IASAP HISTORY
 
 

The Story in Brief

The IASAP (formerly NIPS) Story is akin to the planting of an acorn, which after nurture and care, grows into an oak tree.  In this case, the acorn was planted by Homai and Homi Mehta with the encouragement and support of Sir J.J. College of Commerce, Mumbai.

After considerable preliminary work, the National Institute of Personal Secretaries was registered as a Professional Body on 15th October 1970.  The founder members were :

Mrs. Zelma E. Lazarus                        President
Late Mrs. Lena A. Tavares                 Vice President
Mrs. Homai H. Mehta                         Hon. Secretary
Mrs. Dina P. Sethna
Mrs. Thrity H. Dolikuka
Mrs. Rhoda Vandrewala (nee Mirza)
Late Mrs. Mehroo Sookhia

Chronicle of IASAP's progress:

1970 : October 1970 – April 1974 – First NIPS President – Zelma Lazarus
December – Sir J.J. College of Commerce organized the first Secretary of the Year Contest, where NIPS was given a platform for publicity.
     
 1971 : NIPS Newsletter was introduced.  Late Lalogue Postvala Sarvotham was its Editor for many years.  She was succeeded by Zarine Commissariat and the current Editor is Moti Vazifdar.
     
 1974   April 1974 – May 1976 – Second NIPS President – late Bachi Daruwala
     
 1976 : NIPS delegation participated in the 2nd Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Bangkok, led by late President, Bachi Daruwala.  The theme of the Congress was "Enjoy your work by Self Improvement".
May 1976 – December 1984 – Third NIPS President – Homai H. Mehta
     
 1978 : NIPS delegation participated in the 3rd Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Singapore.  The delegation was led by Homai H. Mehta.  The theme of the Congress was "The Secretary in a Modern Era".
     
 1979 : Homai Mehta was ASA President for the year 1979.
     
 1980 : Homai Mehta, as President of NIPS, was the lone delegate to the 4th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, held in Jakarta, Indonesia.  The theme was "Increase your Abilities and maximize your Contribution".
     
 1982 : NIPS delegation participated in the 5th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Hong Kong.  Homai Mehta as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme was "The ASA Standard of a Professional Secretary and its Recognition".
     
 1983 : Homai Mehta again became ASA President for 1983 and 1984.
     
 1984 : Homai Mehta and her team organized the 6th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Mumbai.  The theme was "The Personal Secretary – Vocation to Profession".
     
 1985 : December 1984 – October 1985 -   NIPS Fourth President – Phil WhiteOctober 1985 – September 1987 – NIPS Fifth President – Zarine Commissariat
     
 1986 : NIPS participated in the 7th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Zarine Commissariat as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme was "Success through Professionalism and Excellence".
     
 1987 : September 1987 – November 1989 – NIPS Sixth President – Amy Minbatiwalla
     
 1988 : NIPS participated in the 8th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Taipei, Taiwan.  Amy Minbattiwalla as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme was "Moving Ahead in the High-Tech Era".
     
 1989 : NIPS introduced the "All-India Secretary of the Year" Contest.
November 1989-September 1991 – NIPS Seventh President – Homai Elavia.
     
 1990 : NIPS participated in the 9th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Karachi, Pakistan.   Homai Elavia as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme was "The Secretary – Shadow Boss & Prime Mover".
     
 1991 : September 1991 – September 1993 – NIPS Eight President – Merlyn Rodricks.
     
 1992 : NIPS participated in the 10th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Tokyo, Japan.   Merlyn Rodricks, as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "People Skills – Your  Personal Ladder to Success".
     
 1993 : September 1993 – November 1995 – NIPS Ninth President – Moti A. Vazifdar.
     
 1994 : October - NIPS participated in the 11th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Manila, Phillippines.   Moti A. Vazifdar, as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "The Professional Secretary : Into the 21st Century".Professional Secretary Award :  Association of Secretaries in Asia (ASA) organized the "Secretary of the Year Contest" with winners from 13 members countries participating.  All India Winner Sudha Ramanathan from Delhi represented NIPS.
     
 1996 : November 1995 - September 1997 – NIPS Tenth President – Villoo Karkaria.
February – The fourth All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held.  The All-India Winner was Aarti Gupta from Delhi Chapter.
     
 1997 : March - NIPS participated in the 12th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Brunei, Darussalam.   Villoo Karkaria, as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "Unity Towards Professional Development".  Aarti Gupta of NIPS won the coveted Professional Secretary Award at this Congress.September 1997 – October 1999 – NIPS Eleventh President – Rema Ramchandran.
     
 1998 : July – The DHL-NIPS All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held and the All-India Winner was Regina Vasudevan from Bangalore Chapter.September - NIPS participated in the 13th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Bangkok, Thailand.   Rema Ramchandran, as NIPS President led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "Meeting the Challenges of Change".  For the second consecutive year, the Indian representative was declared winner of the Professional Secretary Award at this  Congress and this was Regina Vasudevan.
     
 1999 : October 1999 to December 2001 – NIPS Twelfth President – Betty Kent
     
 2000 : July – The DHL-NIPS All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held and the All-India Winner was Maria Fernandez  from Mumbai Headquarters.September - NIPS participated in the 14th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.   Betty Kent, as NIPS President, led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "Tomorrow Through Today's Eyes". 
     
 2001 : December 2001 to October 2003 – NIPS Thirteenth President – Veera Mundroina
     
 2002 : July – The DHL-NIPS All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held and the All-India Winner was Madhu Rajesh  from Delhi Chapter.September - NIPS participated in the 15th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Brunei, Darussalam.   Veera Mundroina, as NIPS President, led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "Challenges".  Madhu Rajesh won the coveted Professional Secretary Award at this Congress.  Zarine Commissariat, Past President of NIPS, was the compere at this Congress.
     
 2003 : April – The association's name was changed from "National Institute of Professional Secretaries" (NIPS)  to "Indian Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals" (IASAP).November 2003 September 2005 – IASAP  Fourteenth President – Maria Pontes
     
 2004 : April – At the traditional Boss Secretary Lunch, The Best Administrative Practice Award 2003-2004 was presented by Blue Dart Express Limited to Rema Ramachandran of  Bangalore Chapter, who was declared the All India Winner and Ms. Akshata Vichare of Mumbai Chapter was the Runner-up.July – The DHL-IASAP All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held and the All-India Winner was Sandra Smith of HSBC,  from Tamil Nadu  Chapter.August - IASAP participated in the 16th Congress of Secretaries in Asia, in Singapore.   Maria Pontes, as IASAP President, led the delegation.  The theme of the Congress was "Strive with Winning Combinations". 
     
2005 : October 2005 to October 2007 – IASAP 15th President, All India – Shera Langrana. She was also ASA President from 2005 to 2006. At the 34th AGM held on October 26, 2005, the Best Member Award Trophy was presented to Akshata Vichare for her continued support and active contribution to IASAP.
     
2006 : September 9 – The 10th DHL-IASAP All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was held at May Fair Rooms & Outdoors, Worli, Mumbai and the All-India Winner was Mrs. Samanaz Mehta from Mumbai Headquarters.

"November 11 to 15 – 17th ASA Congress, in Mumbai at Taj Lands End, hosted by IASAP under the leadership of Shera Langrana, ASA & All India President.  Theme : “ME – Mission Excellence”. Delegates from the ASA countries of Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and USA Canada participated. "
     
2007 : November 2007 to December 2009 – IASAP 16th President – Pansy Reilly.

"November 3 to 7 - 18th ASA Congress, in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted by the Ikatan Sekretaris Indonesia (ISI). Delegation of 29 members participated led by President Pansy Reilly. Theme : “The Art of Leadership Skills for Administrative Professionals”."
     
2008 : Name of 'Secretary Of The Year Contest' (SOTYC) was changed to 'Secretary & Administrative Professional of the year Contest' (SAPC).

"August 23 - & 11th DHL-IASAP All-India Secretary & Administrative Professional of the Year Contest (SAPC) was held at Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai. All-India Winner : Gloria Collaco (Nee: Mendonca) (Satyam Computer Services Ltd.) from Mumbai Headquarters."

October 19 to 22, 2008 - 19th ASA Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, hosted by MAPSA, Malaysia. Delegation of 57 members participated led by President Pansy Reilly. Theme : “Reinventing – the Way Forward”.  Gloria Collaco (Nee: Mendonca) of Mumbai, India won the coveted ASA Award. IASAP won the first prize for the best Cultural Performance.
     
2009 : A new Website of IASAP was launched ‘www.iasapindia.com” with link to each Chapter’s Website. 

     
2010 : January 2010 to November 2011 – 17th All-India President of IASAP -Jeroo Irani.

August 21 - IASAP Mumbai Headquarters celebrated its 40th Ruby Anniversary along with the 12th DHL-IASAP All-India Secretary & Administrative Professional of the year Contest held at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. All-India Winner : Firoza Driver (Vodafone Essar Ltd.) from Mumbai Headquarters.

September 26 to October 1 - 20th ASA Congress at Taipei, Taiwan, hosted by Chinese Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals (CASAP), Taiwan. Delegation of 94 members participated led by President Jeroo Irani. Theme : “Leaping Forward in the Changing Workplace”. Firoza Driver (Vodafone Essar Ltd.) of Mumbai, India won the coveted ASA Award. From among 17 Asian countries who participated, IASAP won the first prize for the Best Cultural Performance for presenting a Rajasthani Folk Dance (courtesy Pune Chapter).
     
2011   December 2011 to October 2013 – 18th IASAP President, All India - Wilma D’Costa
     
2012   September 1 to 6 - 21st ASA Congress in Dhaka, Bangladesh, hosted by the Professional Secretaries’ Welfare Association (PSWA). Delegation of 21 members participated led by President Wilma D'Costa. Theme : “Striving for Excellence - In League with Technology”. Past President Zarine Commissariat was the Compere at this Congress. From among the 12 Asian counties who participated, IASAP also bagged the first prize for the Best Cultural Performance for presenting - Dulhan ki Bidai, where 12 Asian countries participated.

ASA Award Contest could not be held as there were less than six participating countries [including India]. It was decided to replace this with the ‘Project Contest’ aiming to showcase each country association’s most interesting business activity be it in the field of education, community work or building up member association’s camaraderie and involvement in the organization. This project would take off at the 22nd ASA Congress in Karachi, Pakistan.
     
2013   "April 2013 - Best Member Award was presented to Sanober Mehta, Central Bank of India for her unstinted support in procuring sponsorship from Central Bank of India towards the Boss Secretary Lunch in April 2013."

October 2013 to October 2015 – 19th IASAP President, All India – Yvonne Alphonso
     
2014   September 13 to 17 - 22nd ASA Congress in Karachi, Pakistan, hosted by the Distinguished Secretaries’ Society of Pakistan (DSSP). Delegation of 24 members participated, led by President Yvonne Alphonso. Theme : “Standing High In Challenging Times !”. ASA Founding President Ms. Virginia Elbinias was the only one to receive a Certificate for attending 22 ASA Congresses. ‘ASA Project’ Contest was initiated by ASA at this Congress and the four counties participated – Thailand, India, Sri Lanka & Pakistan. Thailand walked away the Winner with highest Points and were awarded USD 100/-.
     
2015   October 2015 to November 2017 – 20th IASAP President, All India – Sharon Pires
     
2016   September 25 to 29 - The 23rd ASA Congress organized by The Philippine Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals Inc, (PAS) was held at Hotel Marriott, Manila. The theme was “Today's Vision – Tomorrow's Reality”. The largest participation was from India of 71 members, led by IASAP President Sharon Pires .
     
2017   November 2017 to November 2019 – 21st IASAP President, All India – Vimala Dsouza
     
2018   September 24 to 28 - 24th ASA Congress organised by PNGAAP Association was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The theme was "Administrative Dynamics - The WOW Factor". IASAP was the largest delegation with 43 members, led by IASAP President Vimala Dsouza. Team IASAP won the ASA Project Award.
     
2019   November 2019 to November 2021 – 22nd IASAP President, All India – Edna Martis
     
2020   25th ASA Congress at Colombo, which was to be held at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka, was POSTPONED due to Pandemic in the world & air travel restrictions.

September 26 - All India online virtual Condolence Meeting was held on the demise of our mentor, guide, leader, IASAP Founder & President Emeritus, Late Mrs. Homai Mehta who had left for heavenly abode on September 15, 2020.
     
2021   April 11 - ASA Founding President, Late Mrs. Virginia Elbinias left for her heavenly abode.

November 2021 to November 2023 – 23rd IASAP President, All India – Kashmira Gamadia

May IASAP continue to grow from strength to strength.



MILESTONES

1970 NIPS registered as a Professional body.
   
1971 NIPS Newsletter introduced.
   
1975 Affiliation with Association of Secretaries in Asia Pacific (ASA)
Affiliation with Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) USA.
   
1976 NIPS delegation first participated in the 2nd Congress of Secretaries at Bangkok and continues participation till date.
   
1983 April – The First Chapter of NIPS was established in Chennai with Shirley Chatterton as its Chairperson.
   
1984 Sixth Congress of Secretaries held in Bombay.
   
1985 February – The West Bengal Chapter was established in Calcutta, with Daphne Stockman as its  Chairperson.
   
1986 November – Inauguration of the Delhi Chapter with Alka Narang as Chairperson.
   
1987 April – Inauguration of the Pune Chapter with Florence Boodle as Chairperson. April -  Zarine Commissariat introduced celebration of Secretaries' Day with Boss Secretary Lunch co-sponsored by Blue Dart Express Ltd. and Hotel Taj President.November – The First National Convention was organized in Mumbai on "The Secretary Today – New Challenges, New Solutions".
The First Secretary of the Year Contest, for Headquarters only, was organized by  Zarine Commissariat.
   
1989 Introduced All-India Secretary of the Year Contest (SOTYC).
Effective 1995, the NIPS/IASAP winner represents India at the All Asia Contest for the Professional Secretary Award.
   
1990 September – NIPS took the initiative to change the name of the Association from "National Institute of Personal Secretaries" to "National Institute of Professional Secretaries".NIPS Second National Convention organized by Pune Chapter on "The Multi-faceted Secretary of the 90s".September – The Fifth Chapter of NIPS was established in Bangalore with Marolla Meneaud as  Chairperson.
   
1991 November – The 2nd All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was hosted by the West Bengal Chapter in Kolkata.
   
1992 NIPS Third National Convention was organized by the Tamil Nadu Chapter in Chennai on "The Past with a Future".
   
1993 July – NIPS Sixth Chapter was established in Hyderabad with Jane Rita Kumar as  Chairperson.November – The 3rd All-India Secretary of the Year Contest was organized by Moti A. Vazifdar and her team in Mumbai with the sponsorship of DHL, who continue to be our sponsors till date.
   
1995 February – The Fourth National Convention was hosted by the Delhi Chapter on "Womenpower Planning".June – NIPS Silver Jubilee celebration was held at the Taj Mahal Hotel, sponsored by Blue Dart Express Ltd.
   
1996 October – The Fifth National Convention was hosted by the Bangalore Chapter on "The Power that grows".
   
1997 Introduced celebration of International Boss' Day, sponsored by Oberoi Hotels.
   
1998 Instituted Executive of the Year Award presented on the occasion of Boss' Day.
   
1999 March – The Sixth National Convention was hosted by the West Bengal Chapter, in Kolkata, on "Beyond Y2K".
   
2000 October - NIPS celebrated its 30th Anniversary.
   
2001 February – The Seventh National Convention of Professional Secretaries was hosted by Mumbai Headquarters, on the theme "Changes, Challenges & Opportunities in the New Millennium".April – NIPS All-India Directory of members was published.
   
2003 February – The Eighth National Convention of Professional Secretaries was hosted by the Hyderabad Chapter on the theme "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges".April 1 – NIPS name was changed to Indian Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (IASAP).April – The Best Administrative Practice Award for 2002-2003 was introduced and was presented by Blue Dart Express Ltd. to Ms. Akshata Vichare (L&T Ltd.), of Mumbai Headquarters.October – IASAP Website was launched on Boss' Day at a glittering ceremony.  Our registered Website is http://www.iasap.net. November - 25 Years Pin was introduced and was awarded to members of Mumbai Chapter who have completed 25 Years of  active association with IASAP.
   
2005 January 26 to 29 – The 9th National Convention of Professional Secretaries was hosted by the Pune Chapter on the theme "Passion for Perfection".

April 2005 – On the occasion of Administrative Professionals’ week, the 3rd Edition of the All-India Directory of IASAP Members was published.
   
2007 April 28 to May 1 – The 10th National Convention was hosted by Tamil Nadu Chapter at Mahabalipuram, Chennai. Theme : “Vision Knows No Boundaries”.
   
2009 April 30 to May 3 – The 11th National Convention held at Kolkata was organized by West Bengal Chapter. The Theme was "Connected for Life. One Life, Do More". Pansy Reilly was All-India President. West Bengal Chapter also celebrated their Silver Jubilee Year.

May 2009 – IASAP’s own Office space was acquired admeasuring 115 sq. ft. built up area situated at Shop No.104, Ashoka Shopping Centre, 2nd Floor, Next to G.T. Hospital, L.T. Marg, Mumbai 400 001 on ownership basis, registered in the name of Indian Association of Secretaries & Administrative Professionals, Mumbai Headquarters. 

November 12 - After refurbishing, IASAP Office was inaugurated.
   
2010 August 21 - IASAP Mumbai Headquarters celebrated its 40th Ruby Anniversary

August 22 - The amendments to the Rules & Regulations of Memorandum of Association of IASAP were framed and approved first at the All-India Governing Council Meeting and then at the 39th AGM at Mumbai HQ on January 15, 2011.
   
2011 "April 27 – 25 years celebration of Administrative Professionals Day at Mumbai HQ. "

May 1 - Registered Address of IASAP Headquarters was changed to 104, Ashoka Shopping Centre, 2nd Floor, G.T. Hospital Complex, L.T. Marg, Mumbai 400 001.

September 14 to 18 – The 12th National Convention hosted by Delhi Chapter was held at The Radisson Blu, Dwarka, New Delh. The theme of the Convention was "Challenge of Change – Silver to Gold". Silver Anniversary of Delhi Chapter was also celebrated on this occasion. The 13th DHL-IASAP All-India Secretary & Administrative Professional of the year Contest (SAPC) was held during this Convention. The All-India Winner was Sunita James (Mumbai Region) from Nycomed Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
   
2013 September 29 to October 2 - 13th National Convention was hosted by the Bangalore Chapter at the Sheraton Brigade Gateway, Bangalore. Theme : “Women of Wisdom”- WOW. On this occasion, the 14th All-India Secretary & Administrative Professional of the Year Contest (SAPC) was held. All India Winner : Mridula Kar (Hyatt Regency), Kolkata Chapter.
   
2014 October 18 - Boss’ Day event was revived by President Yvonne Alphonso.
   
2015 September 6 - West Bengal Chapter celebrated 30 years – Pearl Anniversary at Hotel Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.

"September 19 to 23 - 14th National Convention at Hyderabad, hosted by Hyderabad Chapter was held at Hotel Avasa, Madhapur, Hyderabad. Theme : “Divas of Change”. 15th All-India Secretary & Administrative Professional of the Year Contest (SAPC) was held during this Convention. All India Winner : Vanessa Dantes Caesar, Executive Secretary, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd., MUMBAI H.Q. "
   
2016 IASAP Delhi Chapter completed 30 successful years of its association with IASAP. The Chapter was established at Delhi in 1986.
   
2017 September 29 to October 2 - The 15th National Convention, hosted by Mumbai HQ was held at Hotel Taj, Santacruz Mumbai. The theme of the Convention was "A Holistic Approach in Pursuing Excellence in Profession". The 16th All India Administrative Professional Contest (APC) was held during this Convention. The Mumbai winner Prabha Narayan was declared the All-India Winner.
   
2018 May 26 - Exclusive Lunch Meeting for Retired IASAPians was held at Hotel Fariyas, Colaba, Mumbai. The prize for the oldest member present went to Ms Daulat Mugaseth for long association with IASAP.
   
2019 April 24 - At the Boss-Secretary Lunch held at The Presidential Ballroom, Taj President, Ms Flavy D’souza won the Essay Contest, Theme being “Supporting Leadership Responsibly”.

June 8 - Retired Secretaries Lunch was held at Fariyas Hotel, Colaba, Mumbai.

October 11 to 14 - The 16th National Convention hosted by Pune Chapter, was held at the Westin Hotel, Koregaon Park, Pune. The theme of the Convention was “Women Shaping the Future”. The 17th All India Adminisrative Professional Contest (APC) was held during this Convention. The winner was Maria Renaux of Tamil Nadu Chapter.
   
2020 Due to pandemic situation in India, all monthly meetings & celebrations were held Online from April 2020 to November 2021, to the satisfaction of all IASAP Members at HQ & at all Chapters.

IASAP's new Golen Jubilee logo and slogan "We Together Build" unveiled. The logo and slogan was prepared by our very own member, Deepa Pinto of Colorband Dyestuff Pvt. Ltd.

"October 17 - A wonderful tribute to our dear President Emeritus, Late Mrs. Homai Mehta, from across India was held Online and our ASA members also joined in. Live music and delectable performances by members from all Chapters. Well organized event to mark the IASAP Golden Jubilee celebrations. "
   
2021 September 15 - First Death Anniversary Memorial Service of Late Mrs. Homai Mehta, President-Emeritus, IASAP, conducted Online by PP Zarine Commissariat. Mr. Kiran Umrootkar, a dear friend of Late Mrs. Homai Mehta, was special guest for the evening.
   
2022 The 'Secretary & Administrative Professional of the year Contest' (SAPC) will henceforth be replaced with Best Practices Contest (BPC), with Tamil Nadu Chapter presenting its Best Practices Award in Chennai during the 17th National Convention to be held in Mahabalipuram, Chennai from April 28 to May 1, 2022.

May IASAP continue to grow from strength to strength.

 

 

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