About Lions International
Lions International is a global network of volunteers dedicated to serving their communities and making the world a better place. With over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, Lions are known for their unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community development. At the heart of Lions International lies a shared mission to empower individuals, foster collaboration, and create lasting positive change. Through a wide range of service projects, Lions members work tirelessly to address pressing local and global needs, from providing vision care and feeding the hungry to supporting youth programs and promoting environmental sustainability as well as support for needs of children and families affected by childhood cancer, working to reduce the prevalence of diabetics and improve the lives of those living diabetics. Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, Lions are after the first to offer aid through Global Disaster Relief Program and it also provides humanitarian aid where it’s needed most.
History of Lions Club International
In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Jones’ group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed. After contacting similar groups around the United States, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the “Association of Lions Clubs,” and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of that year. A constitution, by-laws, objectives and a code of ethics were approved. And the rest is history.
Founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones in Chicago, Lions Clubs International is a global service organization focused on humanitarian efforts, including sight preservation, disaster relief, and youth empowerment. With -1.4 million members in over 200 countries, it grew from a US business club initiative into a major UN-partnered NGO. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2017, it’s moment to look back on our long and proud tradition of service and the numerous achievements of our association and Lions around the world.
Lions Club Historical Milestones
1917
Foundation
Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old insurance agent, proposed that business clubs expand their focus from professional networking to community betterment. The first convention was held in Dallas, Texas, in October 1917, where the organization’s constitution, by-laws, and code of ethics were adopted.
1920
Going International
Just three years after our founding, Lions became international when established the first club in Canada. Lions Clubs become international by chartering a club in Windsor, Canada. Mexico followed in 1927. In the 1950s and 1960s international growth accelerated, with new clubs in Europe, Asia and Africa.
1925
“Knights of the Blind”
During the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, Helen Keller charges Lions with becoming “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” which launched their primary, long-term commitment to vision-related services.
1926
Lions Pride in Polar Exploration
Polar explorer and member of the Washington D.C. Lions Club, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr. flies over the North Pole and carries the Lions flag with him. He flies over the South Pole later that same year.
1930
The White Cane
Lion George Bonham paints a cane white with a wide red band to aid the visually impaired after he witnesses a blind man having trouble crossing the street.
1931
Expansion to Mexico
Lions head south and establish a club in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The first international convention outside of the U.S. is held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
1933
Chicago World’s Fair
Visitors to the Chicago World’s Fair learn about Lions clubs at the fair’s Social Science Division.
1935
Amelia Earhart & Talking Books
Amelia Earhart, honorary member of the New York City Lions Club, completes a record breaking nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Mexico during the Lions Clubs International Convention in Mexico City. Local Lions donate a Talking Book machine to the Milwaukee Public Library, allowing the blind to hear books.
1939
Dog Guides & Little League
Members of the Detroit Uptown Lions Club turn an old Michigan farmhouse into a school to train dog guides for the visually impaired, helping to popularize dog guides worldwide. To provide an organized baseball program for children, Lion Carl Edwin Stotz of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, appeals for support from Lions clubs, YMCAs and other community partners. On June 6, 1939, the very first Little League baseball game is played at Park Point in Williamsport.
1944
The World’s First Eye Bank
The world’s first eye bank is created in New York City. Today, most eye banks are Lions sponsored.
1945
United Nations Partnership
Lions assist in drafting the United Nations Charter, starting a lasting bond with the U.N. Lions Clubs International helped develop the UN Charter, becoming one of the first NGOs invited to advise the UN, a relationship that continues today.
1946
Lions Blind Camp
The Lions Blind Camp on Casper Mountain in Wyoming hosts its first group of blind children.
1947
30th Anniversary
In October, Lions celebrate the 30th anniversary of the association at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. It had become the world’s largest service club organization at the time with 324,690 members in 19 nations. Lions are given consultant status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council.
1948
Lions in Europe & Hawaii
Only three years after World War II, Europe sees its first Lions club in Stockholm, Sweden. Geneva, Switzerland, follows suit just days later. A Lions club is formed in Kalaupapa on the island of Molokai, Hawaii. Kalaupapa is a leper colony and the charter members all have Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
1952
First Japanese Lions Club
Filipino Lions reach out to Japan and encourage the chartering of the first Japanese Lions club.
1954
Official Motto: “We Serve”
After an international contest among Lions, an official motto is chosen: “We Serve.” The motto was submitted by Lion D. A. Stevenson of Font Hill, Ontario, Canada.
1956
Stevie Wonder & South Pole
The Detroit Lions Club gives 6-year-old Stevie Wonder a Christmas gift – a drum set. The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is built. Soon after, 16 scientists and military personnel charter the 59ers Lions Club there.
1957
Leo Program Introduced
Lions launch youth programs, including the very successful Leo Clubs. The organization established the Leo Program, offering young people opportunities for development through volunteering.
1965
Melvin Jones Memorial
Lions build the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial in Fort Thomas, Arizona.
1968
LCIF Established
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is established. Since its founding, LCIF has given more than US$826 million in grants to support the humanitarian work of Lions.
1971
Start of Lions Clubs in Nepal
Pratap Chandra (PC) Jain, a lion member from Ajmer, Rajasthan motivated Ex-Prime Minister Hon’ble Matrika Prasad Koirala to establish Lions Club in Nepal. PC Jain is the extension Chairperson of the first Lions Club of Nepal. LCI moves to its fourth and final location in Oak Brook, IL, after decades in downtown Chicago.
1972
First Grant of LCIF
LCIF sends out its first grant – US$5,000 to assist victims of flooding in South Dakota.
1973
1 Million Members
In February, the organization (association) reached a major milestone by welcoming its one millionth member.
1977
Lion Jimmy Carter
Lion Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer from Georgia, becomes president of the United States of America.
1985
Major Catastrophe Grant
LCIF awards its first Major Catastrophe Grant of US$50,000 for earthquake relief in Mexico.
1986
Mother Teresa Honored
Mother Teresa accepts the Lions Humanitarian Award.
1987
Women Welcome to Join
The association amends its bylaws and invites women to become members. Women are now the growing segment of new members.
1990
SightFirst Launched
SightFirst is launched, eventually raising more than $415 million dollars to help eradicate major causes of blindness. French Lion Michael Baury helps build an electric traction car and races it at a Grand Prix event.
1995
Partnership with The Carter Center
LCIF partners with The Carter Center, led by former US president and Lion Jimmy Carter, to combat river blindness in Africa and Latin America.
1999
First Female International Director
Nilofer Bakhtiar of Pakistan is elected as the first female international director of the association.
2001
Opening Eyes Initiative
LCIF and Special Olympics partner on Opening Eyes, an initiative to screen the vision of Special Olympics athletes.
2002
Lions in China
Lions charter two clubs in China, the nation’s first voluntary membership group since the 1950s.
2003
50 Million River Blindness Treatments
Through SightFirst, Lions and The Carter Center record their 50 millionth river blindness treatment.
2004
South Asia Tsunami Relief
Lions mobilize more than US$15 million for South Asia tsunami relief following the disaster.
2007
Top-Rated NGO
The Financial Times ranks LCIF as best non-governmental organization worldwide to partner with.
2010
Gates Foundation Partnership
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation contributes US$5 million to the One Shot: One Life campaign, and Lions raise more than US$10 million to support measles efforts over the next two years.
2011
10,000th Grant & Japan Relief
LCIF awards its 10,000th grant – bringing the total amount awarded to US$708 million. Lions help administer 148 millionth dose of Mectizan to treat river blindness. Following the Japan earthquake and tsunami, Lions mobilize over US$21 million for relief efforts.
2013
Measles & Rubella Initiative
LCIF partners with the GAVI Alliance to protect millions of children from measles and rubella. LCIF commits US$30 million for immunizations, matched by US$30 million from UK Government and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, bringing the total to US$60 million. Colombia eliminates river blindness with the support of Lions and The Carter Center partnership.
2014
Centennial Service Challenge
Lions launch the Centennial Service Challenge, a global initiative to serve 100 million people around the world.
2017
100th Anniversary
Lions celebrate their 100th anniversary and first century of service!
2018
Global Causes & Campaign 100
Lions unite to support the global causes of vision, hunger, environment, childhood cancer and our new global focus, diabetes. LCIF launches Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Services to raise US$300 million to increase the service impact of Lions around the world.
2020
Responding to COVID-19
Lions found innovative ways to safely serve their communities during this global health crisis. Our global Foundation LCIF, donated millions of dollars in emergency grant funds, providing critical supplies and equipment to hospitals, medical clinics and emergency management systems, including front-line health care workers and first responders.
2021
Nepali Language Recognition
The recognition of the Nepali language as one of the official languages of Lions Clubs International enabled Nepali-speaking members to access resources and communicate more effectively in their mother tongue.
2022
Mission 1.5 & Campaign 100 Success
Lions International officially launched Mission 1.5 with the global goal of increasing membership to 1.5 Million Lions by 1st July 2027 and LCIF successfully completes the largest fundraising campaign Campaign 100 in the organization’s history, raising more than US$325 million and exceeding its US$300 million goal. This amazing success will enable LCIF to continue to support grant-worthy projects and empower Lions to improve health and well-being, strengthen our communities, and support those in need around the world.
2025
Mental Health and Well-Being
Lions International officially launched the Mental Health and Well-Being service initiative in January 2025 as a global special initiative program.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, while encouraging peace and international understanding.
Vision
To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service, aiming to improve health, strengthen communities, and support those in need.
Lions in Nepal
History of Lions in Nepal
Lions International has a proud and remarkable history in Nepal that began in 1971 through the efforts of several dedicated individuals. Justice Lion Tyagi of Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, encouraged Lion P. C. Jain to introduce Lionism in Nepal. Lion P. C. Jain, who maintained close ties with Suresh Chandra Chainwala and frequently stayed with the Chainwala family in Biratnagar, played a leading role in initiating the movement. Following extensive planning and groundwork, the foundation was laid for establishing the first Lions club in the country.
The first Lions club in Nepal, Lions Club of Biratnagar, was inaugurated and chartered on 9 August 1971 under the sponsorship of Lion Dr. Taneja of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. The club had the distinction of having Late Rt. Hon. Matrika Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal, as its Charter President.
The movement expanded soon after with the establishment of the Lions Club of Kathmandu, which was inaugurated on 11 July 1972 by Late Rt. Hon. Kirtinidhi Bista, former Prime Minister of Nepal. Sponsored by the Lions Club of Ajmer under the Extension Chairperson Lion P. C. Jain, the club unanimously elected Royal Surgeon Lion Dr. Anjani Kumar Sharma as its first President.
Following the establishment of these pioneering clubs, Lionism spread steadily across Nepal, with Lions clubs being formed in cities, towns, and rural communities throughout the country. As membership and service activities continued to grow, Lions International established Multiple District 325 to provide better organization, administration, and support for the expanding network of clubs.
Continued growth in membership and humanitarian service later led to the division of Multiple District 325 into four districts—325 A1, 325 A2, 325 B1, and 325 B2—to strengthen coordination and enhance community outreach.
By 2020, Nepal had grown to more than 2,000 Lions Clubs. To further improve administrative efficiency and service delivery, a major redistricting was undertaken, resulting in the formation of 15 districts. This marked another significant milestone in the history of Lionism in Nepal, reflecting the organization’s sustained growth and the enduring commitment of Nepali Lions to humanitarian service.
Lions in Nepal Timeline
1971
First Lions Club of Nepal – Lions Club of Biratnagar was chartered by Late Matrika Prasad Koirala under District 322A & E, India.
1972
Lions Club of Kathmandu was chartered as Nepal’s second Lions Club.
1973
The first Leo Club was established in Kathmandu.
1976
Late Lion Dr. Anjani Kumar Sharma became the first Nepali District Governor and later served as Multiple Council Chairperson.
1982
Nepal received Provisional District status.
1987
Nepal was officially recognized as District 325.
1993
Nepal Lions Foundation was established.
1996
Lions B.P. Koirala Center for Ophthalmology Studies was established at TU Teaching Hospital with the support of LCIF.
1997
Nepal was granted Multiple District 325 status.
2012
Multiple District 325 was divided into four districts: 325 A1, 325 A2, 325 B1, and 325 B2.
2015
Lion Sanjay Khetan was elected as the first Nepali International Director during the 98th Lions International Convention in Hawaii.
2021
Multiple District 325 was expanded into 15 districts through national redistricting. The Nepali language was also recognized as one of the official languages of Lions Clubs International, enabling Nepali-speaking members to access resources in their native language.
2022
Lions International launched Mission 1.5 with the goal of reaching 1.5 million members by 1 July 2027. LCIF also completed its largest fundraising initiative, Campaign 100, raising more than US$325 million to support humanitarian service worldwide.
2023
Lion Balkrishna Burlakoti was elected as Nepal’s second International Director during the 105th Lions International Convention in Boston.
2025
Lion Milan Thapa was elected as the first Nepali woman Multiple District Chairperson during the Kathmandu Multiple District Convention.
About District 325 D
Lions International District 325 D, Nepal, was reorganized in accordance with the national redistricting proposal approved by the Lions International Board of Directors during its meeting held on 26–28 October 2021. The objective of this restructuring was to decentralize governance and strengthen administrative efficiency across the districts.
As a result of this historic redistricting process, Multiple District 325 was reorganized into 15 sub-districts. Among these, Lions International District 325 D has been established as an active, service-oriented, and leadership-driven district. With District Identification Number 150640, the district has consistently contributed to humanitarian service, leadership development, community engagement, and social transformation.
As of 16 May 2026, District 325 D comprises 73 active clubs and 1,669 members. In alignment with the Lions International motto "We Serve", District 325 D continues to prioritize quality service delivery, innovation, collaboration, and impactful community outcomes.
Geographically, District 325 D is centered in Kathmandu Valley and extends across multiple districts including Sindhupalchok, Dolakha, Kavrepalanchok, Solukhumbu, Bhojpur, and Tehrathum. This diverse geographical coverage enables the district to implement inclusive, need-based, and community-focused service initiatives across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
Administrative Composition
In accordance with Clause 3, Sub-Clause 1 of the Memorandum of Articles of Association of Multiple District 325 (as amended and approved on 4 June 2022), the administrative composition of District 325 D is defined as follows:
| District | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 50.50% |
| Sindhupalchok | 37.32% |
| Dolakha | 61.37% |
| Sankhuwasabha | 86.67% |
| Solukhumbu | 68.15% |
| Bhojpur | 38.42% |
| Tehrathum | 26.60% |
District 325 D remains committed to delivering high-quality humanitarian service, transparent governance, and collective impact through the guiding philosophy of "Create a Milestone." The district continues to strengthen its mission of Lions International service by promoting sustainable development, effective leadership, and measurable community outcomes.
OUR EMBLEM
OUR MOTTO
'We Serve'
Indicates our readiness to serve
COLORS
PURPLE
Loyalty to own Self, Friends, Country Integrity of Mind
GOLD
Traditional color of strength, courage & tireless dedication to a cause AND Sincerity of purposes, Liberty in Judgement, Purity of mind, heart & purse towards fellowmen.
Use of Lions name and Emblem and the marks "Lions", "Lions Club", "Lions International" or "Lions Clubs International"
As a matter of legal protection to Lions Clubs International and its member clubs, the association’s name and emblem (and variation thereof) are registered a trademarks in countries around the world. As the owner so protected, the association has a corresponding legal obligation to be alert to infringements thereon, and to take all necessary steps to prevent, and to provide against legal risks that may flow from unauthorized use thereof. In fulfillment of this legal obligation, the International Board of Directors, through its general counsel, seeks prompt cessation of any unauthorized use of the association name and emblem and the marks “Lions”, “Lions Clubs”, “Lions International” or “Lions Clubs International”. Further, it has established the following rules of policy:
a) No item bearing the Association name or emblem or the marks “Lions” or “Lions International” or “ Lions Clubs International” may be sold or otherwise distributed to Lions or Lions Clubs or Districts or the public except upon express written permission of the general counselor of the Club Supplies and Distribution Division.
b) No Lion, lions club or lions district, may use the association emblem on any item sold to Lions or to the public for fundraising purposes. A special “Lions Club Fund Raising Activity” seal has been created for this purpose and may be used only
upon written permission granted by the general counsel.
c) No manufacturer, printer, producer, promoter, publisher, entrepreneur or enterprise in any form, be in profit or non-profit in nature, may employ the association name, goodwill, trademarks, service marks, emblem, seal, insignia, the marks “Lions” , “Lions Clubs” , “Lions International” or “ Lions Clubs International” or any insignia thereof in any manner whatsoever except upon license granted by the International Board of Directors for the general counselor the Club Supplies and Distribution Division.
d) No Lions District or other group of Lions Clubs may use the association name or emblem or the marks “Lions”, “Lions Clubs”, “Lions International” or “Lions Clubs International” in connection with any district of group project except upon express
written license granted by the International Board of Directors. Applications for such use are available from the Association’s Legal Division and shall be submitted to the Board. No such application shall be approved unless the proposed activity (in whatever legal form it may exist) is controlled by the Lions Clubs or district or districts involved and participation by Lions Clubs or Club members is on a strict voluntary basis and without any necessity to contribute monies thereto in the form of dues or otherwise.
e) Districts (Single, Sub, Provisional and Multiple) are to use their district designations before the phrase “Lions Clubs International” in connection with the sponsorship of any district project. This will avoid any misunderstanding concerning the sponsorship of any activity or project.
Our Area
NATIONAL FLAG SALUTATION
We salute our National Flag and pledge our allegiance to the same. Its honour and its glory depend upon the zeal and assiduity with which each one of us will shoulder our responsibilities as a good citizen. Its history written in letters of gold, inspires us to put in good work for the name of our country. We declare our unflinching loyalty to our National Flag and maintain that its course shall be our course and that each individual amongst us shall make genuine efforts to add us its lustre and glory and make it fly proudly aloft in the community of nations.
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 my 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 true to myself.
WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself.
TO HOLD friendship as an end and 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 to them my unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor 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 destroy.
LIONS CLUBS OBJECTIVES
TO ORGANIZE Charter and Supervise service clubs to be known as Lions Clubs.
TO COORDINATE the activities and standardize the administration of Lions Clubs.
TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the people of the world.
TO PROMOTE the principles of good governance 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 mutual 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 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 works and private endeavors.