Published: August 10, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Aaron George, member of the India Under-19 World Cup winning team, and Sandeep Shandilya, director of EAGLE Force of Telangana Narcotics Bureau were felicitated by the Lions International District 320-H at Vorla Convention, Secunderabad on August 8.
They were honoured in recognition of their respective achievements by Ashok Kumar Swain, district governor, Lions International District 320H in the presence of a jam-packed gathering of lion leaders and others.
Addressing the gathering, Sandeep Shandilya stressed on the need to curb abuse of narcotic substances and acknowledged the support being extended by Lions Clubs, with active involvement of the well-known motivational speaker Gampa Nageshwer Rao towards creating awareness and highlighting the harms of drug abuse in the society. “The youth face a huge challenge to stay away from narcotics, and it shall be the endeavour of families in general and society in particular to curb the spread of narcotics abuse,” he added.
Speaking at the felicitation, Hyderabad batter Aaron George praised the Lions Clubs for taking up a host of social service activities to meet the deserving sections of society. “It is required that the needy shall be taken care by such organisations, to back up any governmental support,” he said. He went on to convey his good wishes to lion leaders and personally shared intent to serve the society when the opportunity arises.
Earlier, chief guest Ramakrishnan Mathanagopal, immediate past international director (IPID) spoke on the growth and service activities of Lions Clubs and focussed on the achievements of the organisation in the cause of service. Although the Lions International commenced it’s activities in the USA, today the membership strength of Lions Clubs in India has surpassed that of America, he informed. This is the outcome of India’s core belief in service to the society at large, he added.
District governor Ashok Kumar Swain presented the road map of Lions International District 320H for undertaking service activities through the year and sought cooperation from all quarters for the same. He made a mention of plans to focus on mega service activities, as the way forward in the endeavour.
To mark the cause of service, 25 push carts were distributed to the needy and poor amongst street side vendors.
