| Description | These papers consist of General Secretary's reports presented by Jagmohan Joshi at National Conferences of the Indian Workers Association in 1967 and 1970, produced by the Central Executive Committee of the organisation, a report of the work of the Central Committee of the Indian Workers Association, since the national conference in 1980, and an undated draft report written by Avtar Jouhl in Punjabi.
The 1967 report contains a summary of the current political situation in India, and highlights the activities of the Indian Workers Association in exposing the anti-democratic policies of the Indian government, and supporting the struggles of liberation movements in Vietnam, South Africa, African Americans in the USA, amongst others. The report also contains details about Indian Workers Association campaigns against racism in Britain since the previous National Conference in 1964, including their work against immigration legislation, the election campaign of Peter Griffiths in Smethwick, and their involvement with race relations groups. There is also a section setting out the future programme of the Indian Workers Association, and a report on disciplinary measures taken against members of several branches who acted against the constitution and policy of the organisation.
The 1970 report contains an article on the Indian Workers Association's support of Indian peasants and workers against the Indian government, led by Indira Gandhi and a review of the organisation's activities in relation to this issue. It also contains details about the association's support of Indian and Pakistani workers involved in industrial disputes at Coneygre Foundry in Tipton, Newby Foundry in West Bromwich, and Dartmouth Auto-Castings, as well as its involvement in the case of an Indian employee at MMC Roebuck Lane Works who was a victim of racial discrimination. This section is followed by a detailed report on the Indian Workers Association's work to oppose racism in Britain, including its role in establishing the Black Peoples Alliance, and the organisation's campaign against the racist speeches made by Enoch Powell in 1968.
The 1982 report contains brief statements giving details of campaigns and conferences organised by the association since 1980, including a conference on Dual Nationality, demonstrations against racism and fascism, and demonstrations in support of the Bradford 12. The report also gives details about the publication of Lalkar; memorial meetings organised in honour of Jagmohan Joshi; and some of the trade union and welfare work carried out by the organisation. There is also a section on the international liberation and anti-imperialist struggles supported by the Indian Workers Association, particularly in India, but also in Northern Ireland, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nicaragua and El Salvador.
The undated report in Punjabi is handwritten in an exercise book. |