After struggling to maintain operations for years, the Asiatic Society of Mumbai (ASM) is facing serious financial difficulties. In a recent development, members of the organisation are preparing to propose a resolution that will help with the situation. They want the society to be recognised as an "institute of national importance" by the federal government.
The resolution states that ASM’s future can be secured by appealing to the government through the governor of Maharashtra. The governor serves as a patron of ASM by virtue of the office held.
Pulind Samant, with the support of Manoj Kulkarni, proposed the resolution. The proposal will be discussed during ASM’s 220th annual general meeting on September 28. They expressed concern about the inaction in helping the society out of its financial troubles.
The society was founded in 1804 and housed in the iconic Town Hall. Recently, on the occasion of a book launch event, the president of the institution confirmed it in front of a gathering of around 100 people that the society would have to be closed down in the near future if it did not receive enough grants.
While waiting for this resolution to pass, the governing committee has put forward a list of six people for election as honorary fellows. The nominees include Drs. Maneesha Tikekar, Arvind Jamkhedkar, Kumud Kanitkar, Anand Mahindra, Shashi Tharoor, and Amitav Ghosh. However, some members have raised concerns about the inclusion of Shashi Tharoor, due to a past controversy.
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