The National Institute of Professional Secretaries recently changed its name to the Indian Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (IASAP). Apart from replacing the word “National” with “Indian”, there was another prime reason for the name change. The secretarial designation somehow implied only shorthand and typing work. To acknowledge the multi-dimensional administrative work taken on by the secretary, it was felt necessary throughout the world to elevate the designation of “secretary” to that of “administrative professional”. To recognise the importance of the administrative professional, the apex body changed its name from Professional Secretaries International, USA to the International Association of Administrative Professionals, USA. Subsequently, the Association of Secretaries in Asia changed its name to the Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals in Asia-Pacific. Most secretarial associations in Asia have altered their names and included the new designation.

The Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated the world over between 20 April and 26 April. CHANGE brings you a glimpse of the traditional Boss-Secretary lunch and dinner organised by the Indian Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals on 23 April and 25 April, respectively. The lunch was jointly sponsored by Hotel Taj President and Blue Dart Express Ltd. at Hotel Taj President and the dinner was sponsored by ITC WelcomGroup at Hotel ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton and Towers.

In addition, there was a talk on “Power of Professionalism” by Prem Kamath, Head, Management Resources India, Hindustan Lever Limited, at the West End Hotel on 21 April, which will be published in a forthcoming issue.

S.K. Mitra, Aditya Birla Group, delivering the Keynote Address to an august gathering of bosses and administrative professionals at Hotel Taj President.