The name is absent

the groups in his association. He derives his influence
from the interested groups.

Padua organised the meeting of thirty-three men and women
who travelled from all over Kerala to meet the researcher.
(See Appendices 1-3) . He displayed both his political and
collegial skills during the group meeting. He was aware
that to form coalitions and exert pressure on decision-
makers was important, but he persuaded people and appealed
to reason. Padua's skills are vital to the future of the
Anglo-Indian community.

Padua encouraged the formation of the All Kerala
Anglo-Indian Youth Movement. This youth movement has
twenty two branches. He has also been involved with the
financial position of the Union and involves himself in
fund raising activities.

The money collected through these activities is invested
into education. One seat for medicine was reserved for
Anglo-Indian students. Free education was started in 1972
and land was sanctioned to the Vengola Colony for a
settlement of Anglo-Indians. Members of the community were
elected to the Senates of the Universities of Kerala and
Cochin.

In 1990, the Union of Anglo-Indian Associations (Kerala
State) was flourishing, and the meeting between the
researcher and its representatives was very useful. It
helped the researcher to position this group of Anglo-
Indians within the main body of Anglo-Indians described in
the thesis.

A member of the South Indian Union of Anglo-Indian
Associations stated that the All-India Anglo-Indian
Association did not accept the Anglo-Indians in Kerala.
They were referred to as either Feringhees (foreigners) or

225

<<   222   223   224   225   226   227   228   >>

More intriguing information