Vive La Femme!

Razia Khan felicitates new president Mallika Kagzi (l), treasurer Kajal Babani (c) and secretary Banoo Apa (r)

Big Laaf today entrusted its fate in the hands of three sterling women led by Mallika Kagzi as president. With Shaher Banoo Khan (appropriately 'Banoo Apa' to us) as secretary and Kajal Babani as treasurer, the trio would steer the Club through thick and thin for the next two years. They assume charge on April 1, 2016, replacing the three earlier office bearers – Srichand Arora (president),

Yusuf Rassiwala (standing) conducts the meeting in the China Hut

Jagmohan Papneja (secretary) and Monthi Serrao (treasurer).
At the general body meeting in the China Hut, four more women were elected to the managing committee of the Club: Razia Khan, Gita Latte, Nahid Khan and Bhaswati Bose. The only male presence in the nine-member committee would be that of Bijoy Kumar Gupta and Kiran Prakash. All nine, without exception, have been elected unopposed.
On record, 35 members registered their presence at this crucial general body meeting, notice for which was given more than a fortnight back (ref post of March 3). Both the chairmen (emeritus), Yusuf Rassiwala and Hari Singh Shekhawat were also present with the former conducting the meeting as per agenda – starting with the 'welcome address' to raising a 'vote of thanks' in conclusion.
Two other important decisions were taken by the general body. One, the proposal to hike the membership subscription was struck down by majority vote; and two, the Holi festival falling next week on March 24 (Thursday) will be observed as usual with the Club defraying all expenses. Dilip Babani very kindly agreed to organize the celebrations.
Kiran Prakash:
* Congratulations Mallika, Banoo and Kajal for taking up the responsibility of running the Club for the next two years. I am sure, the trio has the skill and energy to rediscover and capitalise on the strengths of Big Laaf and its members. Let this be the beginning of a new era when we value punctuality, discipline and respect for each other. I love you all.
* It was very unfortunate that the former president of the club, Mr S. V. Arora, who claimed to have resigned three months back, came to the meeting just to disrupt it and insult senior members. How long will our club continue to tolerate such unruly elements and not get rid of them permanently?
Big Laaf:
Indeed, this was unfortunate. But such potty-mouthed miscreants always reveal themselves for what they are worth. Nobody supported the Arora couple. Kudos to Yusuf Rassiwala for handling the situation with enormous restraint and grace.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
A big hand and lots of congratulations to the newly elected committee members. This is real 'woman power' in the Big Laaf Club. Hope the infusion of new blood brings more creative enjoyment, thrill and enthusiasm. All good wishes and best of luck to the team.