IJA was the important Indian organisation along with the Indian League up and till the mid 1980s. With the advent of independence in 1947 those few far-sighted Indian Journalists based in London formed the IJA. Amongst the founding fathers were Dr. Tarapada Basu, Dr. Shevenkar, Iqbal Singh and others, who were outstanding correspondents from prominent newspapers based in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi.
Press Trust of India (PTI) and other newspaper agencies were able to provide yeomen services. The Indian High Commission under the guidance of Krishna Menon and then followed by Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit provided useful assistance.
The New Year Gala Dinner Reception of IJA then was the most important date for the Indian community and main political parties.
The Labour Conservative and the Liberals were virtually vying with each other to sit on the top table of the IJA (Europe).
At that time the Indian Media, with limited resources was not represented in the country's mainland Europe.
In the mid eighties the Indian Community Organisations evolved and began arranging important events especially for British politicians, budding Indian entrepreneurs, professionals as well as increasing number of British Indian Community.
I JA events were ideal networking opportunities for the above mentioned groups. The British politicians were aware of the power of the pen especially those Indian correspondents whose reports formed the most important source for the opinion makers in India.
I recollect that at all IJA events till 1984, the Chief Guest and other VIP dignitaries would attend well on time, mingle with the audience, properly use the networking scope, capitalise on it and especially attend the events till formal part is over at about 10.30 pm when the Vote of Thanks used to be conveyed.
Recently I have noticed that the Chief Guest would come for an hour or so, deliver his speech and off he or she goes. Why? Who are they obliging by their sermons from the pulpit? Similar situations are also observed at the other events organised by some organisations. Such lacklustre participation from the so called VVIPs does not augur well for anyone.
IJA is reborn with the first time women on the top. Both the President and Secretary are very capable women and in the committee are also very talented individuals. For achieving the main aim of such a celebration and also for self esteem, the leadership of IJA must demand certainly minimum reciprocity from the invited guests.
In the olden days the message from the spokesman of IJA was to highlight the need of demands or better understanding of India and it's potential. In a way IJA happened to be the guardian of Indian interest in the most important Capital (from the historical perspective) for India abroad.
In those days the leadership of IJA was able to plan the proceedings and the sitting arrangement on the top tables without undue influence or the interference of outside individuals whosoever that may be.
With the New India rapidly rising to the horizon, the scope for the role and response of IJA has increased enormously. Members of Indian media representative can and should serve the justifiable interest of both India and British Indians without fear or a favour. The rebirth of IJA gives ample scope with hope and confidence.
- CB
