In India, a mela is a familiar public gathering—open, accessible, and rooted in shared community space. On December 4, 2025, that idea took on a different meaning in Serampore, a historic city in West Bengal. Organized by the Serampore Centennial Lions Club, District 322C1, the day-long Lions Service Mela became an event where care replaced commerce, and each stall responded to a tangible need.
Inspired by the vision of International President A. P. Singh, the club designed the event as a single, accessible point of support for the local community. Families facing challenges related to education, health, nutrition, and livelihood found multiple forms of assistance in one place. The Mela did not promise solutions to every problem, but it offered presence, attention, and practical help—often the first step toward change.
Education set the tone early in the day. To encourage school attendance and reassure parents, Lions distributed 400 school bags along with stationery and refreshments to primary school students. The gesture addressed a small but meaningful barrier that can keep children away from classrooms.
Food followed, as it often does in any mela. More than 1,200 people were served a nutritious community meal. What made the lunch distinctive was the absence of separation—beneficiaries shared the meal with visiting dignitaries and Lions leaders, turning a simple act of eating together into a moment of dignity and equality.
Care for the environment formed another part of the day’s offerings. Through an awareness program, community members were encouraged to adopt sustainable habits, supported by the distribution of over 1,000 saplings and 1,000 jute bags.
Health services were made freely available throughout the day. General health check-ups, vision screening, and basic diagnostic tests were conducted, and with winter approaching, 500 blankets were distributed to those in need.
The Mela also made space for mental well-being. A seminar on mental health and emotional resilience brought together over 500 beneficiaries and more than 100 Lions members, opening conversations often left unspoken.
Attended by senior Lion leaders—including International President A. P. Singh, Board Appointee PID Sangeeta Jatia, International Director Rajkumar Agarwal, Leo-Lion Board Liaison Ritwik Bhawsinghka, and leaders from MD 322—the event served nearly 3,000 beneficiaries with the support of over 300 Lions.
By the end of the day, the Lions Service Mela had lived up to its name—a celebration where service took center stage.
