Delhi Gymkhana accused of hurting character of the club
The decisions taken by the administrator of the Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), have irked several members of the club. The club’s administrator who is appointed by the Centre, Om Pathak, a former IAS cadre has introduced Bhagavad Gita on the premises along with other decisions like converting an organic garden into a party lawn and holding seminars and skill training programs.
Major Atul Dev (retd.), a member of the former general committee (GC) of the club, said an opened Bhagavad Gita has been placed on the library counter of the club. Dev said several members have objected to it and placing religious scriptures on the premises of the club was not done before. Vishal Marwah, a member of the former GC, said the club is a non-political and non-religious institution. Another member, on the condition of anonymity, added that placing religious scriptures on the club’s premises hurts the character of the club.
The club’s administrator, Om Pathak said, “I presented the Gita from my own funds…it is a book to celebrate.” He added that the member’s perception of the matter is not correct.
Regarding the organic garden, a communication sent from the members to the administrator said, “Recently, you have issued instructions for the conversion of the organic farm of the club into a party lawn. All vegetables are being uprooted and the ground is being prepared for laying a lawn, with functional party facilities, as an additional party lawn. The organic garden is very popular with the members. It was also supplying vegetables to the club kitchen.”
The note added that an outlay of Rs.48 lakh was made for the setting up of an organic garden a few years ago. “This also contravenes the Order of the NCLT not to progress any works in the club. It may also be noted that this space has been earmarked for the Phase II of our expansion plan which has received sanction from the NDMC,” added the note.
A member of the former GC of the club said the administration has also started conducting seminars, defence dialogue, and training skill programs, which have very thin attendance. He added that the club is required to conduct activities connected to sports and ancillary to sports and pastimes.
The club members in the note to the administrator said, “Creating a category of Sub Committees called ‘India First Societies‘ with charters completely outside the mandate of DGC in accordance with the Memorandum of Association or even our Lease Deed. These societies appear like ‘Think Tanks‘ with non-members being part of them, all tasked with responsibilities of conducting seminars, research, and publication of papers! This violates the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, as the activities of the Club are sports-related and ancillary to sports and pastimes. These societies do not figure as part of sports or ancillary to sports and pastimes.”
The NCLAT, on February 15 this year, dissolved the club’s GC and directed the Centre to appoint an administrator to manage its affairs, after the Ministry of Corporate Affairs moved the tribunal alleging corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism in the club.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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Club is non-religious & non-political. Its members are Hindus. It is against constitution, it is against God, it is against everything in this world. How about placing Play Boy / Play Girl magazine ? It will bring many new members !! Does this gymkhana clud subscribe to any magazines India Today (anti-India magazine) or RSS magazines…it is for reading only…. Is that acceptable.
Is liquor served there ? Kitty parties can be held there ?? Non-veg dishes can be served there ? It is anti Mahatma Gandhi (ahimsa) principles…..
Gymkhana is British Imperial culture for those in positions. time to dismantle them or give to Dance Bar clubs (Mumbai style) or a Cultureal centers to earn more revenue… Common man cannot be included or join the club for membership is restricted to those retiring from top Govt positions.
Who own the gymkhana club ? The state !! State is run by politicians. So how can it be apolitical ?
Stupid fellows, it is not a book, the content & truthness in such books that needs to be respected