I send greetings from the Homes. It also gives me an opportunity to thank Margaretta and all the Office Bearers who give so much of their time to help raise funds for the Homes and to thank all of you who I know dearly. I love the Homes and would do anything for its future.
Things are somewhat difficult at Kalimpong presently with frequent bundhs and new political shifts underway. In such times, closures are a measure of protest and we must cope. The Board would, however, like to set at rest any speculation and at the recently concluded International Conference made a categorical statement that we are committed to supporting the Homes in whatever way possible so that the Homes continues to grow in Kalimpong.
The Board does not envisage challenges that cannot be effectively met. Kalimpong has a very special meaning for all of us, in that Dr Graham founded the Homes on the hillside and it is here that the Homes have grown and served generations of children and the communities for over a century. It is unthinkable that the Homes can be delinked in any manner from Kalimpong. Whatever may be the nature of future political developments in the region, the Board is confident that the Government will ensure that there is law and order and protection to the lives of all. In recent years, several larger states in India have been divided into smaller states to meet local aspirations. Life in these states is normal and people and institutions are encouraged to go about their lives and work normally. Whatever may be the future developments in the region we are confident that normal life will not be adversely affected. Our stand is apolitical. Our purpose is to serve the interests of the children and other stakeholders and we will go about this task with commitment and dedication and always strive to promote the values that Dr Graham stood for.
Many broad issues were discussed at the International Conference and for the first time many local OGB Associations were invited to participate. The Board has also appointed a strong Local Advisory Committee to assist in the task of management of the Homes.
I am also pleased to advise that there are now over 400 supported children studying at the Homes and all are doing decently well. All 23 of our supported children sent up this year passed the Class XII Board Examinations which qualify them for college. Presently 41 children are in Colleges and are supported by the Homes. Hopefully, this year also a number of them will be admitted into college. Jobs in India are now quite freely available with the economy being so vibrant and offering so many opportunities to young people who speak English. This is therefore, a great time for our children and those prepared to work hard are doing extremely well.
At the Conference many suggestions were received by the Board of Management and these have been duly recorded and action on points have been taken up. This will also be my final year as President and Chairman of the Board of Management. It has indeed been a privilege to serve the Homes as its first Anglo Indian President for almost 15 years. I have often been asked if I am an OGB to which I have replied I wish I were! I, however, believe in the philosophy of Dr Graham most passionately and have used my contacts and talent to ensure that the Homes remains on a platform which not only helps develop all round decent human beings but strives to give children the confidence to achieve the very best in life. I have said it is a great time for people graduating and great opportunities lie ahead for those who are willing to work hard and honestly. I have also developed with great pride and with much passion for the Homes a heritage museum to which continued inputs from OGBs is a must. Old photographs, letters and your personal reminisces and any keepsake (an old doll, a uniform) you might like to share or gift at some point in time.
Finally, we have said that with your Birthday Wish for the Homes you might like to demonstrate your gesture with a small donation on the Homes Birthday to say Thank You Homes I remember. Any amount given to the Association to be sent to us will be most welcome and gratefully accepted. There is always a huge shortfall in contributions for our supported children and any amount will help towards this end.
I have had the privilege of meeting so many of you, shared your hospitality and your concerns for the Homes over the years. I want you to know that I have greatly valued your support and know that you will never forget our beloved Homes.
God Bless you always.
Michael Robertson [Chairman. Board of Management] courtesy:www.drgrahamshomes.com
Mr. Robertson served DGH for 15 years or so. Was his management a success and benefited DGH? Has Mr. Robertson earned credit on any level and should replacing Chairman be an OGB?(We hope so...as Mr. Robertson wished to be an OGB) Please comment.
