Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Danapur Branch  for the period 2023 - 2024

  The Danapur Branch of the All-India Anglo-Indian Association held its Annual General Meeting for the period for 2023-24 on Saturday 3rdAugust 2024 at 5:30 pm in the Jubilee Hall  of Don Bosco Academy, Patna.

  Mr Tyron Lazarus, Honorary Secretary welcomed everyone. The meeting began with a prayer by Mr A.G. deRozario who thanked God for all his blessing and prayed for the well being of the community members.

  The House maintained two minutes in silence for the Departed Souls of Ms. Diana deRozario and Mr Desmond Hogermeer.

 

Agenda -1   Address by Mr. Alfred George deRozario, Ex MLA of Bihar, Ex. Vice-President and Governing Body Member of the All-India Anglo-Indian Association and Patron of the Danapur Branch.

  Mr. A.G. deRozario in his address shared a brief history of Anglo- Indian Day.  He informed the house why 2nd August was celebrated as World Anglo-Indian Day across the globe. It was on this day 2nd August 1935 that the Government of India first legalised the term Anglo-Indians who were till then referred to as Eurasians.  Anglo-Indians have a  unique culture which is distinct from the Indian as well as the European culture. He urged the members of the community to maintain our unique culture and language.  He highlighted the importance of educating the younger generation and encouraging them to take up skill based education.  Mr. Rozario  emphasised that for the community to survive and fulfil its objectives members must be responsible and sincere and must not let narrow petty thoughts and ego divide us.  The Community must “Stand together, work together and progress together.”  The achievements of the Danapur Branch have been outstanding in the past and we have been recognised by The All-India Anglo-Indian Association for our achievements.  However, we have missed out on some of the regular activities over the years.

 

Agenda -2   Address by Mr. Eric deRozario, Governng Body Member of The All-India Anglo-Indian Association, Anglo-Indian Representative of Anglo-Indians in Bihar & Odisha and President of the Danapur Branch.

  The President Mr. Eric deRozario expressed concern over the declining participation of members in community functions and activities. He noted that the presence of members at these events is crucial, as it serves as an encouragement for others to attend and get involved. Participation, he stressed, is not merely about attending events but about showing support and solidarity which is the backbone of any community.  He called on all members to fulfil their obligations, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collective responsibility.

  Acknowledging the efforts of the committee members, he expressed his gratitude for their contributions to the community's success. He gave special thanks to the youth committee members, whose active participation has been a driving force behind many of the branch's achievements. Additionally, he expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Don Bosco Academy, Don Bosco Primary School and Don Bosco Public School which have played a significant role in our activities and initiatives.

  Reflecting on the past year, Mr. Eric deRozario highlighted the various activities conducted by the branch, the Drawing & Painting Competition, the India Quiz, The Debate competition, the Elocution Competition and The Leighlyn Fernandez Memorial Carol Competition. However, he also acknowledged that the One-Act Play competition could not be held. Despite this, a new initiative, "The Joy of Giving," was introduced, which was met with tremendous enthusiasm and positivity by the community members.

  Looking ahead, Mr. Eric deRozario informed the members about the upcoming National AGM scheduled to be held in Ranchi from the 12th to the 14th of October 2024.  He extended a special invitation to all members to visit McCluskieganj on the 15th of October 2024 following the Annual AGM. For those interested in attending, the President assured that arrangements for accommodation will be made.

He then briefed the house about the history of McCluskiegunj. It was in 1933 that Mr  E.T. McCluskie took the initiative to acquire 1000 Acres of Land to start a colony for the Anglo-India Community  which was scattered all over the country.  Over 300 Families purchased land in this colony and tried their hands at various trades. But over the years, decedents of these families started to move out in search of better job opportunities and presently there are only 15- 20 families left in McCluskiegunj.

 Agenda - 3  To confirm and pass the Minutes of the Last AGM 2023 - 2024.

  The Honorary Secretary, Mr. Tyron Lazarus read out the minutes of the meeting of the Branch AGM 2023 - 2024 which was proposed by Mr. Michael Daniell and seconded by Ms.  Marie MacDonald.

  Visit to the Missionary of Charity Sisters - This is was one of our key initiatives  of our branch  but was not been taken up in the last few years.  A date for this could be fixed in the next general meeting and visit should be planned and executed.

  Digital Archives  -  The Youth Committee was asked to take up the initiative to start a news letter and digital content for the community across various social media  channels.

  Agenda - 4  :  Honorary Secretary`s  Report  for the year 2023 – 2024

 Mr. Tyron Lazarus Honorary Secretary presented his report for the 2023-2024.  His report highlighted activities conducted by the branch and concluded with an expression of gratitude towards all the members as well as non members who contributed greatly to the success of the events during the  last year.    The Report was proposed by Mr. Clyde Lazarus  and seconded by Mrs. Deborah Daniell.

 

Agenda - 5 : To present and pass the accounts for the year 2023-24

Mr Tyron Lazarus presented the financial report for the period 2023-2024 on behalf of the Treasurer which was proposed by Mrs. Sharon Hurley  and seconded by Mr. Peter D’Souza.

 

Other Matters.

  It was  bought to the notice of the house that there are  several members of the branch whose participation is very limited in the affairs of the association.   Initiatives need to be taken to revive their participation.

  National AGM at Ranchi –The Registration charges are Rs. 4000/- per and Rs. 2000/- for student/youth members. The Branch would sponsor the registration fee of three youth members and two senior members. Interested members were asked to give their names as soon as possible.

  World Anglo-Indian Day Celebration at Don Bosco Academy -  Mr. Alan Cowell appreciated the initiative of Mr. Eric deRozario of celebrating World Anglo-Indian Day at Don Bosco Academy. The celebration included an awareness programme and an essay writing competition on the topic “Anglo-Indians - Yesterday,  Today and Tomorrow “  It was a wonderful programme.

 

  The Committee Members of 2023-24 collectively resigned from their posts as the tenure had come to an end.

  Mr. Michael Daniell was requested to take the proceedings forward to elect the new office bearers.

 He informed the house that the election would be conducted for the following posts as per the MoA -  Each Branch Committee shall consist of a President, not more than three Vice Presidents and at least five but not more than ten members who shall be elected by the members of the Branch (aged 18 years and above) at an Annual General Meeting and shall hold office till the next Annual General Meeting.

 Provided further that until attaining the age of 25, a member will not be eligible to hold the offices of President / Vice President/Honorary Secretary / Honorary Treasurer / Additional Honorary Secretary / Additional Honorary Treasurer.

The following names of members were proposed and elected for different post for the tenure 2024 – 2025.  

Designation

Elected

President

Mr. Eric deRozario

 

Vice President

Mr. Alan Cowell

 

Vice President

Mr. James Reid

 

Vice President

 

Ms. Delphine Dubois

Honorary Secretary

Mr. Tyron Lazarus

 

Honorary Treasurer 

Mr. Mervin Dubois

 

Additional Honorary Treasurer 

Mr. Clyde Lazarus

 

Committee Members

 

Mrs. Sharon Hurley

Committee Members

 

Ms. Tanya Sahu

Committee Members

 

Ms. Jennifer Cooper

Committee Members

 

Mr. Mario Martin

Committee Members

 

Mr. Adrian Blaquiere

Committee Members

 

Mr. Maurice Strong

Committee Members

 

Mr. Jess Strong

  The House Welcomed two new families who relocated back to the Danapur Branch from New Delhi and Faridabad Mr. & Mrs. David Dubois & Family and Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Pereira.

  The Branch AGM then concluded and World Anglo-Indian Day Celebrations commenced.