<p>ASSOCHAM initiated its endeavour of value creation for the industry in 1920. Built
            on the vision of nation-building, ASSOCHAM has been a part of the politicaleconomic history of India.</p>
           <p> With a rich heritage of being led by stalwarts of independent India, like JRD Tata,
            Nani Palkhivala, H.P. Nanda, L.M. Thapar, A.N. Haksar and Raunaq Singh, among
            others, the ASSOCHAM has displayed the ability to transform itself to cater to the
            contemporary Corporate India. The Chamber has emerged as the 'Knowledge
            Chamber', leveraging India's strength across sectors in the knowledge-led global
            economy.</p>
            <p>ASSOCHAM had its roots in the Bengal Chamber, a strident and influential voice
            supporting trade interests in British India in the late 19th-early 20th century.
            Constituted in 1853, the Bengal Chamber in turn owes its parentage to the
            Calcutta Chamber, which is believed to have taken shape in 1833.</p>
           <p> ASSOCHAM was more than a chamber for its members; it served as stimulant to
            other business groups to close ranks. Primarily, it inspired the 'Indian' sector,
            which looked at ASSOCHAM as an example of British business interests lobbying on
            a national scale and creating the wherewithal for smooth progress.
            ASSOCHAM had as its original members 13 Chambers: of Bengal, Bombay. Burma,
            Ceylon. Chittagong, Cochin. Cocanada, Karachi, Madras, Narayangang, Punjab.
            Tuticorin, and Upper India. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
            functional since 1905, joined ASSOCHAM as its Promoter Chamber in 1922. In 1987,
            the Indian Merchants' Chamber, Bombay, then in its 80th year, too joined as a
            Promoter Chamber.</p>
            <p>ASSOCHAM's membership structure was also designed in the same year, to have
            Promoter Chambers. Patron Members, Ordinary Members, and Corporate
            Associates. Not only large industry and trade but also small and medium industrial 
            enterprises, engaged in agriculture and transport, and professional bodies and
            several new industry associations entered ASSOCHAM's fold.</p>