Women headline The Dalhousie Institute council elections

The Dalhousie Institute (DI) made history on November 16, by electing four women to its new nine-member council. The formal announcement of their election will be made in an annual general meeting (AGM) of the 164-year-old club on November 26.

When the British established clubs in Bengal, they did so with a singular purpose: To allow themselves an exclusive space for unhindered enjoyment. Not surprisingly, Indians weren’t allowed to become a part of that space. But even long after the British left the country and the spaces were taken over by Indians, they clung on to at least one ancient rule — women were in no way involved in the running of the clubs and only recently has change crept in.

The Calcutta Club managing committee got its first woman member in 2013, six years after the club allowed women to become members. At present, the club has three women in its 12-member committee. The Bengal Club has two women in its General Committee out of 12 members. The Calcutta Swimming Club has no women in its 12-member committee and the General Committee of the CCFC features one woman out of 12 members.

Rajashree Kundalia

Dalhousie Institute

The four women in the newly elected council of DI are finance professional Jashodhara Ghosh, who has been elected as the Honorary Treasurer; advocate Rajashree Kundalia; zumba instructor Natalie Pote; and homemaker Tanya Evelyn Robinson.

“I am a fairly new member of DI, considering other members who have been a part of DI for a very long time. DI has become home to me and I look forward to going there on every occasion. DI has been a forerunner in setting trends and standards. A few years ago, we had a lady president and secretary and I definitely want to be a part of history. This is a place where family and friends get together and it is like one big party that never ends because we always look out for each other. There is truly no place like DI,” said Rajashree Kundalia.

Natalie Pote

Dalhousie Institute

Jashodhara Ghosh had something similar to say about the club. “My father was a member of DI and so I also became a member of DI. I developed my love for swimming at the club and so did my daughter. In fact, at one point, we even had the same trainer. The multicultural atmosphere of the club brings out the essence of the city. It is also a great place to bring children. As the Honorary Treasurer, I would love to bring my expertise to the table. All the members of the council are great friends and we will be working together for the betterment of the club.” she said.

Jashodhara Ghosh

Dalhousie Institute

So what does she think of women taking up important positions in the running of the club? “I think more women should come up in leadership positions because we can keep a cool head and multi-task. We inherently make great leaders!” she smiled.

Derek O'Brien, who had been a president and is currently a member of the club, said clubs in Indian cities should “follow DI’s example”. “I have grown up with DI and would hope that more clubs would follow DI’s example,” concluded O’Brien.