The Pune chapter of WZCC held its Member Nite on 13^th April, 2023, which was attended by over 40 members from Pune and Mumbai, and conducted by Youth Representatives Behnaz and Bezan Nanavati. Welcoming the audience, Tehmasp Bharucha – Chapter Chair, stated his delight in finally holding in-person meetings as opposed to virtual ones. He wished everyone prosperity at the start of the financial year, urging the members’ greater involvement in sharing suggestions with the Working Committee in organising more helpful and informative events. He asked members to take advantage of various events/programmes put up by the associated chambers like the MCCIA.

The evening came alive with interesting discussions by two speakers – Umeed Kothawala (CEO and Co-founder of Pune based Extentia-Global Technology and Software Development Co. and Past International Youth Director and member of WZCC Pune) and Mumbai’s Rashna Jehani (Corporate Lawyer specializing in start ups, acquisitions, mergers, venture capital transactions; and Youth representative of WZCC-Mumbai)

Umeed Kothawala shared his three-decade long entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of being trustworthy in all business dealings and being surrounded by wise people. He endorsed being simple in approach and always open to asking questions to clarify doubts or seek information. Rashna Jehani spoke in detail about navigating the legal landscape as a startup, and concluded with a quiz session where winners were awarded sweets.

Also present was Jamshed Mistry – Counsel, Supreme Court of India/Bombay High Court and Founder of International Alliance Network of Lawyers and Vice Chair – WZCC Mumbai. He spoke about Cornelia Sorabjee – the first woman to study law at Oxford and British India’s first woman advocate. Cornelia studied in Pune and steps are being taken to honor her posthumously. Viraf Deboo – WZCC International Director spoke of WZCC’s upcoming Global AGM, to be hosted by Pune Chapter (6-7 January, 2024). He called upon greater member participation. The detailed programme is being worked out by the Executive committee of WZCC Pune chapter under the leadership of Tehmasp Bharucha.

The event was attended by many youth representatives and new members who introduced themselves. Yezdi Batliwala, senior WZCC Pune member gave the vote of thanks to all. The evening concluded with coctails and dinner.