This week, members enjoyed hearing from two of our newest Rotarians, Aparna Dubey and Charles Little, who shared their fascinating life journeys, values, and experiences.
This week, members enjoyed hearing from two of our newest Rotarians, Aparna Dubey and Charles Little, who shared their fascinating life journeys, values, and experiences.
Aparna Dubey
Aparna moved to New Zealand in 2016 as an international student. Having completed a Master's degree in Physics in India, she was preparing to continue her studies and pursue a career in research science. However, following her marriage, she made the difficult decision to change direction, despite her deep passion for physics, and instead undertook an MBA.
Aparna spoke warmly about the values instilled by her family—open-mindedness, compassion, and humanity—which continue to guide her life today. Central to her philosophy is the practice of gratitude. She believes that focusing on what we are grateful for helps shift our perspective towards the positive and reduces the significance of life's challenges.
As a thoughtful conclusion to her presentation, Aparna encouraged members to reflect on five things they are grateful for and to consider why those things hold special meaning in their lives.
Charles Little
Charles has lived for extended periods in four different countries, with New Zealand now the place he has called home for the longest time. Born in Wales, and during his early childhood he and his family lived with his maternal grandmother, an Argentinian immigrant. Although raised speaking only English, he shared his regret at never learning Welsh.
His father, a doctor dissatisfied with the British health system, moved the family to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was there that Charles met his future wife, Barbara, while they were still at high school.
Charles went on to study Mathematics and Physics at the University of Toronto, later completing a Master's degree in Computer Science and a PhD in Mathematics, specialising in graph theory. In 1973, he moved to Australia, where his two children were born, before accepting an academic position at Massey University in Palmerston North. He spent the rest of his working life there until his retirement in 2013.
Earlier this year, Charles relocated to Crofton Downs to be closer to family. His son, David, is a landscape designer based in Christchurch who is involved in rewilding wetlands in the city's red-zone area. His daughter, Heather, is a doctor in Wellington. Charles and Barbara are also proud grandparents to four grandsons.
Charles spoke of his deep appreciation for New Zealand's natural beauty and suggested that many New Zealanders underestimate the regard in which our country is held internationally. He recalled reading a Brazilian newspaper that described Patagonia as "the New Zealand of South America"—a striking tribute to New Zealand's reputation overseas.
A long-time Rotarian, Charles recently transferred to our club from the Rotary Club of Milson in Palmerston North.
We are delighted to welcome both Charles and Aparna and thank them for sharing their stories with us.