(L to R) Kashmira Gamadia- Governing Council Member; Sharon Pires – All India President; Homai Mehta – President Emeritus & Past ASA President; Bama Cariapa- All India 2nd Runner up; Prabha Narayan- All India Winner; Sabrina Mendes-All India 1st Runner up; Vimala D’Souza- Hon. Secretary; Edna Martis- Governing Council member; Priya Sudhir – Hon.Treasurer; Yvonne Alphonso-Immediate Past President
The Indian Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals (IASAP) organised the 15th National Convention from September 29th to October 2nd, 2017 at ‘Taj Santacruz’ near Domestic Airport.
The theme of the convention was ‘Excellence beyond boundaries’. The results of the All India Administrative Professional Contest were declared during the inaugural dinner. Awards were given to winner – Prabha Narayan of Mumbai, who works with HPCL; 1st runner-up – Sabrina Mendes of West Bengal, who works with Oak Foundation; 2nd runner-up -Bama Cariapa of Bangalore, who works with Air India.
On the second and third day of the convention, a galaxy of distinguished speakers addressed the 193 women delegates (from Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad) on interesting topics—‘Pursuing Excellence in Profession – A Holistic Approach’ by Swami Swatmananda of Chinmaya Mission; ‘Wellness Revolution for Human Evolution’ being Mickeymized, by Dr. Mickey Mehta; ‘Brand You’ by Benaisha Kharas; ‘Witnessing Mega Trends & Digital Waves’ by Udai Singh, chief strategy officer and president B2B India NIIT Ltd; and ‘Secretary – a Partner in Business’ by Daara Patel – Secretary-General, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA).
Andheri-based ‘The Club Mumbai’ very generously hosted all National Convention delegates to an enjoyable evening with music, entertainment, snacks and a sumptuous buffet dinner which was very meticulously planned. On the concluding day, members of all Chapters put up excellent cultural items, proving that besides being very efficient working women and mothers, some Administrative Professionals excel in dancing too!
After breakfast on October 2, the delegates bid farewell to each other, with a commitment to attend the 16th National Convention to be hosted by IASAP’s Pune Chapter in 2019. The outstation delegates, who represented IASAP’s Chapters at Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad, and three overseas delegates (2 from Thailand and 1 from Bangladesh) were taken on a half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai before they returned home with very pleasant memories. The convention provided an excellent platform for learning and networking. IASAP profoundly thanks Pankaj Sampat, General Manager of Taj Santacruz and his team. The untiring efforts of the Organizing Committee and the Governing Council members were deeply appreciated by all Chapter Chairpersons and delegates.
