Lions Clubs International Visits Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad Hosts Lions Clubs International Leaders For Cultural And Service Tours

Ahmedabad is all set to host a very special group this week. From October 14 to 17, a delegation of 85 top leaders from Lions Clubs International, representing 25 countries, will be in the city. This visit is led by AP Singh, the International President of Lions Clubs International. Their goal is to study service projects run by Lions Clubs in Ahmedabad and also experience Gujarat’s rich culture, traditions, and Diwali celebrations.

Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest service organisations. Founded in 1917 in Chicago, it now has more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. The organisation focuses on causes like vision, hunger relief, the environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes. India plays a very important role in the Lions network. It has one of the largest memberships outside the United States, with thousands of clubs active across the country.

While India has hosted the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors’ meetings three times before, this is the first time the meeting is being held in Gujarat. This is a proud moment for Ahmedabad’s Lions community, which has built a strong reputation for large-scale service work. The visiting delegates are from countries like the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Malaysia, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Iceland. Along with their official agenda, they will also take part in cultural activities to understand local traditions.

AP Singh, the International President, explained the purpose of the visit. He said that Lions Clubs International works to make a real difference in people’s lives, especially through health, education, and social welfare projects. In India, the Lions network runs 60 dialysis centres, 55 blood banks, 175 eye hospitals, more than 200 schools, and over 100 environmental projects. These numbers highlight the massive scale of their work. They are also building a new cancer hospital in Surat at a cost of ₹100 crore. This is in line with Lions International’s global vision to tackle healthcare gaps in underserved regions.

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Over the four days, the delegates will have a packed schedule. They will take part in tours of various service projects, meet state leaders, join cultural programmes, and get involved in philanthropic activities. Such visits are not only symbolic but also practical. Lions Clubs International often identifies successful models in one region and adapts them for other parts of the world. By studying Ahmedabad’s projects, they can learn how community-led service can be scaled effectively.

Pravin Chhajed, Past International Director of Lions Club International, shared that Ahmedabad has become a model for impactful community service. The city’s projects are known not just for their size but also for the strong spirit of service that drives them. This kind of recognition from top international leadership is expected to inspire local members to do even more. It also brings international attention to Gujarat’s unique blend of community service and cultural pride.

On their first day, the delegation will visit the Rohit Mehta Lions Medical Hub and Lions Hub in Ahmedabad. Medical hubs like these are important because they bring multiple healthcare services under one roof, making it easier for patients to access treatment. Later that day, a group reception and cultural evening will give the guests a taste of Gujarat’s artistic heritage, including music, dance, and traditional crafts. Cultural showcases like these help build emotional connections between international visitors and the local community.

The second day will focus on healthcare and education. Delegates will visit Lions Karnavati Eye Hospital, Lions Karnavati Dialysis Centre, Lions Karnavati Blood Bank, and Lalji Mehrotra Lions School. These institutions play a key role in providing affordable healthcare and education to thousands of people every year. For example, Lions Eye Hospitals in India are known for performing free or low-cost cataract surgeries, helping restore vision for lakhs of patients. Dialysis centres run by Lions Clubs offer subsidised treatment for kidney patients who often struggle with high medical costs.

Delegates will also take part in a service activity where artificial limbs and assistive equipment will be distributed to more than 100 specially-abled beneficiaries. This is part of Lions Clubs International’s long tradition of supporting people with disabilities. In many parts of India, Lions Clubs run limb donation camps that give people mobility and independence. In addition, the delegates will donate books from their home countries to enrich the school library, promoting cultural exchange through education.

Later in the day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will host a high tea in Gandhinagar. During the event, he will receive the Lions Club International Medallion, a symbolic gesture that reflects mutual respect and cooperation. In the evening, delegates will be welcomed into the homes of Lions leaders to celebrate Diwali. Home visits like these give them a chance to experience local customs in a warm, personal setting.

On October 16, the delegation will visit several ongoing service initiatives, including the Lions Hall Health & Care Foundation, Blind People’s Association, Deaf & Dumb School, Vishranti Gruh, Naroda School, and Gozaria Hospital. These visits will give them a close look at how community service reaches different groups, from children with hearing impairments to senior citizens in care homes. Organisations like the Blind People’s Association in Ahmedabad are well respected for their work in education, skill training, and employment for the visually impaired.

The visit will end on October 17 with a special Diwali celebration at senior citizens’ homes in Ambli and Kasindra. Delegates will distribute festive kits to more than 110 elderly residents, spreading joy during the festival season. The closing event at Jal Tarang, near Adalaj ni Vav, will feature a cultural performance by a 35-member troupe from Vrindavan. They will present traditional depictions of Indian festivals such as Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Shivratri. This performance aims to give the visitors a deeper understanding of India’s cultural diversity.

This visit is expected to strengthen global bonds within the Lions community. By learning from Ahmedabad’s service models, leaders from around the world can take home new ideas. At the same time, it shines a light on Gujarat’s efforts to blend service with culture, showing how local initiatives can inspire global change.

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