Khar Gymkhana, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Mumbai, has made headlines after revoking the honorary membership of Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues. The decision, which has sparked controversy, was taken during the club's annual general meeting on October 20, 2024. The revocation stems from concerns raised by several club members regarding the activities of Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah's father, who was reportedly involved in organizing religious events on the club’s premises.
The club's president, Vivek Devnani, confirmed that the honorary three-year membership awarded to Jemimah Rodrigues was rescinded following a resolution passed by those present at the meeting. The controversy began when it was revealed that Ivan Rodrigues, associated with Brother Manuel Ministries, had booked the club’s presidential hall for a series of religious gatherings over a period of approximately 18 months. During this time, 35 events were conducted, which many members believe violated the club's bylaws.
According to reports, these gatherings included activities such as dancing, the use of large screens, and musical performances. Some members expressed their belief that these events were part of an effort to promote religious conversions, leading to significant concern within the club community. Member Malhotra voiced her discontent, stating, “We hear about conversions all over the country, but it's happening right under our nose. Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws, specifically Rule 4A of the constitution, do not permit any religious activity.”
Former club president Nitin Gadekar also echoed these sentiments. He revealed that a staff member had initially alerted him about the gatherings. After attending one of the events, he expressed his astonishment that such activities were allowed at the club, stating, “I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested, and it was decided to cancel her membership.”
Despite multiple attempts to contact Jemimah Rodrigues and her father for comments regarding the situation, they have not publicly responded to the decision. Jemimah Rodrigues, who was invited to join the club in 2023, is one of the leading figures in Indian women's cricket. She recently participated in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where the Indian team exited during the group stage.
The revocation of her membership highlights ongoing debates surrounding the intersection of personal beliefs, community spaces, and the implications of public figures' family members in private organizations. As Khar Gymkhana navigates the aftermath of this decision, it remains to be seen how it will impact both the club and Jemimah’s future involvement in such prestigious circles.
