09.01.2012
AT THE CROSS ROAD . . . .
to clear present status to face future generation with DIGNITY
Where we are? And where we are leading for? Do we have answer to these questions? Probably NO, as we do not wish to answer it. As an elder, watching ASI affair since last 20 years with my senior colleagues, always talking and analyzing it but felt helpless. A trend of gradual deterioration of its functioning, limiting it to the whims and desire of one or few individuals, running its show like a personal corporation and taking G.C. members as granted. Discussions in G.C. meeting twice a year is always run for hours and mostly on personal basis of blame games with hardly any positive notes befitting the organization. Even if some good decision taken, but not been implemented as it should have been. As on observes for years, personal egos and clash of personal whims resulted in no where but bitter taste to most of the members. Let us review the working of ASI office in general and G.C. meeting in particular and will find a path of circular road which is never ending. We have not stepped forward but standing at a cross road, without any goal.
I have been a mute spectator, as I had only one agenda of Indexing I.J.S. in Pub med. I survived because of my legal battle and slow but gradual pursuation to G.C. members and office bearer to get financial favor necessary to publish I.J.S. Now following Springer as I.J.S. publication agency, scenario has changed, though faced many problems even in continuing our partnership. Now I.J.S. is financially a viable journal, getting royalty of more than Rs. 25 lacs in 2010. This small journey of I.J.S. tells my self keeping away from ASI affairs but a keen observer with feeling of dejection and dismayed.
Kochi incidence in Dining Hall, G.B. and FAIS Convocation should open our eyes and needs retrospection and critical analysis of our functioning which had laid to such situation. It is not a one day affair but gradually coming up since years. Our leaders can not absolve themselves of such incidence leaving the G.B. to God’s mercy ignoring their sacred duty of guiding, accepting suggestions from honorable members and humbly giving the one year report with proud to get support for the coming year. G.C. members are part of all decision taken in last few years and can not save their faces from its result as in Kochi. All of us are elected by our members and have to answer them and to perform our duties befitting the organization.
Let us search our souls and do not blame one individual, for such a downfall, but ourselves, who have not behaved as a responsible member of an august organisation, where we take Hippocratic Oath to Serve Mankind.
I pray GOD to give all of us wisdom to face this difficult situation with calm, to resolve it to face the newer generation of members with pride and dignity. No way of blaming game, but positive approach to gain faith in our system with truthfulness, honesty without prejudices and without clash of egos. All of us are mature and has high reputation individually, but collectively nothing but mess.
My humble suggestions are –
(1)G.C. on 26.12.11, has taken a unanimous decision to countermand the election and start procedure for reelection. Members requested Dr. Nariani to withdraw the case and accept G.C. decision. Dr. Nariani has also withdrawn the case since than. He has given a chance to all the Presidential Contestants to intervene and present all the facts to the Honourable High Court and to get legal justice but failed.
(2)G.B. under odd circumstances, but legally correct also decided to countermand the election due to irregularities found during counting and start fresh election. Dr. Ramakant election officer, and now President ASI, has a mandate of G.C. and G.B. to act in this direction.
(3)A committee to investigate the problem of rigging in this year elections and give its report in one month time.
(4)Election reforms for fair elections in future.
Friends nothing is impossible, for a Surgeon, as harsh decisions are to be taken to save life / Association. If not, how can we face and answer coming generation.
I again wish you all the best and pray GOD to give us strength and wisdom to tide over the crisis with glory befitting ASI.
Thanks,
Dr. Satish Shukla
Chairman/Editor I.J.S.
