LAUNCH OF CENTENARY YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF AIRF, INDIA

Report by Kona Vishnu, Coordinator International Affairs & Coordinator of Social Media,
 AIRF, INDIA

    100 years in 100 minutes - isn't that intriguing. All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF), India - The Oldest & Largest federation on Indian Railways with fullest presence especially after two secret ballot elections held in 2007 & 2013 across Indian Railways proudly launched the Centenary Year Celebrations and also the logo at International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), London - A most revered place for any transport worker across the Globe.

    Opening remarks and brief introduction was done by Com Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF and the event was launched by Com Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, ITF. Other dignitaries present on the dais included Com Paddy Crumlin, President, ITF, Com David Gobe, Chair, Railway Section, ITF, Com Raja Sridhar, Executive Board Member, ITF and Com Praveena Singh, Women Representative, Tourism Section, ITF.

    Com Mishra fondly recalled his association with the organization and the committed and dedicated leadership right from the day he joined Indian Railways. He said "I am Thankful to Com Stephen Cotton for permitting us to launch this event in Purohit Hall, with which we have many memories attached". Com Umraomal Purohit - A pioneer of Indian Railway trade union movement served HMS, AIRF in various capacities and also as President of ITF for two terms. 

    A short film depicting the 99 years of commendable service rendered by AIRF and its members to Indian Railways made by ITF, New Delhi office was screened and watched by all present and also the audience around the World. Pictures of all the AIRF affiliate zonal offices and AIRF office at New Delhi were displayed on the large screen at the meeting.

    It was a festive look right from India to London as a Cake was jointly cut by Com Stephen Cotton, Com Paddy Crumlin and Com Shiva Gopal Mishra. 

    The event was watched across the globe by all the Rail Affiliates of ITF through Zoom link and Youtube. 17 Zonal and 8 Production unit affiliated to AIRF displayed the event LIVE on huge screens installed especially for the purpose and was watched by millions.  

    Com Mishra thanked one and all especially the ITF Secretariat, Com Sister Alana Dave, Director, Urban Transport, ITF, Com Wol-san Liem, Strategy & Policy Coordinator, ITF, Com Deniz Akdogen, Sections Assistant, Secretary (Road, railways and Urban Transport), ITF, Com Sister Sue Rogers, ITF Comms Team Lauren Usher, Lead Organiser and Com Heder Santana, Personal Assistant of GS/ITF to name a few.