Pune Gears Up for The All-India Anglo-Indian Association’s 148th Annual General Meeting
Pune, 20th October 2023: The All-India Anglo-Indian Association (AIAIA) prepares for its 148th Annual General Meeting, held from 20th to 22nd October 2023. Spearheaded by Shayne McPherson, Principal & Hon. Secretary of The Bishop’s School, Camp, and Karl Young, Secretary, the event takes center stage amidst the festive season of Dussehra in Pune.
Opening Ceremony and Inaugural Address
The official inauguration and opening ceremony will kick off at The Bishop’s Co-ed School, Kalyaninagar, today. The President-in-Chief of AIAIA, Barry O’Brien, a noted educationist and author, will be delivering the inaugural speech and later chairing the Annual General Meeting.
Attendees and Agenda
The event will be graced by high-ranking dignitaries, Governing Body Members, and over 200 delegates from 63 AIAIA branches across the country, along with approximately 120 delegates from Pune. The Governing Body comprises figures such as Rudolf Woodman, Hon. Gen. Secretary; Glen Galstaun, Hon. Treasurer; and other ex-MLAs and Vice Presidents.
The first day’s agenda on 21st October starts with prayers and spiritual songs, followed by an award ceremony. Awards will be presented to community members who have excelled in various fields, aligning with the Association’s mission statement: “Empathize, Educate, Empower – Together, We Can!” David J Hilton, President of ‘The All-India Anglo-Indian Education Institutions,’ and his wife Mrs. Patricia Hilton will give away these honors. Youth members will also be recognized for their achievements in education and professional life.
Ongoing Efforts and Contributions
The meeting aims to discuss serious issues and reports over the next two days, shedding light on the contributions of the Anglo-Indian community in sectors like education, Railways, Police, Defence Forces, and Customs. The community, although numbering around four lakhs, is immensely proud of its heritage and its role in nation-building, especially in education.
Historical Background
Founded in 1876, AIAIA has been the voice of the Anglo-Indian community in India. Their most prominent contribution has been in the education sector, with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) being set up in 1958 by Late Frank Anthony and A.E.T Barrow. Today, the Council has affiliations with over 2750 schools in India, Dubai, Sharjah, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia, emphasizing holistic and quality education.
The 148th Annual General Meeting seeks to celebrate the contributions of the Anglo-Indian community while also addressing key issues, thereby continuing to empower its members.
