From:          Bhawrilal Kakani, Chair MMNA Board of Directors

To:              MMNA Members

Subject:       National Executive Committee

Date:           Thursday, October 23, 2008

 

Dear Friends:

 

          Jai Mahesh and Happy Diwali.  I am writing to the MMNA membership regarding the 2009-2012 National Executive Committee (NEC).  The Nominating Committee formed as per the MMNA Constitution, with unanimous agreement, prepared a slate of officers from the nominations submitted by life members.  This was based on existing criteria and consistent with prior practices of MMNA.  Only life members were eligible to vote for the election of NEC.  The slate was submitted to life members for their approval with a requirement to submit only opposition by 5:00 pm (EST) on October 20, 2008.  Of the 306 life members emailed, two emails bounced back undelivered.  Of the remaining 304 life members, 69 opposed the NEC members.  Therefore, the NEC team is considered approved.  The new NEC team consists of:

 

          President:             Nand Kishor Lohiya, Texas

          Vice President:     Giridhar Heda, Connecticut

          Vice President:     Shaila Mantri, California

          Vice President:     Parag Bajaj, Michigan

          Secretary:             Suresh Deopura, California

          Joint Secretary:    Anita Ajmera, New York

          Treasurer:             Rajesh Kabra, New Jersey

          Joint Treasurer:    Sushma Pallod, Texas

 

          The task of formulating the NEC became more challenging due to the lack of specificity in the MMNA Constitution regarding the process for choosing NEC members.  Compounding the difficult task was the fact that a few life members wanted the process changed by requiring a contest and arguing that the Nominating Committee should not use any criteria or discretion.  The Nominating Committee felt, however, that it was required of them to apply reasonable criteria such as recent contributions to MMNA; geographical, gender, and age diversity; suitability and experience for a given position; and seniority.  This position was endorsed by the MMNA Board of Directors during a conference call on October 12, 2008.  The Nominating Committee worked diligently, with the best interest of MMNA at heart, and consistent with their interpretation of the MMNA Constitution.  I thank them for their sincerity, earnestness, service, and dedication to long-term interests of MMNA.  I also thank the Life Members who participated in the process in an orderly way and with patience.

 

          The Nominating Committee has unanimously recommended that the MMNA Board of Directors appoint a special committee to recommend revisions to the Constitution dealing with the issue of the process mentioned above as well as other issues including but not limited to representation of regional chapters on NEC, eligibility to serve on NEC, starting dates for NEC officers, and resignation/succession provisions.  This will be the first order of business at the next meeting of the MMNA Board of Directors.

 

          Notwithstanding some of the recent “distractions”, let all of us pledge to cooperate and assist the new NEC in making MMNA a productive and better organization.  We must rededicate ourselves to parivar bhavna and self less service so that collectively we can continue the achievements of MMNA.  Please join me in congratulating the new NEC and wishing them success.  Feel free to communicate with me with any questions or suggestions.

 

Best regards,

Bhawrilal Kakani,

Chair MMNA Board of Directors