This article explores the historical origins of club culture in India, particularly in Calcutta during colonial times. It compares the culture of messes, which were primarily for upper-caste, male students, to the contemporary club and gymkhana culture in India. The recent controversy surrounding cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues and her father's alleged "conversion" activities at a Mumbai gymkhana highlights the powerful role these institutions play in determining social hierarchies and notions of respectability. Ultimately, club membership is not just about access to amenities, but also about subscribing to certain societal norms and values.
Jemimah Rodrigues and the Khar Gymkhana: A Tale of Social Exclusion
Background
Club culture in India has deep-rooted historical origins, particularly in the city of Calcutta during colonial times. The establishment of exclusive clubs and gymkhanas was initially limited to upper-caste, male students. These institutions served as spaces for socializing, recreation, and networking.
In contemporary India, clubs and gymkhanas continue to play a significant role in determining social hierarchies and notions of respectability. They offer exclusive amenities and services, often catering to the elite and affluent.
The Jemimah Rodrigues Incident
In 2022, cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues faced controversy when she and her father were allegedly asked to leave the Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai. The alleged reason was that her father was conducting "conversion" activities, which were perceived as violative of the club's norms.
The incident sparked outrage and debate, highlighting the deep-seated biases and discriminatory practices that persist within certain social institutions in India.
FAQs
1. Why was Jemimah Rodrigues asked to leave the Khar Gymkhana? Allegedly, her father was conducting "conversion" activities, which were seen as violating the club's norms.
2. What do these institutions represent? Club culture in India often represents social hierarchies and notions of respectability, with exclusive membership being a symbol of status and privilege.
3. What are the historical roots of club culture in India? Club culture in India has its origins in the colonial era, when exclusive clubs and gymkhanas were established for upper-caste, male students.
4. How has club culture evolved in contemporary India? Contemporary clubs and gymkhanas continue to cater to the elite and affluent, offering exclusive amenities and services. However, they also face scrutiny for their exclusionary practices.
5. What are the implications of the Jemimah Rodrigues incident for Indian society? The incident highlights the prevalence of deep-seated biases and discriminatory practices within certain social institutions in India. It also raises questions about the need for inclusivity and equality in all aspects of society.
In the 2025 municipal election in Conway, voters made the choice to stick with the current city leaders. Incumbents Amanda Butler, Beth Helms, and William Goldfinch were all re-elected to their positions, while challenger Tonya Robinson fell just short. Butler, who received the most votes, expressed surprise and gratitude, and said that the re-election of all three incumbents shows confidence in the current council.
The Haryana High Court has issued a third warrant for the arrest of self-styled godman Rampal, who is facing a murder charge. With pressure mounting on the police to take action, thousands of men, women, and children who were holding a protective ring around Rampal are now abandoning their position, claiming they were forced to stay there by the godman and his supporters. This walk out is seen as a victory for the police, who are worried about potential violence from Rampal's supporters and have cut off essential resources like water, power, and food to the ashram. Rampal, who has a history of missing court hearings, is now using ill health as a reason to avoid arrest.
At a state working committee meeting of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya stressed on the significance of the party organization over the government. He highlighted the need for party workers to be respected and their dignity upheld. Maurya also addressed the recent electoral setbacks faced by the BJP and stated that the organization will always remain supreme.
Acclaimed poet and Aam Aadmi Party leader Kumar Vishwas has praised Dhirendra Shastri, a prominent leader of the Sanatan Dharma movement in Uttarakhand, for his efforts in bringing enlightenment and upliftment to the people. Vishwas highlighted Shastri's dedication to preserving the values of Sanatan Dharma and spreading its message across the state. This news highlights the significance of cultural and spiritual leaders in shaping the political landscape of India.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Indian Election Commission of not using its de-duplication software to identify duplicate and photo-similar entries in the electoral rolls during the 2022 annual Special Summary Revision. This comes after Gandhi claimed that 25 lakh votes were "stolen" in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, including 5.21 lakh duplicate voters. According to sources, the software has not been used since the 2022 SSR, despite repeated directives from the EC to identify and delete such entries.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court made a strong statement against religious terrorism, stating that no religion supports violence or terror. This came as the court denied bail to an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) suspect arrested by the National Investigating Agency (NIA). The court also noted that the suspect was an active member of a conspiracy to attack a defence entity, showing the dangerous nature of religious terrorism.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of ignoring a crucial deduplication software that could have prevented the alleged "stolen" votes in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. The software, developed by the Centre for Development and Advanced Computing (CDAC), has not been used for the past two years, despite repeated directives from the EC to identify and delete duplicate entries in the electoral rolls. The software was last used in the 2023 Special Summary Revision, which led to a rare contraction in the total number of registered voters in the country. Gandhi's claims have raised questions about the EC's efforts to clean up the electoral rolls and the need for effective use of technology in the process.
During a Fox News interview, President Trump responded to concerns over pricing in America from a loyal Republican supporter. He blames Republicans for not addressing the issue effectively and calls out Democrats for lying about it. The anchor discussing the topic with Trump also notes how the recent election results should make Republicans re-examine this economic issue.
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat, has been elected as the first Muslim mayor of New York City in over a century, beating out incumbent President Donald Trump's preferred candidate. In his first press conference, Mamdani promised to stand up against Trump's divisive policies and usher in a new era for the city. However, as he faces challenges ahead, many will be closely watching his actions and decisions as mayor.
BJP counters Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's claims of rampant vote theft in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections with a detailed rebuttal. The ruling party accuses Gandhi of resorting to a recycled narrative of "vote chori" to explain his party's electoral defeats, and highlights the Congress leader's own inconsistencies in using the same EVMs he alleges to be fraudulent. It also calls out his attempt to grab media attention rather than following due process. Meanwhile, the Congress is yet to respond to the BJP's rebuttal.