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Part IV. Rise and Glory
This conference not only brought all Oshwals living in East Africa closer but it also formed a stronger link between Oshwals in East Africa and India. The conference laid the foundations for the most remarkable progress made by Oshwals in the education field.
The Oshwal Education and Relief Board meets every year during the Easter holidays. The meetings are held for two to three days in various towns of East Africa, India and England at the invitation of the local Oshwal community.
The twenty-second Board Meeting in Jamnagar
During the Board meeting of 1962 A.D. the invitation of the Jamnagar community to hold the twenty-second Board meeting in Jamnagar from April 8 to 11 1963 was accepted. On March 17, 1963 around 100 delegates from East Africa boarded the State of Bombay steamer traveling third class (deck class), as it was the most affordable fare for the majority. During the voyage the behavior of delegates was exemplary. Even the captain was impressed and invited the leaders of the delegates to his cabin. The steamer reached Mumbai on March 27. The Mumbai Oshwal community played host to the delegates from East Africa. On March 30, the delegates left Mumbai for Jamnagar by train and reached Jamnagar the next day.
The meeting started on April 8 and ended on April 11. Khimji Ramji Malde performed the opening ceremony of a magnificent new boys' boarding house on the morning of the first day of the meeting. The Board meeting was started in the afternoon. Jam Saheb Digvijayji graced the occasion. The board gave a gift of 50,001 rupees to the Jam Saheb. In the evening of the second day the twentyfifth anniversary of the Jamnagar boarding house was celebrated. It was a very joyous occasion. Students of the boarding house put on a great gymnastic show. The
