember?

a. Accommodation at Hyatt & Royal orchid is on First come basis alongwith one day’s advance. This is limited to 1^st 125 rooms.

b. 15^th June: intimation for pre stay & post stay.

c. 30^th June : final payment/ 2^nd instalment towards accommodation at convention Hotels

d. 30^th June: registration without late fee of Rs. 750.

e. 9/10^th: spot registration with late fee of Rs. 750 & registration for children at regular rates.

18. Any concession for the Hosts, Committee members or Area X members?

a. Registration is mandatory for all the members. Please pay Rs. 1750 before the 30th of June.

b. Couple attending the COB are requested to reserve their rooms by paying in full.

c. Singles attending the COB can stay on triple sharing basis without additional cost.

d. We are looking at subsidising a part of the total room cost. Details will be sent later OR We are trying to provide Rooms ( Hyatt or royal Orchid) on fOC for one day to all committee members reaching Goa on the 9^th by 12 noon.

e. Lunch coupons will be on FOC for committee members on all 3 days.

See you all at Goa!

Thanking you

With regards

Tr. Mohan Mankani & Cr. Sagri Handa

Convenors, COB 2009

Dear Friends

The response on the COB has been great and I would like to thank all the members on the Current board & Incoming board for this.

Please spend a few moments note the following:

1. We have limited rooms left at Hyatt and Royal orchid. All those who are keen on staying at these 2 convention hotels are requested to send in their registration forms with 1 days advance. The allocation is on first come basis and we shall stop taking in the accommodation once all the rooms are allocated.

2. All those who have blocked the rooms either by phone/email or by paying a token advance are requested to send in the completed registration forms by the 31^st May. After that, we shall remove these names and start accepting new requests.

3. All those who desire to come in advance and stay post 12^th should send in their confirmation by 15^th June. In case you have already sent in the registration without this information; a mail would suffice for this.

4. Ajay & Ritesh will soon mail the information on entertainment, theme party & dress codes for all the events.

See you all at Goa.

Thanking you

With regards

Tr. Mohan Mankani

COB 2009 Convenor