The Indian Panorama

Tag: Indian National Overseas Congress #INOC

  • Intolerance in India Echoes Home and Abroad

    Intolerance in India Echoes Home and Abroad

    As a young boy I attended Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Shakhas. I loved to go there to play and wield lathi. It provided me an opportunity to prove my strength and superiority. As part of our training, we were told to be patriotic, have respect and love for Bharat Mata. At times, we were told about the superiority of Hindu religion. But I don’t think it ever occurred to me to develop a staunch Hindu view of everything.

    As I grew, I distanced myself from RSS shakhas because I did not any more find an opportunity for the kind of sport I looked for. The primitive kabaddi and wielding lathi did not attract me any more.

    A few years later in my life I found the ideology of RSS not in consonance with the liberal values that my education had imbibed me with. I was drawn more to left than to the right where I saw RSS and the political party Jan Sangh.

    The right will always remain opposed to the left. It is like the East is East and the West is West and the twain can never meet. So, I  maintained distance from the right wing  Jan Sangh and the RSS which I considered to be a  religion-based group. I could never digest the aversion of the RSS for minority religious groups, though it pleased me as a Sikh to find some of the pracharaks of the RSS eulogizing  Guru Gobind Singh for the great sacrifice he and his father made to protect Hindus from the tyranny of the Muslim rulers.

    India has always been a country which absorbed all  who arrived on its soil, much as USA has. But, of late it appears India is being sought to be taken in a different direction. And the direction is certainly  not a welcome one; certainly not the one which would  strengthen the unity of the nation. The government of the day seems to be  bent upon creating divisions  in the name of religion. Surely, we have not forgotten the number of painful  incidents of communal clashes which, besides claiming life and property, have left deep scars on the psyche of the suffering people.

    People of India and Indians abroad will have to  find ways to oppose the Hindutva agenda of the RSS and the present government. It is either the people of India and India succeed or they succeed.

    Luckily, India has a number of intelligent people who could see through the game plans of the present government. They saw danger in rationalists being killed. They saw danger in the utterances of some representatives of the party in power. They saw danger in the studied silence of the Prime Minister on the issue of growing intolerance in India. So, they protested. Writers, artists, film makers returned their awards to register their protest. Instead of trying to allay their fears and  remedy the situation, the Modi government let the party workers organize counter protests. What a government we have?

    Every time somebody spoke of intolerance, the party in power made sure to come up with a condemnation of the protest. It happened in the case of Shahrukh Khan. It happened recently in the case of Aamir Khan.

    However, the number of protesters is growing and the protests are getting louder. These have not remained confined to India; Indians abroad have also protested.

    The Alliance for Justice & Accountability held  a Public Demonstration & Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, November 14th from 3-5 pm in Washington Square Park, New York to stand in solidarity with India’s disenfranchised communities to raise their  voices to dissent the recent acceleration of killings of Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis, Christians and Sikhs.

    In USA, Indian Americans have raised their voice of protest.

    George Abraham, a former UN officer and Chairperson of Indian National Overseas Congress USA sent in his comment, which is being reproduced ad verbatim.

    “The very fact that Aamir Khan’s statement evoked so many vitriolic reactions from the Sanghis is another evidence of growing intolerance towards freedom of expression in Modi’s India. If anyone thinks that there is no anxiety among the minorities about the prevalent situation is fooling himself.

    People are getting lynched for their dietary habits, Dalit families are set on fire, NGOs like Greenpeace and Caritas International are being banned or FCNR denied, sedition charges are  being filed against human rights activists like Teesta Setalvad, eminent secular voices are silenced through murder in cases of Kalburgi and Pansare, respected writer such as Kulkarni being assaulted, cultural police raiding Bars and beating up women, 90 year old Dalit set on fire for entering the temple, another Dalit man’s hand chopped off because he was seen dining with an upper caste individual, MLAgetting beaten up in J&K Assembly building for expressing his freedom of thought on the issue of slaughter of cows and the list goes on and on.

    According to an NGO report, there were 800 incidents arising out of growing intolerance in last year alone. This is in addition to the ongoing purges in academic institutions of people with a pluralistic view, such as Amartya Sen in NalandaUniversity, who are being replaced by RSS ideologues across the board in institutions such as National Book Trust, National Film Institute, Historical Society and so forth to impose a kind of cultural hegemony based on Vedic history.

    The very fact that the current administration downplays the role Nehru has played in creating the very idea of India as we know it, is very troublesome as they are increasingly inclined to create divisions pitting one freedom fighter against the other for political ends. Yes, they have truly learned something ‘valuable’ for themselves from the British: ‘Divide and Rule’.!”

    Is the  Modi government not bothered about  the fall out of these protests on the image of India abroad? Is the Modi government not bothered about  feelings of the  minorities ? Is the Modi government not bothered  for the unity of the nation? Is the Modi government not bothered for the people of India? It would be very sad if the answer was a  “NO”.

  • Congress leaders fete INOC USA Chair

    Congress leaders fete INOC USA Chair

    CHENNAI (TIP): Senior Congress leaders of Tamil Nadu including Pradesh Congress Committee President and former Union Minister EVKS Elangovan felicitated George Abraham, chairman of Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) in New York at a function held in Satyamurti Bhavan, the headquarters of the party, in Chennai recently.

    Elangovan placed a shawl on Abraham as mark of respect before the invited Congress leaders and workers and praised the efforts of Abraham in propagating the ideals of the grand old party in the US.

    Elangovan said the INOC not only invites Congress leaders visiting the US to attend events in New York but also actively involves itself in various national and state elections in India. He complimented the team headed by Abraham for their active involvement.

    Others who attended include Youth Congress leader Vazhapadi Rama Suganthan, State Congress spokespersons -Tiruchi Veluswamy, Ms. Jothimani, America Narayanan and SM Hidayathulah and Chairman of State SC and ST Wing Selva Perunthagai.

    Rama Suganthan recalled the receptions and hospitality arranged by the INOC to visiting senior Congress leaders such as Kumari Anandan, S Thirunavukkarasu and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

    Earlier, Abraham addressed a special meeting of the party’s social media team headed by EVKS Ram Elangovan and KT Lakshmikanth and shared some inputs on the role of social media in the American elections.

    He advised the members especially youth who are handling the wing to take social media campaign seriously as it could decide the fate of future elections in India with exponential growth of internet connections and use of Facebook and Whats App even in rural areas of India.

  • INOC, USA applauds Bihar victory of the grand alliance

    INOC, USA applauds Bihar victory of the grand alliance

    November 8, 2015: ‘The People of Bihar have spoken loudly and clearly that they thoroughly reject the politics of growing intolerance and polarization by BJP,  that has been promoted ever since their ascendance to power. It is a vote for democracy, pluralism and development,  and hearty congratulations are in order for this historic win for the forces that advocate freedom and justice for all its citizens’ said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA.

    ‘BJP has conveniently overlooked the fact that they gained power at center with only 31% of the vote share and that too was based on their campaign promise of development. However, the last 16 months of their governance has proved that their real objective is to transform the nation away from India’s constitutional principles to follow a Hindutva agenda of regressive policies and illiberal diktats’, the statement added.

    ‘Bihar has shown that how democratic and secular forces can work together to defeat these forces of yesteryear and build a country based on the rule of law and equal opportunities for all its citizens. It appears that the Congress party being part of the grand alliance is poised to shoulder its responsibility to take the same message across the nation to defeat these forces of bigotry and obscurantism’ the statement concluded.

  • INOC Chair repudiates statements by Juned Qazi

    INOC Chair repudiates statements by Juned Qazi

    NEW YORK (TIP): In a written statement issued by George Abraham, Chair, INOC USA has said that Mr. Juned Qazi’s (former President) statement as regards Congress Party and its Vice-President Mr. Rahul Gandhi are his own personal views and not shared by the members of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA.

    ‘It is quite regrettable that he has misused his position and privilege to undermine the credibility of the organization and hurt the Party in India. As chairman of the organization, I deplore his actions and repudiate his statements seemingly at the behest of INOC, USA.

    “We, at the INOC, have dedicated our time and efforts since 1998 to support the Congress Party and uphold its values and principles. We would like to see a Democratic and Secular India not only survives but thrives and establishes an ever closer relationship with the USA where we have made our residences. Regardless of the obstacles put in our way, we will continue to strive in that endeavor in the days and months ahead.

    “I congratulate Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, the newly elected President of INOC, USA on his assumption of the office and wish him the very best.”

  • INOC Chair lauds the efforts of Indian Armed forces for evacuating Indian citizens from Yemen

    INOC Chair lauds the efforts of Indian Armed forces for evacuating Indian citizens from Yemen

    NEW YORK (TIP): ‘The combined efforts of Armed forces, Civilians and various Organizations resulted in a triumphant  rescue of the people who were stranded in Yemen due to the ongoing conflict and India can truly take pride in this great humanitarian exercise that was completed without any injury or loss of life’ said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA.

    Along with 4600 Indian Nationals, 1000 others of different nationalities were also helped to be evacuated that included citizens of Pakistan, Britain, France and United States. Congratulations are in order for the Government of India for allocating all its available resources to protect its citizens from overseas during the crisis and also for the commendable leadership in this regard of former Gen. V.K. Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs who was in Djibouti to supervise the operations.

  • INOC Chair applauds the Supreme Court decision for striking down Section 66A of the IT Act

    INOC Chair applauds the Supreme Court decision for striking down Section 66A of the IT Act

    NEW YORK (TIP): “It is indeed a great win for democracy and by striking down the Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, the Supreme Court has once again reassured the people of India of  their fundamental right: the freedom of expression’ Said George Abraham, the Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA. ‘This landmark judgment has restored our faith in the system and it is time that the  power centers stop the intimidation and harassment of ordinary citizens, especially the young people, for genuinely expressing their opinions on the online media’ the statement continued.

    Congratulations are in order for the law student Shreya Singhal who moved the case to the Supreme Court on behalf of Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Srinivasan, known as Palghar girls,  who were arrested in 2012 under the section 66 for the ‘crime’ for ‘posting’ and clicking ‘like’ on a Facebook post. 

    Shaheen Dhada who was a student at that time made a Facebook post lamenting the bandh which was imposed after the death of Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray a day earlier. Reacting to her online dissent, Shiv Sainiks vandalized her uncle’s hospital and she was then promptly arrested by Palghar police under the section 66a of the IT act. Her friend Rinu Srinivasan was also arrested for clicking ‘like’ under the FB message.

    “Liberty of thought and expression is of cardinal importance and it must be upheld,” said the bench of Justices J. Chelameswar and Rohinton F. Nariman. Reading the historic judgement, Justice Nariman said there are “three aspects of freedom of expression: discussion, advocacy and incitement”. Only when discussion and advocacy reach the level of incitement, Article 19 (2) of the constitution which entails reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech can be enforced. Striking down Section 66Aof the IT Act as unconstitutional, the Court also rejected the Centre’s plea that it was committed to free speech and would ensure that the provision was administered in a reasonable manner.

    Shreya Singhal who has successfully fought the case issued the following statement: “Now, the Supreme Court has upheld this fundamental right. Freedom of speech and expression is more vital in today’s society than it has ever been. The Indian society is one that is diverse and has people of different castes, sex, religions that have different and dissenting views. This difference of opinion is what the thread of our society is and what really defines us as a democratic and secular country”.

     

  • Rahul Gandhi held discussion with INOC, USA Chairman George Abraham

    Rahul Gandhi held discussion with INOC, USA Chairman George Abraham

    NEW YORK (TIP): George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress,USA met with Mr. Rahul Gandhi,Vice-President of the All India Congress Committee in New Delhi and briefed him on the perspectives from the Diaspora on the recent election reversals.Mr. Gandhi credited NRIs for their contributions over the years with ideas, skills and resources that have transformed India to a large extent and made it a respected member of the global family. Mr. Gandhi also promised further efforts to reconnect the Congress party with the Diaspora and to fight the forces of regressive policies and division that might erase the years of progress achieved under the successive Congress-led governments.

  • INOC Chair congratulates Modi-led victory for NDA

    INOC Chair congratulates Modi-led victory for NDA

    The people of India have spoken and they have thrown in their lot with BJP-led NDA and their verdict ought to be respected by all. It is also a tribute to India that has proven beyond any doubt that it is a vibrant democracy that facilitates a peaceful transition of power looks rather easy. Congratulations are in order for Mr. Narendra Modi, the prime ministerial candidate who has led NDA to a great victory’ said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), USA.

    Despite the huge victory by the Narendra Modi-led BJP, it has been quite evident to any independent political observer that this campaign for the election 2014 has been very divisive and polarizing and often pitting its own citizens against each other. ‘I hope the incoming NDA Government will continue to safeguard the democratic and secular fabric of the nation and work towards unity and purpose where all its citizens are treated equally regardless of their caste, religion or region’ Mr. Abraham added.

    Indian National Congress led by Dr. Manmohan Singh has nothing to be ashamed of as it has performed well in the last 9 years despite some of the obvious challenges with corruption within the coalition and a slowing down of the economy. However, the party hasn’t done a better job communicating its achievements to the man on the street. Despite this severe setback in the election, Indian National Congress, the party that has won the independence for India, the party that has guided India to a new economy and the party that has championed an inclusive agenda to uplift the poor and to protect the minorities will undoubtedly remain resilient and bounce back quickly.

    It is quite apparent that many leaders of the Congress party have lost touch with the grassroots after they have gained the seats of power and often failed to recognize the committed cadre from those associated with vested interests. We hope that the next few months would be better spent as a time for introspection and refinement for the grand old party and wish Mrs.

    Sonia Gandhi and Mr. Rahul Gandhi all the success in their efforts to retool and revitalize the structure and the cadre and refocus on the issues that will further contribute to peace, prosperity and security to the nation while acting as a responsible opposition at the center.

  • Amit Shah’s statement exposes the double face of BJP: INOC Chair

    Amit Shah’s statement exposes the double face of BJP: INOC Chair

    NEW YORK (TIP): ‘Amit Shah’s statement gives the voters once again an opportunity to think through the philosophy of the BJP and evaluate the candidates for what they truly stand for as they cast their votes’ said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress.

    He was responding to a statement by Amit Shah, a close aide and Modi campaign manager in Western U.P. who stated that 2014 elections were an opportunity for ‘revenge for the insult’ during last year’s communal violence in Muzaffarnagar. The statement once again shows the communal face of BJP although the party is doing its utmost to show a moderate face to the nation and the world during the current election campaign.

    As never before in the history of the independent India, the country is being challenged by certain political forces that are posing a direct threat to the secular fabric of the nation under the active patronage of BJP. Amit Shah, a former home minister of Gujarat under Modi had said “In Uttar Pradesh, especially western U.P. it is an election for honor. It is an election to take revenge for insult…. (and) to teach a lesson to those who have committed injustice”.

  • Peter Bheddah honored with Humanitarian of the Year Award

    Peter Bheddah honored with Humanitarian of the Year Award

    NEW YORK (TIP): Peter Bheddah was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award at the 2014 INNkeepers’ Ball on May 8th. Peter has been a friend and supporter of The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) for over 15 years, and has also been instrumental in leading the India Association of Long Island’s support of The INN.

    According to Jean Kelly, Executive Director of The INN, “Peter is an outstanding source of inspiration to us and the Indian community and because of his exceptional thoughtfulness and generosity we are honored to acknowledge him.” Peter who hails from Kutch district of Gujarat, came to the United States in 1960 for further studies in Economics and International Relations.

    He met his would be significant half Dorothy at Columbia University. The two fell in love, leading to their marriage in 1964. Bheddahs have two daughters Karen Bheddah O’Rourke and Sheila Bheddah. Karen has two children – Grace and Liam. Peter ran a very successful Wholesale Electronics business from 1972 to 2001 and came to have enough to bank on for a relaxed retired life. Given to social involvement and philanthropy, Peter got associated with Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation and was its President in 1992 – 1994.

    He is a member of the Board of Directors since 1987. Not to forget his roots in Gujarat and his bond with Gujaratis, he has been active in Gujarati Samaj of New York, of which he was President in 2001 -2002. He is a Trustee of Samaj since 2011. Peter is also Advisory Board Member of Heart & Hand for the Handicapped from 2003 to Present. He was President of Long Island Chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress from 2008 – 2012.


    12
    (Left to right): Rob Kammerer (co-chair), Peter Bheddah, Fran Gutleber, Amy Hughes, John Hughes, Jean Kelly (INN Executive Director), Harry DiSimone (INN Board President). Steve Richman (co-chair)

    He is a Founding member and a Grand Sponsor of the DIWALI FOOD DRIVE from 1995 to 2013. Under the umbrella of India Association of Long Island (IALI) Food Drive has provided INTERFAITH NUTRITION NETWORK (INN) with more than 400,000 meals, truck loads of foods and $400,000 of medicines to Rota Care. During 2001 earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat, India, Peter supported projects worth $1,000,000 (One million dollars) building a Hospital, two Schools, and 500 Houses. Peter has been recognized for his work and contribution by many organizations.

    He is a recipient of numerous awards including “ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR” in 2012. A lifelong Democrat, he was keynote speaker for Hilary Clinton during her senatorial campaign in 2001. He and Dorothy were invited twice to White House – in 1993 and 1995. Peter has always believed and practices that good fortune should be shared with the needy and the less fortunate in this country as well as in India. Also honored at the Ball on Thursday, May 8th at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, were Amy and John Hughes.

    The Honorary Chair is Fran Gutleber. The INN is a volunteer based charitable organization that operates soup kitchens in 22 Long Island communities, provides shelter for 150 children and adults each night in clean and safe housing and offers a full range of supportive services. Since its founding, INN volunteers have served over ten million hot, nutritious meals

  • INOC leaders lobby for a Juned Qazi candidacy on Congress ticket

    INOC leaders lobby for a Juned Qazi candidacy on Congress ticket

    NEW YORK (TIP): INOC leaders gave a full court press to the NRI candidacy of Mr. Juned Qazi who is making an attempt to run on a Congress ticket from the Aligarh Constituency in U.P.

    ‘ It is an uphill battle, the entrenched interests are quite powerful and wouldn’t like an NRI to take their place’ said Mr. Qazi. Despite the heavy odds against him. Mr. Qazi has been working diligently in Aligarh for the past one year meeting constituents and trying to convince the local leadership that he is committed to relocate to Aligarh from U.S. and work hard on their behalf for the betterment of all the people.

    Mr. Juned Qazi lives in New Jersey and owns a successful business in Construction. He is a committed Congressman who has been serving Indian National Overseas Congress in various capacities as an Executive Committee member and the President of the Madhya Pradesh Chapter for the past several years. A team comprising of George Abraham (Chairman), Mohinder Singh Gilzian (Vice-President), Harbachan Singh (General Secretary) and Sawaran Singh (EC Member) have visited number of Congress leaders and pressed the case for a Qazi candidacy.

    6INOC leaders George Abraham, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Sawaran Singh & Harbachan Singh lobbied with the senior Congress leaders in India for ticket for the Aligarh Parliamentary constituency to Juned Qazi, President Madhya Pradesh Chapter of INOC With AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh

    ‘By issuing a ticket to Mr. Qazi, Congress party will be sending a very strong and positive signal to the NRI community that your voices will be heard in the Parliament’ said Harbachan Singh, General Secretary of INOC, a member of the team that visited number of the Congress leaders including Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. Digvijay Singh, General Secretary, AICC, Vayalar Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for HRD, Mohinder Singh Kaypee, member of CWC, Oscar Fernandez, Minister for Road and Transport, Preneet Kaur Minister of State for External Affairs etc.

    Earlier, in a letter to Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Vice-President of the Congress party, Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of INOC praised Mr. Qazi ‘ as extremely competent and someone who understands the issues that people of India face in their daily lives. He is young and dynamic and has close rapport with people of all ages, regions and religions. I strongly feel that he would make a great parliamentarian given an opportunity and would serve the interests of the country and its people, especially those in Aligarh, with passion and tenacity’ the letter stated.

    ‘ Pravasis in general often feel neglected in the selection process though they have made tremendous contributions to the success of our great nation. By selecting Mr. Qazi, to run from Aligarh, you will be sending a strong signal that the hope and aspirations of the entire NRI community will remain as an integral part of the party agenda going forward’ the letter continued..

  • INOC (I) USA Condemns Naxal attack on Congress Convoy in Chhattisgarh

    INOC (I) USA Condemns Naxal attack on Congress Convoy in Chhattisgarh

    NEW YORK (TIP): George Abraham, President of INOC (I) USA has condemned the Naxal attack on a Congress Party Convoy in Chhattisgarh which resulted in the death of around 35 persons. The resolution reads: “The Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA strongly condemns the barbaric attack on a bus in Bastar, Chhattisgarh by Naxalities on a convoy carrying Congress leaders in which over 35 people are feared killed and the causalities may increase as the bus was reported to be carrying about 50 passengers including 25 Special Police Officers.

    This Maoist mayhem nearly wiped out the Congress leadership in Chhattisgarh and INOC(I) USA deeply regrets this massive loss of life. “We concur with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who has often described Naxalism as “the biggest security challenge facing the country” and we strongly agree with his instant order to NIA to probe this Maoist attack. We urge that after providing the best care possible to the injured, no stone should be left unturned to investigate this vicious attack and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

    “INOC(I) USA prays for the lives of those critically injured including Hon. V.C. Shukla and wish a speedy recovery to all those who are injured. To all the families of those who have paid the ultimate price, we offer our heartfelt condolences and wish the Government will make suitable donations to assist them and all those who suffered injuries and damages to mitigate their losses. “This is truly an attack on democracy and the political process through and through and a savage attack on humanity.”

  • Indian National Overseas Congress leaders call on Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao at Washington D.C.

    Indian National Overseas Congress leaders call on Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao at Washington D.C.

    NEW YORK (TIP): The leaders of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I), USA paid a courtesy call to the Ambassador of India to the United States, Her Excellency Nirupama Rao in Washington D.C., and also discussed a number of issues that are of considerable concern to the Diaspora. On the top of the list were the OCI card and the recent changes in rules that mandate its renewal for the people fifty years and over.

    After, introducing the delegation, George Abraham, President of the INOC stressed the vital roles NRIs play in promoting the US-India friendship and cooperation in various fields of human endeavor between the two largest democracies in the world and felt that the issues identified were irritants to an otherwise strong and growing bond between India and its Diaspora in the U.S. The delegation also suggested, inter alia, that OCI status could be granted by a separate document like the US “Green Card” rather than a stamp placed in the individual’s Indian passport.

    As regards second generation Indians in US, some of the benefits conferred by OCI legislation might need revisiting to prevent inconsistent application. He requested the help of the Ambassador in bringing these issues to the attention of the respective officials in India. He also added that INOC, as a recognized entity in U.S. by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), offered to assist in a constructive way in partnership in helping to resolve some of these issues.

    Indian National Overseas Congress, USA has recently established an NRI-Interface Council for the specific purpose of addressing issues that are of concern to the members of the Diaspora. Anand Ahuja Esq, the Chairman of the Interface council highlighted some of the issues the committee is looking into at present such as property protection for NRIs and legislation 498A. Kuanl Yadav Esq, the Secretary and Prof.

    Sreedhar kavil member of the Committee spoke in detail on how to improve the usability of OCI card and pledged their continuing efforts to work in collaboration with the Government of India to affect the changes. Ambassador Rao in her exchange with the delegation queried in detail about the present difficulties surrounding the OCI card.

    In the end she expressed pleasure and satisfaction in the discussions and kindly offered to bring the matter to the attention of the Home Ministry. She lauded the efforts of INOC in taking up the OCI card issue and spoke about the need to provide more clarity on the website. Mr. Mohinder Singh, Mr. Harbachan Singh, Mr. Juned Qazi, Mr. Zinda Singh, Ms. Lavika Bhagat Singh, Mr. Varghese Thekkekara , Mr. Rumpy Singh and Ms. Rohini Khera also participated in the discussion.

  • Senior Congress leader Anil Shastri given a Reception by INOC (I) MP Chapter

    Senior Congress leader Anil Shastri given a Reception by INOC (I) MP Chapter

    NEW YORK (TIP): “I like meeting Indians outside India even as I like to meet Indians in India”, said Anil Shastri, a senior Congress leader and a son of the illustrious father late Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri. He was speaking at a reception in his honor in New York.

    Mr. Shastri had been to Mexico City to represent Congress Party at the Standing Committee of International Conference of Asian political Parties from October 12 to 14. He had stopped over in New York on his way back home. The Standing committee of ICAP has 25 members who represent political parties. Each of the political party was represented by 1 representative. The ICAP Standing Committee discussed various issues like Drug Trafficking, environment, corruption. The idea is to sit together and find workable solutions to the problems which could be applied collectively and singly in their respective nations. Mr. Shastri termed his visit as successful and his participation in the conference as educative, productive and rewarding.

    The reception in New York was hosted by the INOC (I) Madhya Pradesh Chapter President Juned Qazi who recently received commendation for his work for the party in India and abroad from Dr. Karan Singh, one of the most respected senior leaders of Indian national Congress and in charge of the overseas organizations of the party.

    Juned Qazi and his colleagues put together a warm reception for Mr. Shastri and his wife Manju Shastri (formerly Srivastava) at a short notice at NanKing Restaurant in Long Island. The gathering included INOC (I) President George Abraham, with his wife and several INOC (I) Chapter presidents that included Kerala Chapter President, Tamil Nadu Chapter President and Delhi Chapter President Zinda Singh with his wife Tina Shah. Indian Congress Party President Atma Singh with Chairman Ram Gadula, Advisor Harkesh Thakur, Secretary Pal Singh and some other members joined Juned Qazi in extending a warm welcome to Shastri Ji and his wife.

    Mr. Shastri preferred to hear the remarks and comments of the gathering before addressing them. Speaker after speakers recalled the greatness of the Late Lal Bahadur Shastri, the illustrious father of Mr. Anil Shastri. He was variously described by speakers,; one called him “the Lion of India” who had brought the braggart Ayub Khan to his knees in the 1965 war between India and Pakistan. Another described Late Shastri Ji as the most honest politician of India. Atma Singh recalled how Lal Bahadur Ji strove to get education despite poverty. He said the young Shastri Ji swam across the Ganges, with books and notebooks tied on his head , to go to the school. Mr. Anil Shastri was visibly moved and later described some moments of late Shastri Ji’s eventful life. One related to a car loan. Shastri Ji was the Prime Minister. He could have got anything for the mere asking. But he was a man of principles. He took a Rs. 5000.00 bank loan to buy a car. Because he died suddenly without repaying the loan, his wife took upon herself to repay it. Such has been the principled life of the members of the Shastri family.

    Atma Singh spoke feelingly about the killing of thousands of Sikhs in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984. He lamented that those responsible for the brutal killing of thousands in Delhi and elsewhere are holding positions of power in the Congress Party and the government even while they have been named and indicted by various Commissions of Enquiry. He was upset with the party and the government for not punishing the guilty of riots against the Sikhs even after almost 30 years. He demanded that those who have been named and indicted be punished forthwith to win back the trust of the Sikh community. The least that the Congress Party could do was to remove them from the party.

    He also pointed out that the overseas organization suffered from differences and disunity which resulted in weakening the party. He praised Juned Qazi for making sincere efforts to forge unity. He offered to merge his organization -the Indian Congress Party in the INOC (I) if there was unity of purpose and unity of mind of all. He sought the intervention of Mr. Shastri in bringing about an understanding amongst the differing groups and members.
    Earlier, introducing Mr. Anil Shastri, Juned Qazi said Mr. Shastri is a senior member of the Congress Party. He was a Member of ninth Lok Sabha from Varanasi. Also, he was a Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India. Presently, he is Special Invitee to the Congress Working Committee and Chairman of the Hindi Department in All India Congress Committee. He has been instrumental in promoting higher education particularly in the field of management. He has set up two institutions and is the Chairman of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management & Technology, Bareilly. Mr. Shastri is the Holding Trustee of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Memorial Trust which is involved with various socio-cultural activities.

    Juned Qazi extended a warm welcome to Mrs. and Mr. Shastri and thanked them for having accepted his invitation to come and meet INOC (I) members and other supporters and sympathizers of the Congress Party. He said he was happy to welcome all who had come despite a short notice. He thanked everyone for their love and support.

    He said he was deeply interested in strengthening the organization. He underscored the need to be united. He said the party was under attack from all sides for which reason it is all the more important and necessary to be united.
    INOC (I) President Mr. George Abraham in his remarks described his efforts at bringing method and vibrancy to the organization. He said he had cobbled together a Constitution which never existed earlier and had readied a newsletter to reach out the message of the party to larger numbers. Mr. Abraham presented to Mr. Shastri a copy of each, the constitution and the newsletter.

    Others who spoke included Zinda Singh, President of Delhi Chapter and presidents of various other chapters as also some others from the gathering.

    Mr. Anil Shastri took pains in his remarks to apply balm to the wounded feelings of the Sikh community. He said President of the Congress Party Sonia Gandhi had offered a public apology for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Again, Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler were denied party tickets to contest elections. However, it was not for the party or the Congress government to punish them beyond the action the party had taken. “We are a democracy. We have to go by the rule of the law”, said Mr. Shastri. He said it was for the prosecution to come up with a case against them and it is for the courts to punish or acquit them.

    Mr. Shastri was all praise for Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He claimed that India National Congress deserved credit for India’s progress. The party is progressive and has an agenda for making India one of the most prosperous and powerful nations of the world. He said soon India will be a top economic power along with China.

    As for corruption, he said every country had its own share of corruption.. “India is no exception”, he said. A India goes forward with reforms, certain lacunae cannot be ruled out, he said. However, he personally favors a strong Lok Pal bill which Congress Party had passed in the Lok Sabha but the BJP had blocked it in Rajya Sabha where Congress did not have adequate majority.

    Speaking about those Congressman who were accused of corruption, like Suresh Kalmadi, he said the party leadership had taken immediate action and removed them from their positions. Suresh Kalmadi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Chavan had to go.

    He recalled that it was his late father Lal Bahadur Shastri who had created the institution of Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) .

    Speaking about differences of opinion amongst members of a group, Mr. Shastri said that differences offer opportunities to come up with better ideas. “You do not grow if every one agreed with ever one”, he said. But differences have also to be resolved in the interest of the party and leadership.

    Mr. Shastri appreciated the good work being done by INOC (I). He also appreciated Atma Singh’s plain speak and for opening up his heart.

    Mrs. and Mr. Shastri were very generous in letting everyone have a picture with them.
    Sonia Keer, Secretary of the M.P. Chapter of INOC (I) that hosted the reception thanked Mrs. and Mr. Shastri and all present for their presence and time .