In a mail to the members he writes, ‘At the first outset, let me congratulate you all successful completion 2 years of tenure of Executive Committee of All India Wine Producers Association (AIWPA) which contributed to wine industry significantly.’ His resignation dated today, Holkar cites the possible interest of conflict by holding the two posts.
‘I am sure you are aware that I also took over as Chairman, Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) under Ministry of Food Processing Industry, GOI and after giving due thought over the situation, I felt that I may not be able to give justice for both the Positions effectively. Hence with great pain I have decided to tender my resignation of our association with immediate effect,’ he writes in the resignation letter.
In a telephonic chat with delWine, Holkar explained that he would have informed the members about his decision at the AGM which was supposed to be held on or around 9th July. Due to some reasons, it has been postponed. So he decided to announce it through the letter.
Holkar took the reins of the AIWPA from Mr. Sham Chougule, founder chairman of Indage Vintners due to the insurmountable financial difficulties at his winery, at a time when the industry was in doldrums. ‘My first interest was to save the farmers. I do believe the wine quality should improve. To that extent, I believe that wine laws are very essential. With Indian joining OIV, we have been pushing for such laws,’ says Holkar.
Interestingly, the letterhead of AIWPA still shows the registered address of the Association as Indage House, Worli. ‘I am not surprised,’ says Jagdish. ‘Mr Sham Chougule had formed the Association about 9-10 years ago when no one was very keen to join the Association. At that time , he must have offered the use of his office as the registered address. He continued to be the President till July 9, 2010,’ he says.
So who will be the next President? ‘I have no idea as on today. The Association will have to hold the AGM where they would consider the suitable person. The job is a voluntary one and requires someone dedicated and with knowledge about the industry. Let us see who that right person is going to be , at the AGM to be convened to discuss this issue also,’ he says, ‘adding there does not seem to be such a person at the moment.’ |