Our meeting commenced at 1:20 pm by Pres. Rudy.

:PP Andrew extended warm welcome to PP Peter Tse of Rotary Club of Tsimshatsui East, whom had visited us so regularly, that we felt very honoured when he was mistaken as one of Island East members!

Birthday Boy :None other than our beloved Uncle Peter! Our birthday song to our mentor was led by PP Andrew. Heartiest warm congratulations from all members to our walking Rotary Encyclopedia whom softly told us that he was born in .........(Sorry, readers, due to Privacy Act, this was censored).

Rtn. Kishu was absent as his wife, Bharti, was admitted to hospital on last Monday. He asked not to send flowers. Pres. Rudy had prepared a 'Get Well Soon' card for members to sign and be forwarded to Bharti..

Pres. Rudy, on behalf of all members, sent our deepest sympathy to PP George and the family for the unexpected passaway of his father, late PP Philip Leung, in Singapore on 23 Aug., 2004. PP George heartbrokenly described how he managed to rush to Singapore and had the last moment with his father in hospital. PP George thanked all condolences and regards received from members. Pres. Rudy informed members and also throu e-mail that PP George's family was organising a memorial service for his father P.P. Philip Liang on Sept. 4 (Sat) at 4:00 p.m. at the Chinese Congregational Church, 119 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

Sergeant-at-arm's Report : Rtn. John Yao reported the Red Box Collection was $950-, but then he just could not refuse Pres. Rudy's urge to top up the day's collection to $1,000-.

Speaker of the Day : Our own PP Tajwar was (briefly) introduced as the speaker by Dir. Laurence.

PP Tajwar mentioned that his talk was not meant to extend any knowledge or wisdom on to Rotarians, but only a hope to entertain our gathering, in line with his duty that day. PP Tajwar divided himself into 3 entities:- One Taj, that others all think, that he is. One Taj, that he believes others all think that he is. and one Taj, that what he really is. And so, this talk was from him expressing his views on various subjects of common interest.

First, he was asked to give his view on Afghanistan and her culture. He started by explaining that Afghanistan is not taken by most as a country in common and usual way, but rather a large host of tribes. Most Afghans are unable to see beyond their family, and tribe. A central authority therefore is neither desired or accepted willingly. Most Afghans have a simple faith in God, his Prophet, head of the family, head of the tribe, all in that order and nothing more. Any attempt to alter this old culture will most likely fail during this and next few generations.. People live a very simple yet rich life that is based on very high moral values, not measured in terms of wealth. Islam is the main religion and culture which is not given to question or discussed. Other religions are dealt with in a like manner.

Second, PP Tajwar was asked about women in Afghanistan, and their custom of vail, and their role in society. Women cover themselves with vail believing that they are clean, free of any guilt, pious and dignified, and certainly not a sex object as portrayed in some other cultures. They also believe that they are on a equal footing as men in the eyes of God, and, being second to no other women, and as a result, she is given a very high status with honour in a family and society. In fact this is one religion and culture where a man's wealth is divided equally between male and female. A woman is not considered a sex object, and neither sex considered as a preoccupation, trade, industry or something to exploit for commercial benefit as seen in some other societies. Some men have several wives, or as they term (household) including PP Tajwar's grandfather. This is to show one's wealth, social status and generosity to be able to support more than one family living together providing then moral, financial and physical protection from the harsh world. Most subsequent wives are widows with children.

Generally speaking, most Afghans are simple, strong, brave, hospitable, and know for keeping their world. A (gentleman) is best described as one: Who can drink but not get drunk or fall. Who will eat to live, but not live to eat. Who can enjoy sex, but not ejaculate, for this is considered as an insult or to defile one's women, unless desired by women, being God's Will for the sheer purpose of procreation.

Some golfing tips were offered for the enjoyment of the game.

First. To go out golfing with least amount of clubs, and to improvise golf shorts for better score.
Second. To create a swing which allows to be able to see the ball under the left should, with left arm straight, allowing the right elbow to fold as going up in order to make a full should turn. On coming down, have one thought only, and that is to follow through and aiming to see the ball again this time under one's right shoulder and keeping one's eyes on the ball in flight all the way. Hopefully, somewhere near the green.

Vote of thanks to Speaker : Pres. Rudy presented to PP Tajwar a picture of him in action and thanked him for his talk.

Next week's program : A heavy weight performance:"The Wonders of the Internet" to be delivered by our talented PP John IV, on how internet could enrich us (both literary and monetary), so get questions ready for PP John to guide us to find gems on the electronic super-highway. By the way, in case PP John's charm be of no use due to absence of ladies, he might have something spicy to add zest to his talk.

Meeting Adjourned : Pres. Rudy adjourned the meeting with a toast to RI coupled with Rotary Club of Tsimshatsui East.

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Club News

In loving memory of the death of his father in Singapore, PP George Leung and family convened a memorial service at the China Congregational Church, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong on the 4th September 2004 at 4.00 p.m.

A large gathering attended the service including those of our club members. PDG Peter Hall delivered the eulogy while the Rev. C.K. Chan gave a farewell sermon. The last journey hymn was conducted by the church choir. The full text of the eulogy is inserted in this bulletin.

E U L O G Y

I consider it an honour, though a very sad one, for me to express the deepest condolence on behalf of myself and the members of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island East to our Past President George Leung, whose father, Philip Liang Kwok Lih passed away on 23rd August 2004 in Singapore after a long illness.

Philip was born in August 1923 and had been the chairman of Cosmo Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd. in import and supply of cables and electrical accessories in Hong Kong for many long years.

Philip had been known to me since 1978 when he was the charter member of the Rotary Club of Hong Kong North. He resigned and later joined the Rotary Club of Kowloon Northwest when it was chartered in 1981. He enjoyed his Rotary fellowship throughout these years.

While serving together in the South China Athletic Association, he was also one of the directors of the said Association with his skill in photography. I remembered one of my portraits was snapped by him. A picture which I treasure so much.

He was a man of great humour and was a willing helper in Rotary activities. He was chairman of the delegation of district 3450 leading us to attend the RI Chicago Convention in 1980. Surely, he did a good job. Since we returned to Hong Kong, we held our Chicago Convention Group luncheon every month up to the present time. A Rotary fellowship gathering that lasted for nearly one quarter of a century without a hitch. All our members join me in extending our sympathy to the family members of the late Philip Liang.

A man of great wisdom, passion and dedication, Philip touched the hearts of all those who knew him. Though we have lost a good friend, who brought us happiness during our luncheon meetings, yet we shall remember him deeply in our heart forever.

I wish to take this opportunity in thanking the family of Philip in allowing me to express my feelings in this memorial service. God bless you all !

PDG Peter Hall

 

Photographs of Our Meeting
on

1st September, 2004

Our guest speaker was none other then our own PP Tajwar Shadikhan who spoke about his own ancestry.

(L to R) PDG Uncle Peter, PP Taj, & Pres. Rudy.	(L to R) Hon Sec John, PP Andrew, & Hon Tres. Laurence.

This week's birthday boy was none other then our PDG Uncle Peter, here receiving his present. Leading the birthday song was PP Andrew & Pres. Rudy.

Welcoming not only our own members but also PP Peter Tse (TSTE)	PP George giving us the sad news of the passing of his father Phillip in Singapore. (See announcment about for the memorial service on Saturday, the 4th of September, 2004.)	Hon Tres. Laurence announcing the SAA collection for the day.

(L to R) PP Peter Tse (TSTE), Dir's. Eddy, & Andy.

(L to R) Dr. Tony, Dir's Heron, Stephen, Dr. George, & Rtn Kenny.

Group Photo of our members with visiting Rotarian, PDG Uncle Peter, our speaker, Pres. Rudy on 1st September, 2004.

 

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