Every fairytale begins with once upon a time but this story starts with – 100 years ago the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) held its first meeting at the Taj Mahal hotel in Colaba in their Ballroom. The date of that meeting was October 15, 1919. Hundred years later, yesterday (October 15), they held a meeting at the same time and same place.

Nostalgia in the air

You could feel the sense of occasion and smell history in the air, as Nitin Dossa, WIAA chairman, started speaking. "It is great to be here, at this historic point in time for WIAA." Though the event was quite nostalgic, all speakers touched upon contemporary issues as well. Dossa said, "The RTO and the WIAA are in an arranged marriage. Both cannot do without each other. The WIAA supports the heavy fines imposed on traffic rule violators as part of the new Motor Vehicle Act. These are necessary if we are to bring down accident rates. When we were younger, the sight of a traffic constable would scare us. Today, youngsters aren't afraid. They can even shell out Rs20,000 for a violation. That is why parents should be penalised if their wards drive without a license or break rules." Though the WIAA was celebrating the past, president of the club, Viveck Goenka gave everyone a glimpse of the future saying, "The automobile industry will retain its place of importance but it might not be the same for car ownership." He further said, "Sadly India still has the distinction of having the highest number of road fatalities. This must change."