I salute the victory in Telangana while blaming overconfidence and infighting for the losses in the other three states!
Telangana stands out as the shining light for the Congress party in the unfortunate defeats elsewhere in the just concluded state elections. Yet, the Congress Party should not give up the fight but rather garner all the energy and strengthen the INDIA alliance for the ultimate prize fight in 2024,” said George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOCUSA and Global coordinator of the IT & Social media for IOC.
Instead of engaging in the so-called introspection exercise, the leadership should quickly move to clean up the INC Secretariat and engage people who might bring contrasting perspectives that would enrich the debate and arrive at well-thought-out solutions to resolve various issues confronting the party. Keeping Shashi Tharoor at arms-length or removing him as the chairman of the Professional Congress right in the middle of an election is not an intelligent strategy. It is not only a united leadership that may win an election but also using modern strategy and employing the latest technologies that make a difference.
There must be zero tolerance for groupism all across the party if it wishes to come back to power at the center again. The recent victory in Karnataka may have made some in the leadership a little cocky to the point where the ongoing talk on the INDIA alliance almost appeared to have come to a halt. Congress needs to be cognizant of the fact that fighting the Modi behemoth machine alone would not suffice; Congress may have to take a step back and reach a consensus. The ultimate aim for the next election must be the defeat of Modi but not the debate of who would be the Prime Minister.
A change of leadership in many state units with young and dynamic individuals with a new vision would go a long way for the party. The victory led by Mr. Revanth Reddy in Telangana is a case in point. The appetite for corruption is still quite rampant in some party circles, and it ought to be seriously checked. In Rajasthan, the simmering leadership dispute should have been brought to an end a long time ago. In Chhattisgarh, a tribal community was driven out of their own homes on allegations of conversions, and the state government closed its eyes for political expediency; in Madhya Pradesh, the leadership appeared to have been practicing soft-Hindutva rather than championing the Nehruvian vision and Ambedkar’s constitution. Why would anybody opt for duplicates when the original BJP, which practices Hindutva ideology, is readily available? It is also time to check the EVMs and make sure the systems are performing well and fulfilling its constitutionally assigned responsibilities.
It is time for the Congress party to reach out and work together for a united front to save democracy and the nation.
(The opinion expressed above is strictly personal)
FORDS, NJ (TIP): The Indian Overseas Congress New Jersey recently orchestrated a monumental event, drawing over 500 individuals from the vibrant New Jersey and Tri-state area. This gathering marked the triumphant relaunch of the Indian Overseas Congress New Jersey, encapsulating three pivotal focal points: the ongoing elections in five states, the kickoff campaign for the 2024 elections, and a poignant Diwali celebration, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Under the distinguished leadership of Indian Overseas Congress New Jersey President Pradip (Peter) Kothari and Chairman Harkesh Thakur, the event hosted esteemed guests, including the chief guest Sam Pitroda, Global Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. Notable leaders of Indian Overseas Congress such as Vice Chairman George Abraham, Secretary General Harbachan Singh, and Working President Pradeep Samla also graced the occasion along with other IOC office bearers.
Mr. Sam Pitroda captivated the audience as he took the stage, recounting his inspiring journey from India to the USA and back. With a spotlight on his significant contributions to shaping India’s IT and telecom industry, Pitroda addressed pressing challenges, including communal disharmony and threats to constitutional values. Drawing poignant parallels with global crises in Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine, he underscored the divisive nature of contemporary society. In his concluding remarks, Pitroda emphasized the paramount importance of upholding Gandhian principles, advocating for their role in fostering a more harmonious world.
In a passionate address, Peter Kothari inspired the audience to embrace their rights and freedoms, firmly denouncing hate and divisive politics. Advocating for active participation in the Indian National Congress, he stressed its role in championing the rights of the deprived and oppressed. Kothari highlighted the profound impact of adhering to Gandhian ideology for positive societal change. Acknowledging the pivotal contributions of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel, he underscored their role in laying the foundation of modern India, creating institutions that provided free education to many abroad. Kothari also lauded Ms. Indira Gandhi’s support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and Rajiv Gandhi’s efforts to propel India into the digital revolution through advancements in science and technology. Urging those aligned with Congress ideology to join the movement, he emphasized the principles of secularism, humanity, and democracy, welcoming everyone who shares these values.
Chairman IOC NJ Harkesh Thakur conveyed his wishes and support, encouraging widespread participation to ensure the success of Congress events. The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to uphold democracy and the principles outlined in the Indian constitution.
The proceedings were overseen by Qayam Mausmi, Secretary of Indian Overseas Congress New Jersey, focusing on the Congress themes of fostering unity across India. The Bharat Jodo Movement, aimed at bringing together people from all states and walks of life in India, served as the cornerstone of the event. Mr. Mausmi eloquently delved into the rich history of the Indian National Congress, emphasizing its profound significance as a symbol of India’s democratic ethos. Arjumand Juweria, Joint Secretary, voiced concerns about escalating disharmony in India, underscoring the imperative for collective attention and concerted efforts to address this pressing issue.
Ram Gadula, Chairman of the Telangana Chapter, played a pivotal force in orchestrating a seamlessly coordinated event. He played a crucial role in bringing together chapter heads from Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Haryana, Andhra and other chapters of the Indian Overseas Congress in New Jersey. The event, a culmination of collective efforts, saw Sam Pitroda and Peter Kothari graciously acknowledging Chapter Heads. This celebration of unity and acknowledgment of leadership from diverse chapters marked a significant moment in the Indian Overseas Congress’s New Jersey chapter’s journey.
In a spirit of camaraderie and enthusiasm, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) New Jersey Chapter witnessed a momentous event as Sam Pitroda, Peter Kothari, and Harkesh Thakur warmly greeted all members and office bearers. Vice Chairman Bharat Patel and Mr. Mukesh Maid, along with Vice President Manmitsing Vasdev, Tanzeem Ansari, and Mahesh Patel, added their support, further contributing to the event’s resounding success.
Qayam Masumi, a seasoned and dedicated member, has taken on the role of New Jersey Chapter Secretary, demonstrating the chapter’s trust in his capabilities. Raj Desai has assumed the position of Treasurer, while Dipak Valsadia and Harvender Singh have been appointed as Public Relations Officers. Pamposh Shaikh joins as Joint Treasurer, emphasizing the chapter’s dedication to effective communication and outreach. Together, these key figures embody the unity that is a hallmark of the IOC, showcasing their collaborative efforts and commitment to the organization’s objectives.
The spotlight of the event shone on the newly formed Executive Committee, a dynamic group comprising Raj Macwan, Vihari Patel, Neeraj Gamadia, Kirit Jakaria, Nandini Kothari, Nina Thakur, Jyoti Ruben, Dave Makkar, Chandrakant Bhatt Basha Syed and Ashish Master. Their diverse expertise, acknowledged and celebrated at the event, promises to be a driving force, enriching both the IOC NJ Chapter and the overarching Indian Overseas Congress.
The grand event, held in New Jersey by the Indian Overseas Congress, served as a powerful rallying point for the diaspora, promoting unity, peace, and a steadfast commitment to democratic values. The gathering resonated with enthusiasm and optimism, with participants expressing their fervent wishes for the Indian National Congress to triumph in all state elections and the upcoming 2024 elections.
(Press release issued by HP Singh )
George Abraham with his award and wife Lona who has been a constant companion, poses for a photograph.
NEW YORK (TIP): Indian Overseas Congress Vice Chair George Abraham, who is one of the founders of the Congress organization in America a quarter of a century ago, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Rahul Gandhi in a rare honor. The event was the IOC reception to Rahul Gandhi at the Terrace on Park in Queens, New York, June 3, ahead of his public meeting on June 4. To everyone’s surprise, IOC Chair Sam Pitroda announced the honor and invited Rahul Gandhi to present the plaque. It was greeted by thunderous applause from the 300 plus party supporters in the audience. It was a proud moment for Abraham, who started his association with the Congress Party during his school days. He worked in Balajanasakhyam and became the state treasurer. Later he worked in the Kerala Students Union (KSU) before moving to the US.
Now he has completed 53 years in the US and still keeps his Indian citizenship. In the US too, he kept the ideals of the Congress Party in his heart. Congress leaders who visited the US were always welcomed by him and received his hospitality. It was in the 90s that he, along with a few others, came forward with the idea of setting up an organization supporting the party. During a visit of Oomen Chandy, former Kerala chief minister, an organization was formed at a meeting held in his house. Later it grew to become a national organization as IOC.
George strongly believes in individual liberty and equal opportunity for everyone to develop their full potential. Secular to the core, he believes one’s faith is purely a personal matter and should not be mixed up with politics. “Political tranquility is fundamental to societal progress and we all should strive to achieve peaceful co-existence and focus on building a progressive society for our children and grandchildren:, he says.
The award was a befitting recognition for a person for his dedication and hard work. His wife Lona Abraham too worked side by side with him for the organization. Abraham retired as the chief technology officer at the United Nations where he was recognized for the ‘spirit of innovation’ by the United Nations Pension Fund for bringing new technologies to the U.N. to automate various processes.
IOC Kerala Chapter President Leela Maret was also felicitated on the occasion. Leela, who had prepared a souvenir to commemorate Rahul Gandhi’s visit, was invited to the stage and Rahul Gandhi released the souvenir.
The gathering observed silence for 30 seconds in the memory of the victims of the train accident at Balasore in Odisha, India.The full house listens intently to Rahul Gandhi.
NEW YORK (TIP): “We need to build a modern India with love and affection, not with anger and hatred. Currently, there is a fight going on in our country: a fight between two ideologies. One we represent, and the other is represented by the BJP. On one side is Mahatma Gandhi, and on the other is Nathuram Godse. Gandhiji was modern, forward-looking, and open-minded. However, Godse spoke of the past, never spoke about the future but filled with anger and hatred and was a coward who was unable to deal with his life,” said Mr. Rahul Gandhi addressing a gathering of about 4000 people at the Javits Center in New York on June 4. He has been on a six-day tour of the United States, having visited San Francisco, Washington D.C, and attended this grand finale of the meeting of an enthusiastic crowd who received him with thunderous applause.
“RSS and BJP are incapable of looking at the future. They are driving the ‘car of India’ and looking in the rear-view mirror. They will always find someone else to blame. They may even blame the British for a train crash. Instead of blaming, we must find solutions for issues like Youth unemployment. We need to build a bridge between India and the United States, focus on the partnership, and deal with the challenges we face from the Chinese. Are we focusing on the revolution that is taking place in the fields of mobility, data and connectivity, and transformation in the energy sector”? he asked.
“There is a full-scale attack on the democratic structure and institutions in India, including the judiciary and the media, and that is an attack on the very idea of India. Modern India cannot exist without its constitution and democracy. It is our job to defend it, and one thing that excites me when I meet thousands of you is that you, too, believe in that very idea of India where people would love each other.” he added.
He concluded by saying that Indian values aren’t nasty, arrogant, or violent. I intend to build an affectionate relationship with you all where you can tell me what you think and effectively interact with while promoting a nation where we can live with love and affection.
George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOCUSA, opened the meeting by lauding Rahul Gandhi as a profile in courage. “When others remain silent, he is willing to stick his neck out despite threats or intimidation even at the cost of his esteemed positions or even his own dwelling. He is indeed a ray of hope for all of us who are yearning for peace and harmony for our mother land.”
Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA, praised Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and said, “it has inspired millions and once again provided hope for all of us who aspire for democracy and freedom. Yatra has indeed bridged gaps between communities and promoted mutual understanding”. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host him today and wished him great success in the future.
Rahul Gandhi shakes hands with the people at the meeting.
Sam Pitroda, the global chairman, spoke about the need to awaken and work with vigilance for a better future for India. He said,” IOC is in 30 countries now. We will continue to talk to the global community despite the misinformation, propaganda, and lies emanating from the other side. Future belongs to science, and efforts by the Government to remove evolution and periodic tables are not in the best interests of our next generation”. He also led the meeting to observe a minute of silence in the memory of those who perished in the Odisha train collision.
Mr. Pradeep Samala, who was the General Convenor of the meeting, thanked Rahul Gandhi along with all the dignitaries who were present on the dais. He expressed special gratitude to all the IOC officials and volunteers who made the meeting successful. Mr. John Joseph and Rajiv Mohan played key roles in the areas of hospitality and IT support.
The meeting was further enriched by the presence of many Congress leaders from India who also spoke at the event, including Deependar Hooda, Mani Shankar Iyer, Revanth Reddy, Vijender Singh, Rudra Raju Guduru, Madhu Yakshi, Amarinder Singh Warring, Venkat Reddy, Komati Reddy, Arathi Krishna, Punnala Lakshmaya, Neelima Kota, Alka Lamba. Dilip Chouhan, the Deputy Commissioner of New York City, also spoke.
IOC leaders Phuman Singh, Leela Maret, Thomas Mathew, Rajeshwar Reddy, Ram Gadula, Peter Kothari, Harkesh Thakur, Amar Singh Gulshan, Gurpeet Singh, Kulraj Grewal, Baljinder Singh Kundu, Gurmeet Singh Gill, Gurmit Singh Buttar, Rajinder Dichpally, Nikhil Thagadur, Pawan Darsi, Kawaljit Kaur and Sandeep Vangala, Sharath Chandra Vemuguti, were also present on the dais.
Sophia Sharma, General Secretary of IOCUSA , emceed the program . She holds a Master’s in Law in Dispute Resolution from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. She started her legal career in 2015, and practices Family Law, Immigration, Human Rights, Wills, Personal Injury and Mediation.
Sam Pitroda (right) , the Global Chief of IOC which has presence in 32 countries introduced Rahul Gandhi. Also seen in the picture (extreme left) is Mohinder Singh Gilzian, IOCUSA President.Congress party and IOC leaders on the dais.IOC USA President thanked the party leaders, IOC colleagues and the gathering for their presence. Seen to his right is Sophia Sharma who proved to be an efficient MC.
Tesla Power USA on Thursday inked a pact with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to sell and service batteries at the firm’s petrol pumps. It will enable Tesla Power to sell and service batteries at over 36,000 petrol pumps across India, the US-based firm said. “To start with, Tesla Power USA batteries will be available at the select IOC fuel pumps in the Delhi-NCR region,” it added.
After successfully holding the Asian Games, Afro Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, India has now set its eyes to host the world’s biggest sporting event, the summer Olympic Games in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat in 2036.
Though India is yet to make a formal bid, its chances of becoming the fourth Asian city to hold the quadrangular sporting event will depend on the pitch it makes at the IOC session in Mumbai in September 2023. It will be for the first time ever that India will be hosting the IOC general session.
“This is the right time to host the Games. If India is making news in every sector from manufacturing to services, then why not in sports. Gujarat has several times expressed interest in hosting the Olympics. They have the infrastructure – from hostels and hotels to airports and sports complexes,” says Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
Anurag Thakur, who comes from Himachal Pradesh, says that the Union Government would stand by the new look Indian Olympic Association when it bids for the 2036 Olympic Games. Only early this month, the new look Indian Olympic Association elected its first ever Olympian PT Usha as its President. PT Usha is also a nominated member of Upper House of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and represents the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Though Gujarator Ahmedabad have never held any major sporting event under the banner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it has of late shown great inclination after New Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad to host a world level sporting competition.
Anurag Thakur in his recent media interaction said that “if India can host the G20 Presidency in such a big way, I am sure the government will be able to host the Olympic Games along with the IOA. Since the slots are already booked till 2032, the earliest India can hope to host the Games is 2036. After 2036 onwards, we have hopes and I am sure India will prepare and bid for the Olympic Games.”
Indian government, he said, would prepare a roadmap in consultation with the Indian Olympic Association to be presented during the September 2023 IOC session in Mumbai. Hosting the prestigious IOC session for the first time on Indian soil offers a great opportunity for the country to showcase its potential as a host of major sporting events.
Going by Anurag Thakur, the Gujarat Government has already initiated plans to prepare itself for the mega event.
( Prabhjot Singh is a former editor of Tribune, India)
Gallant attempts by the world of sports to wriggle out of the devastating impact of the Omicron pandemic may be severely hit by the Russia-Ukraine military conflict that threatens to divide the world again. Unfortunately, the timing of the Russian invasion of Ukraine coincides with the holding of a major International Olympic Committee event, the Paralympic Games, scheduled to start in Beijing on March 4. Twice before the Olympic movement had been hit hard by World War II. The 1940 and 1944 editions of the Olympic Games had to be cancelled during the global hostilities at that time.
Led by the United States, the NATO nations, in expression of their complete solidarity with Ukraine, have already heaped a series of sanctions on Russia in their valiant attempt to force cessation of hostilities.
It was for almost similar reasons that the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games were boycotted by a group led by the NATO leader, the United States. The boycotters had objected to the presence of the then Soviet Union forces in Afghanistan.
Interestingly, the Beijing Winter Olympic Games 2022, that witnessed a diplomatic boycott by most of the NATO nations, including the US and Canada, had the Russian President, V. Putin, as a guest of honor
Other than NATO, it is the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that has come hard on both Russia and its aide Byelorussia by urging all International Sports Federations (ISFs) to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus. The ISFs should take the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian and Belarussian governments into account and give the safety and security of the athletes absolute priority. The IOC itself has no events planned in Russia or Belarus.
The IOC Executive Board also wants that no Russian or Byelorussian national flag be displayed and no Russian or Byelorussian anthem be played in international sports events that are not already part of the respective World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions for Russia. In the just concluded Beijing Winter Olympic Games, it was the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and not Russia that was allowed to send its contingent. Neither any Russian flag was flown, nor the Russian national anthem was played during the Games though the ROC athletes were placed at number two in the overall medals (32) tally with six gold. 12 silver and 14 bronze medals. Norway topped the tally with 37 medals, including 16 gold. Eight silver and 13 bronze medals while Germany took the third spot with 27 medals and Canada finished fourth with a tally of 24. Incidentally, Norway, Germany and Canada are now on the other side opposing the Russian action in Ukraine.
Though the IOC Executive Board has expressed its full support to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing from March 4, the shadow of the Russian action may impact the games in a big way.
Immediately after Russia launched its military operations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came out with a strong condemnation of the breach of the Olympic Truce by the Russian government by referring to the December 2, 2021 resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus of all 193 UN Member States. The Olympic Truce began seven days before the start of the Olympic Games, on February 4, 2022, and ends seven days after the closing of the Paralympic Games.
Earlier in a similar resolution passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 9, 2019, it was decided to include in the provisional agenda of its seventy-sixth session the sub-item entitled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal” and also recalling its prior decision to consider the sub-item every two years, in advance of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. The Olympic Truce was first taken up by the UN General Assembly on October 25, 1993, which, inter alia, revived the ancient Greek tradition of ekecheiria (“Olympic Truce”) calling for a truce during the Olympic Games to encourage a peaceful environment and ensure safe passage, access and participation for athletes and relevant persons at the Games, thereby mobilizing the youth of the world to the cause of peace.
The core concept of ekecheiria, historically, has been the cessation of hostilities from seven days before until seven days after the Olympic Games, which, according to the legendary oracle of Delphi, was to replace the cycle of conflict with a friendly athletic competition every four years. Other than the Paralympic Olympic Games starting in Beijing on March 4, where winter para athletes of both Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to participate, the first test for any International Sports Federation under the new IOC directive is for field hockey (International Hockey Federation – FIH).
An elite FIH event – Junior Women World Cup – will be organized at Potchefstroom in South Africa from April 1 where both Russia and Ukraine are among 16 nations confirmed to participate. Going by the hostilities back home, participation of both Russia and Ukraine in the Potchefstroom event looks doubtful, both the South African Hockey Federation and the FIH have a problem on hand.
The tournament had already been postponed once. The list of participants, too, has witnessed changes. For example, Japan had withdrawn at the last minute. It was replaced by Malaysia. Now the sword of uncertainty is hanging over the Potchefstroom event again following the Russia-Ukraine war.
(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows. For more in-depth analysis please visit probingeye.com or follow him on Twitter.com/probingeye. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)
NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Overseas Congress, USA has called for a ‘Bharat Bachao’ rally in front of the Indian Consulate office (3 East 64th St, New York) on Saturday, December 14 at 1PM to protest the BJP Government’s anti-people policies especially economic slowdown, farmer’s distress, and rising unemployment.
IOC USA is following the call by the AICC to stage protests across the globe where NRI supporters of the Congress party are concerned about the deteriorating economic situation in India and to stand in solidarity with their fellow citizens in India. The protests will be held across India on the same day, and similar protests are also in the plans by the IOC Units in London, Sydney, and Berlin.
‘While the country is going through a severe economic crisis, the Modi-Shah government is attempting to focus on divisive and polarizing issues to divert attention away from the real issues affecting people’s lives,’ said Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. “We are inviting all those who love India and are concerned about the future of the republic to join us to make our voices heard,” added Mr. Gilzian.
For further information, please contact 646-732-5119.
‘My Gods are Hindu; hatred has no place in my religion’: Sunita Viswanath
Sunita Viswanath delivering the keynote speaker
NEW YORK (TIP): “I was born in India, lived in India as a child, and again as an adult. I am 51 years old. I have grown up largely abroad, but my heart is Indian, and my Gods are Hindu, and that means that both are open, giving, inclusive, expansive, full of love. My Indian heart sings Eshwar Allah Tero Naam, and my Hindu Gods teach me, “aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.” This is from the Rig Veda and means: “Let Noble Thoughts come to me from all directions.” Said Ms. Sunita Viswanath, co-founder of ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ addressing a gathering organized in coordination with Indian overseas Congress, USA, and Indo-US Democracy Foundation celebrating the Nehru Jayanthi on November 14, in Queens, New York.
“The India that was envisioned by Nehruji, Gandhiji, Ambedkarji and so many other visionaries and revolutionaries, the India that is a “sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic” which ensures “justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promotes fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation,” is in crisis. This carnage of lives, rights, and Democracy is happening in the name of our faith. There must be a Hindu response to Hindutva. After all, since Hindus are the majority, no change is possible without changing the hearts and minds of Hindus. Who will annihilate caste if not Hindus?”
Prof. Indrajit Saluja presenting IUDF plaque to Paul Vallone, NYC Councilman. George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of IOC, USA (extreme right)
Nehruji’s greatest influence and inspiration, Gandhiji, was a progressive Hindu if there ever was one. Gandhiji wrote, “Hinduism tells everyone to worship God according to his own faith or dharma, and so it lives at peace with all the religions.” And Nehruji said, on Gandhiji’s birthday in 1952, “If any person raises his hand to strike down another on the ground of religion, I shall fight him till the last breath of my life, both at the head of government and from outside,” Ms. Viswanath added.
In opening the meeting, Dr. Leno Thomas, the Emcee of the event, stated that Nehru understood that greatness lay in the service of our fellow human beings. “The only alternative to coexistence is co-destruction,” he said. “Without peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes.” He saw Democracy as a means to an end, not the end itself. He saw freedom as a tool to uplift a lot of people. “The world of today has achieved much, but for all its declared love for humanity,” he said, “it has based itself far more on hatred and violence than on the virtues that make one human. War is the negation of truth and humanity. War may be unavoidable sometimes, but its progeny is terrible to contemplate. Not mere killing, for man, must die, but the deliberate and persistent propagation of hatred and falsehood, which gradually become the normal habits of the people”.
“He succeeded to a large extent in maintaining the edifice of Indian unity using Democracy, socialism, and secularism. He believed and lived the fundamental truth that all human beings had a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the very principles, and words of the founding fathers of the United States of America. Wherever we are, in whatever small way we can, let follow his example and think and live and do likewise,” Dr. Thomas added.
A view of the Audience. Front row (R to L): George Abraham, Malini Shah, Indrajit Saluja, Paul Vallone, Sunita Viswanath, Somanath Ghimire.
Welcoming the distinguished guests that included Mr. Paul Vallone, the NYC councilman, George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOC, USA recollected a bit of history where India was at the time of Independence. “Congress started with zero. Electricity was available only in 20 villages across India, Telephone facilities were available only for 20 rulers (Kings) in the country, no drinking water supply, no hospitals, no educational institutions, no fertilizers, no jobs, rampant starvation in the country, four planes, 20 tankers and fully open borders, minimum roads and bridges, empty exchequer and that is what Nehru inherited”.
“Today India has the largest army, thousands of warplanes, lakhs of Industrial Institutions, electricity in almost all villages, hundreds of electrical power stations, several thousands of highways and bridges, new railway projects, stadiums, super-specialty hospitals, most of the Indian households with Television, telephone services across the country, Banks, Universities, AIMS, IITs IIMs, Nuclear weapons, Submarines, ISRO…all these were achieved under the vision of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Some would talk as if this all has happened in the last five years, and it is nothing but an outright distortion of history. The attempt by the current regime to marginalize the legacy of Nehru is shameful and will not succeed,” Mr. Abraham added.
The meeting also played Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech and Mr. Paul Vallone, who received a Humanitarian Award from the Indo-US Democracy Foundation for his support for promoting Democracy and freedom lauded Nehru for his inclusive policies that united India and appealed to the gathering to emulate the same values for their transplanted lives here in the USA. Mr. Indrajit Saluja, Chief Editor of Indian Panorama, presented him with a plaque, and Ms. Mariamma Varkey, Chairperson for Kerala Chapter’s Women’s forum felicitated him with a Shawl.
IOC Leaders
Mr. Rajender Dichpally, General Secretary, reminded everyone to read Nehru’s ‘Discovery of India’ to gain a better perspective on history. Ms. Malini Shah was applauded specially by Mr. Paul Vallone for her support and her outstanding contributions to the Asian Indian Community. Senior IOC leaders Ravi Chopra, Leela Maret, Shalu Chopra, U.A. Naseer, and Oommen Koshy also spoke on occasion. Ms. Sophia Sharma spoke on the need to get more involved in mainstream politics to support the same Nehruvian values. Other IOC leaders who were present also included Mr. Pradeep Samala, John Joseph, Satish Sharma and Rajesh Alladad, K C Chaithanya, S. Lal Malick and community leaders such as Mohammed Hack, Dilip Chauhan, Jennifer Rajkumari, Somanath Ghimire and Koshy George.
Mr. Amir Rashid expressed the vote of Thanks.
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