Greetings to members of Inner Wheel Association of India as we start another Inner Wheel year.

To those who have been elected to hold office at Club, District, and National level, I thank you for accepting nomination and showing commitment to our organisation. We are all volunteers, but with membership of any organisation, especially an international one, there are obligations to be fulfilled. Again, I say "thank you".

Our recent Convention has seen some important changes to our Constitution, especially with the passing of Proposal 17. Thank you to those who supported this change even when it might not have been essential in their area. I stress that membership of Inner Wheel is only open by invitation to those without Rotary and Inner Wheel connections and must have the approval of the majority of the Club. Membership is not open to anyone and everyone.

My Presidential theme for 2012 – 2013 is "Be A Friend" .

It is very simple but I believe it encompasses all that Inner Wheel stands for. In being a friend, we will achieve our three objects:

• To promote true friendship
• To encourage the ideals of personal service
• To foster international understanding.

I ask that members everywhere put energy in this theme especially as they channel their projects into creating happier futures for children everywhere.

To those whom I met at Convention, and to those whom I will meet during the coming year, I thank you for your support and your friendship. We can all "Be A Friend" as we commit to enabling children around the world to have happier futures through our Inner Wheel projects.