Gathering Storm

A funny thing happened this morning. Belying all expectations, the Club today voted in favour of collecting the contentious Rs50 from all members every month, beginning January 2013 (see earlier posts). The final tally at the Extraordinary General Body Meeting called for this purpose was 16 in favour and 13 against.
It was however, clarified and reiterated repeatedly that this ‘contribution’ is completely voluntary and must not be construed a compulsion or even, a subscription. But in all fairness (and more so, since this collection has been approved by the meeting) those making the ‘contribution’ would henceforth be categorised as ORDINARY MEMBERS.
The meeting also endorsed inviting eminent personalities/ celebrities as well as founder members no longer active to raise the profile of the Club. They will henceforth be treated as HONORARY MEMBERS (but with no voting rights). All others will be regarded as SPECIAL MEMBERS who would enjoy all the facilities of the Club (including voting rights), but with no stakes in its finances.
The real drama however, began when a section of the naysayers, smarting from being outvoted, tried to subvert the proceedings. Some demanded their monthly contributions be refunded forthwith, thereby making a sorry spectacle of themselves. Two gentlemen lamely brought up the question of quorum after the voting. Rather than accept the majority verdict gracefully, they demonstrated their contempt towards the democratic processes with a clear intent to sabotage the Club’s future.
This was rather unfortunate. Shekhawat was almost driven to tears when one member put him on notice, insisting upon recovering his money this very evening. Out of sheer disgust and helplessness, he confessed to wanting to personally settle this member’s ‘dues’ and relinquish his post as chairman. Shekhawat realises that refunding money out of the Club’s kitty would set a precedent and open the floodgates to similar claims which could ultimately lead to dissolution of the Club.
On the positive side, this blog wishes to place on record its appreciation for the manner Monthi Serrao conducted today’s meeting, the motivating speech delivered by Harbans Kaur (middle pic) and the tacit support extended by Jagmohan Papneja, Santosh Tyagi, Arun Patil and others. Yusuf Rassiwala, Sitaram Hivarkar, Mumtaz Jahan and Hari Naraiyani also deserve commendation for their active participation in today's proceedings.
Kishor Babani:
The way voting happened was completely unfair. There should have been voting with secret ballots. Even some members did not know in which column to sign. Either in 'Yes' or 'No'. Mr Hari Nariyani gave a speech against collecting the money, but signed in 'Yes' column thinking it is a sheet to sign if you are present. All in all, it was a complete chaos.
Srichand Arora (left pic):
As Secretary of Big Laaf, it is my duty to educate my esteemed friend:
(a) Voting by secret ballot is a practice employed almost exclusively for individual(s) and not on issues – unless otherwise objected to by any voter(s). When the agenda was read out, no objection was raised. Once the proceedings are over, there’s no point objecting. It only betrays poor temperament. Moreover Managing Committee is elected by all the members and some rights have been given to it. So let the Committee use them, without hurting anyone.
(b) Mr Hari Naraiyani is intelligent enough to speak for himself.
(c) Mrs Monthi Serrao deserves kudos for conducting the meeting in a free, fair and impartial manner. The ‘complete chaos’ was created by disgruntled elements, only after the voting results were announced. Please don’t do it again. And let us all make a lovely family of Big Laaf. Hope to see everyone in the Garden day-after-tomorrow in a healthy and enjoyable mood. --S.V.Arora (Secretary)
Jagmohan Papneja:
Over a period of time, I think popular will would prevail in the Club.