Lions are devising ways to attract more professional women into Lions
Clubs fold: R. Sunil Kumar, Past International Director, Constitutional
Area Leader, the Big B of Lionism in this Area
27% of total Lion members in India are women whereas countries like
Turkey have 52% women
Interior Designer turned Bulk Drug manufacturer, Sonali Goyal is
installed as 15th President of only of its kind all women’s lions club,
Hyderabad Petals
Hyderabad, July 21, 2022….. Lions are devising ways to attract more professional women into
Lions Clubs fold, said Mr. R. Sunil Kumar, Past International Director, Constitutional Area
Leader, the Big B of Lionism in this Area
Mr. Sunil Kumar was the chief guest at the 15th Installation of the only all women’s Lions Club,
Hyderabad Petals on Wednesday evening at Hotel Taj Deccan.
The 15 years old first its kind all women’s Lions Club, Lions Club of Hyderabad Petals’ celebrated
its 15 Installation & Induction. Sonali Goyal succeeded Sangeetha Verma who was the
President for two terms in the years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Lions Club of Hyderabad Petals
which falls under Lion District 320A is part of the world’s largest service organisation, the Lions
Clubs International, which has presence in 210 countries and has 1.4 million members.
Team is led by Sonali Goyal as 15th President of the club. Her team for the year comprises
Preeti Tainwala, Secretary and Sangeeta Pittie, Treasurer and others.
Addressing the gathering R Sunil Kumar said Lionism came to Hyderabad in the year 1956. The
city has a legacy of 66 years of Lionism. Lionism is not just about service but there are many
things, he explained.
Speaking further, he added that they were designing ways to encourage more professional
women join in Lionism. Turkey has the highest number of women in Lionism. 52% of total
members there are women. In India it is 27%.
The women were barred from the Lions Club since its formation. But, the ban ended in 1987.
Since then many women have been participating in the activities of the world’s largest service
organization, the International Association of Lions Clubs. Its goal seems to be making 50:50
men and women in the organization. If they can do this it will not only change the face of the
organization but will also change the way its programs, service activities are conducted and
the way the leadership runs it
Lions got their first woman International President Gudrun Yngvadottir. When women
become leaders, they bring with them unique ideas, skills. More and more women are
getting into the fold of Lionism. Sonali Goyal, the newly installed President of Lions Club of
Hyderabad Petals is one of the 60,000 Lions Clubs across the globe and 6000 across India in
whose guidance the Lionism will March forward in the year 2022-2023.
Sonali Goyal, the newly installed President was welcomed ceremoniously for which she said she
had tears in her eyes for the love they showered on her with the most pleasant surprise and
ceremonial welcome.
Manoj Kumar Purohit, Past District Governor was the Induction Officer. Harinarayana Bhattad,
D. Koteshwara Rao the first and second Vice District Governors and other lion dignitaries graced
the occasion
Giving her acceptance speech the newly installed President Sonali Goyal said it is time to give,
to give something back to society. The interior designer turned bulk drug manufacturer, joining
in her husband’s business, said where there is a need, there is a lion. She said she would create
awareness for the need to give. She donated Rs 51,000/- to the club towards service activities.
Manoj Kumar inducted ten new members. Addressing the gathering said ‘whenever there is a
calamity Lions are first to be there’.
Thirty plus members of the club, guests and others attended the installation.
