As Rev. Simbarashe Basvi, said in his invocation at the club meeting on July 21st, there is a story of a young boy who wandered up a quiet hillside overlooking a wide valley. Curious and playful, he called out into the open air, “Hello!”
To his surprise, a voice came back, “Hello!”
He shouted again, “Who are you?”
The valley answered, “Who are you?”
Annoyed, the boy yelled, “You’re not good!”
And the echo returned the same words to him.
gives his invocation
Upset, he ran home and told his mother that someone hidden in the valley was being cruel to him. She listened patiently, then gently took his hand and led him back to the hillside.
“Try again,” she said, “but this time, speak goodness.”
The boy called out, “You’re wonderful!”
The valley replied, “You’re wonderful!”
He tried again, “I love you!”
And the echo answered, “I love you!”
His mother smiled and said, “Life is like this echo. Whatever we send out- kindness or anger, hope or hurt- finds its way back to us. The world reflects the spirit we choose to carry.”
Today, as Rotarians, we gather with that same understanding. Our words, our actions, and our service create ripples that reach far beyond ourselves. When we offer integrity, compassion, friendship, and goodwill, we help build stronger communities, nurture healthier relationships, and contribute to a better world.
Let us therefore remember that every act of service, however small, has the power to create an echo.
May our words be spoken with kindness.
May our decisions be guided by truth and fairness.
May our service be offered with humility and compassion.
And may the good we send into the world return as peace, dignity, hope, and lasting change.
As we enjoy one another's fellowship, may we be grateful for the opportunity to serve, and may we continue to live out the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self.
