NEW YORK (TIP): Sam Pitroda calls on Indian diaspora to uphold democracy, constitutional values and public service with a call to strengthen democracy, constitutional values, and the engagement of the Indian diaspora, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) USA formally launched its Michigan Chapter and announced the appointment of presidents for seven new chapters across the United States during a grand ceremony held at St. Toma Hall, Farmington Hills, on Friday evening.
The event, attended by nearly 700 members of the Indian American community, community leaders, professionals and supporters from Michigan and neighbouring states, marked one of the most significant organizational expansion initiatives undertaken by IOC USA in recent years.
The highlight of the evening was the virtual keynote address by Indian Overseas Congress Global Chairman Sam Pitroda, who joined the gathering from Iceland. Congratulating the newly constituted Michigan Chapter and welcoming its President Sridhar Patel and his office bearers, Pitroda expressed confidence that the new leadership would strengthen the organization and inspire greater participation among the Indian diasporas. Calling upon overseas Indians to remain committed to democratic ideals, he emphasized the importance of democracy, unity, liberty, and constitutional values in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.
«”The Michigan Chapter will strengthen our organization and inspire greater participation among the Indian diaspora,” Pitroda said.
He urged members to work towards strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive leadership, and reinforcing the enduring relationship between India and the global Indian community through public service and civic engagement.
«”Our responsibility is to strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive leadership, and reinforce the enduring ties between India and the global Indian community through public service and civic engagement,” he said.
Pitroda further encouraged the newly appointed office bearers to lead with commitment, integrity and humility while remaining closely connected with their communities. He said the Indian Overseas Congress has an important role in promoting democratic participation, encouraging inclusive dialogue, and serving society. Wishing the newly appointed leaders’ success in their responsibilities, he expressed confidence that they would make a meaningful contribution to the continued growth of the organization.
The program was presided over by Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of Indian Overseas Congress USA, and attended by Patel Ramesh Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, George Abraham, Vice Chairman of IOC USA, Baldev Randhawa, Vice President, John Joseph, Secretary General IOC USA, Pradeep Samala, Working President (North-East Region), Dr. Joshua JayaSingh National Treasurer, and several national and regional office bearers. Addressing the gathering, Gilzian described the Congress as “not merely a political party, but a global movement rooted in the ideals of democracy, justice and public service.” He announced the organization’s ambitious goal of developing 100 strong leaders across the United States by December 2026 under the guidance of Global Chairman Sam Pitroda. Describing the simultaneous launch of seven new IOC USA chapters as a significant milestone, Gilzian said the expansion would strengthen the organization nationwide while bringing together members of the Indian diaspora around the shared values of democracy, secularism and inclusive leadership. He urged the newly appointed office bearers to work collectively, expand grassroots outreach and remain committed to community service.
A major highlight of the evening was the appointment of new chapter presidents across the United States. Mr. Sridhar Patel was appointed President of the Michigan Chapter. Other appointments included Mr. Rupinder Sahoke as President of the Indiana Chapter, Mr. Vidyasagar Vangala as President of the North Carolina Chapter, Mr. Dheeraj Gahtori as President of the Colorado Chapter, Mr. Ilyas Mohammed as President of the Houston Chapter, Mr. Rayadas (Roy) Manthena as President of the Vermont Chapter, Mrs. Rupal Rajendra Shirpurkar as President of the Maharashtra Chapter, while Mr. Joseph John Joseph was appointed Secretary General of IOC USA.
The appointment letters, signed by IOC USA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian, took immediate effect for a two-year term under the IOC USA Bylaws and provide for a six-month performance review in accordance with the organization’s guidelines.
Addressing the gathering, Patel Ramesh Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, lauded the enthusiastic participation of the Indian diaspora and emphasized the important role overseas Indians play in maintaining strong ties with their homeland. Highlighting the Telangana Government’s welfare and development initiatives, he outlined the efforts being made to promote the state’s tourism potential at the national and international levels. Congratulating the newly appointed IOC USA chapter presidents, Reddy expressed confidence that their leadership would further strengthen the organization and deepen the engagement of the Indian diaspora with India.
The program also featured addresses by George Abraham, Pradeep Samala, Sharath Chandra Vemuganti, and other senior leaders, who highlighted organizational unity, leadership development and greater participation of overseas Indians in democratic and community-oriented initiatives.
The formal presentation of appointment letters to the newly elected office bearers was among the key highlights of the evening and was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The launch of the Michigan Chapter, coupled with the appointment of leadership for seven new chapters across the United States, represents a significant milestone in IOC USA’s continued expansion. The newly constituted leadership is expected to strengthen the organization’s nationwide network, expand community outreach, and enhance the participation of the Indian diaspora in promoting democratic values, public service and closer engagement with India.
The following Michigan Chapter team worked tirelessly and made significant contributions toward the grand success of the event. IOC USA sincerely thank each team member for their dedication, commitment, and hard work in making this event a great success.
Event Organizing team: Sridhar Patel, Vinod Kukunoor, Venkat Bollavaram, Devanand Ale, Mathew Varughese, Venkat Natala, Anil Kurapati, Shanthan Kancherla, Yogesh Duraisamy, Yogesh Kollu, Chandan Reddy Mali, Ravi BommaReddy, Arha BommaReddy, Padma Patel, Mounika Kancherla, Vinodha Nalamolu, Srinivas Bandi.
MC: Srilatha Peri, Krishna Chellemella
Cultural: Suseela Vathyam, Kalyani Matripragada, Kranthi Bhagirthi, Pooja Cherukuri, Usha Kompella, Gouthami Polina
Kerala Music Team (Chanda Mela): Boby Thomas Alappatt
Publicity: www.MIIndia.com
Media: Sridhar Chillara, Prasantha Yelagani, Sai Srikar
DJ: Srinivasa Raju Denuvakonda
The program concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming they organization’s commitment to democracy, secularism, social justice, inclusive leadership and service to the community.
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