Jemimah Rodrigues Loses Khar Gymkhana Membership Over Father’s Religious Activities

Membership Revoked Amid Allegations of Religious Conversion Events Held at the Club

In a surprising move, Mumbai’s prestigious Khar Gymkhana has cancelled the honorary membership of Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues. According to reports of The Indian Express, the decision was taken following objections from some club members regarding her father, Ivan Rodrigues, allegedly conducting religious activities on the club premises. The cancellation was finalized during the club’s annual general body meeting on October 20, 2024.

Khar Gymkhana officials stated that the controversy stemmed from Ivan Rodrigues’ association with the Brother Manuel Ministries, a religious organization. Club members claimed that he had used the club’s presidential hall for nearly a year and a half to host 35 events, which some alleged were designed to “convert the vulnerable.” A managing committee member, Shiv Malhotra, expressed concerns over the nature of these gatherings, stating, “We hear about conversions happening across the country, and it was happening right here under our noses.”

Malhotra further explained that the events included music, dancing, and large screens, activities that he believed were inappropriate for the club’s premises. Citing the club’s strict rule against religious activities, Malhotra emphasized, “As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws, Rule 4A of the constitution, we do not permit any form of religious activity.”

The decision to cancel Rodrigues’ membership has sparked debate. Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar recalled witnessing one of the events with other members. He described it as being conducted in a dimly lit room with trance music playing, and a woman speaking about salvation. Gadekar expressed surprise that such activities had been allowed on club grounds for so long, stating that the incident led to the unanimous decision to revoke Jemimah’s membership.

Jemimah Rodrigues, who was awarded the honorary membership in 2023, has not yet commented on the situation. Neither she nor her father responded to calls or messages seeking their input on the controversy.

According to the report by The Indian Express, the cricketer, known for her stellar performances on the field, now finds herself in an off-field controversy as her father’s actions have led to a significant fallout with the prestigious club.

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