They have evolved from shorthand days to keyboards and touchpads and continue to be the bedrock of any office.

Over 200 women secretaries and those who occupy administrative roles in multinational companies, hospitality, academic institutions and the aviation industry gathered for the 18th National Convention of the Indian Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (IASAP) organised by the West Bengal chapter.

The convention theme was “Tilottama@2024, Ahead of the Curve”.

The convention that concluded on Sunday was about learning from experts, networking and collaborating with members.

The participants heard the story of a single mother who started delivering food to customers from her home and now she owns several restaurants.

A specialist doctor advised them about monitoring their lifestyles.

IASAP is a representative institute of lady secretaries and administrative professionals in the public and private sectors, with its headquarters in Mumbai. The all-India membership is currently around 1,600. IASAP has chapters in Tamil Nadu, Bengal, New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Jeroo Irani, who retired as secretary to the chairman of the Central Bank of India, Mumbai, in 2011, said she learned on the job.

“When I started (early 70s) we had to excel in shorthand and used manual typewriters. Computers came later to us. I learned Word, Powerpoint and Excel while working at the office,” said Irani.

Uma Nandedkar, the executive assistant to the managing director at Kirolskar Pneumatic, came from Pune. She said their work had evolved. “We no longer take dictation but draft letters after taking a brief,” said Nandedkar.

At the inaugural ceremony on Thursday, dance therapist Alokananda Roy was the chief guest. “I don’t think any company would have been successful without you ladies. You have always worked behind the curtain and enriched the companies, the organisations, that you are involved with. That speaks a lot,” Roy.

Roy spoke to her audience about her work with prison inmates, who have performed outside the confines of prison, that has transformed their lives. “They have travelled across the country and have stolen people’s hearts. More than 200 boys released from the correction home since I started (18 years ago), not even one went back to crime,” she said.

Parna Mookherjee, chairperson, IASAP West Bengal chapter, said: “This convention serves as a platform for us to come together, exchange ideas, and explore new frontiers in various fields of knowledge and innovation...the convention aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspective can thrive and contribute to our collective growth,” said Mookherjee.

The all-India president of IASAP, Vijayalaxmi Amin, told the audience: “Let us share knowledge, collaborate and inspire each other. Let us challenge ourselves to think beyond the immediate”.