In the gracious town of Balasore, amidst its bustling streets and serene temples, there arose in the year of our Lord 1975 a fellowship of noble-hearted men who resolved to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity. Thus was born The Lions Club of Balasore, a chapter of the worldwide Lions fraternity, kindled by the noble vision of its founding members.
What began as a humble gathering of like-minded souls soon blossomed into a force for good, its name spoken with affection and respect in the homes and hearts of the townsfolk. From the care of the poor and the shelterless, to the empowerment of the young and the tending of the ailing, the Lions Club of Balasore left no noble cause untouched. Yet amongst its manifold deeds, none shone so brightly as its service in the realm of vision care.
It was in the year 2001 that the Balasore Lions Eye Hospital came into being a proud milestone, achieved by the tireless efforts of the club’s members, community patrons, and well-wishers. What began as a modest venture has, through the years, risen to command esteem as one of the finest centres for ophthalmic care in the region. The hospital, a house of healing and hope, stands as a testimony to what can be accomplished when hearts unite in service.
Within its walls are offered services of the highest order: Cataract, Cornea, Glaucoma, Low Vision, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Oculoplasty, and Retina care, all delivered by skilled hands and compassionate hearts. The hospital, ever mindful of the latest advancements in medical science, employs modern technology and an array of experienced physicians. And yet, beyond its machines and medicines, it is the warmth of its people the staff and caregivers whose kindness and gentle demeanour set this institution apart.
What stirs the heart still more is the manner in which the torch of this noble cause has been passed from one generation to the next. The children and grandchildren of those early Lions now rise to take their place in this blessed endeavour, leading with vigour and vision, while honouring the legacy of their forebears. The Lions Club of Balasore is not merely an organisation; it is a living, breathing heritage a family of the service-minded, bound by duty and love for their fellow men.
And indeed, this local glory forms but one shining link in the grand chain of Lions Clubs International, that venerable worldwide fellowship founded by the illustrious Melvin Jones in 1917. Today, Lions International stands as the largest service organisation known to mankind, with over 48,000 clubs and 1.4 million members across more than 200 countries and territories. Its motto, simple yet profound, resounds wherever Lions gather: “We Serve.”
The Lions of Balasore have held true to this call for half a century they have served with unstinting devotion, bettering the lives of thousands, bringing light to the sightless, hope to the despairing, and dignity to the downtrodden. And as new generations rise to continue this holy labour, there is no doubt that the future shall shine yet brighter.
Let every citizen of Balasore, every friend of this noble club, and every soul with a heart for service, take pride and joy in this story. For it is not merely the tale of an organisation it is the chronicle of compassion, courage, and community. A story that reminds us all that in service, we find our highest selves.
Our Motto
WE SERVE
Lionism is an international programme of brotherhood and fellowship based on service to humanity without thought to race, nationality, religion and politics.
Our Objectives
- TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
- TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship.
- TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
- TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and understanding.
- TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest, provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by the club members.
- TO ENCOURAGE service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public work and private endeavours.
Lions Code of Ethics
- TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
- TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as may be just due but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
- TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and be true to myself.
- WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubts against myself.
- TO HOLD friendship as an end, not a means. To hold that true friendship exists, not on account of the service performed by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.
- ALWAYS to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labour and means.
- TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.
- TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise, to build up and not to destroy.
