Tag: IOCUSA

  • Time for the Congress party to reach out and work together for a united front to save democracy and the nation

    George Abraham, Vice-Chair of IOCUSA

    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)

  • IOCUSA establishes Southwest Chapter and appoints Mr. Gurdev Singh Hehar as President

    IOCUSA establishes Southwest Chapter and appoints Mr. Gurdev Singh Hehar as President

    DALLAS, TX (TIP): In a significant show of solidarity and commitment, the Indian Overseas Congress, USA (IOCUSA) conducted a landmark membership drive at the ‘Our Place Indian Cuisine’ in Dallas, Texas. The event, characterized by spirited discussions, united prominent community leaders and political figures in their vision for a stronger, more inclusive Indian community.
    The drive was kick-started with a stirring address by Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA. Mr. Gilzian’s message resonated deeply with the attendees, emphasizing the crucial need for active political participation in the upcoming elections in India. He said, “Our engagement in the democratic process is essential to safeguarding the unity and progress of our motherland. Let us unite to ensure a future where diversity and harmony would triumph.”
    Mr. Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of IOC, and a renowned innovator, joined the meeting through Zoom. He touched upon his connections to Dallas and the broader role of the Indian diaspora. “Our roots here in Dallas are just as important as our ties to India. By harnessing our collective strengths, we can significantly contribute to India’s journey towards modernization and inclusivity,” Pitroda said. He then reminded the audience of the pivotal role of the diaspora in shaping India’s future.
    In his address, Mr. Gurdev Singh emphasized the significance of unity and collective efforts. He said, “Our strength lies in our diversity and ability to work together, transcending religious and cultural differences, towards a common goal – a thriving and united India, reaffirming the ethos of the IOC.”
    Avi Dandiya, the Global Social Media Chief for the IOC, played a key role in the local coordination and setup of the event. His efforts in leveraging social media platforms greatly enhanced the membership drive and brought many community leaders to the event.
    The membership drive by the Indian Overseas Congress in Dallas marks a new chapter in the annals of Indian diasporic engagement. It was an event that echoed the sentiments of unity, attention, and proactive participation, critical tenets in shaping a future that the Indian community across the globe aspires for.
    Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary of the IOCUSA, moderated the event.
    The Indian Overseas Congress is a platform for Non-Resident Indians to participate actively India’s growth and development. It seeks to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and their homeland, fostering democratic principles and inclusive development. (www.iocusa.org)

  • IOCUSA leaders interact with Shri. K. Raju, National coordinator- SC, ST, OBC and minority Department of AICC

    IOCUSA leaders interact with Shri. K. Raju, National coordinator- SC, ST, OBC and minority Department of AICC

    NEW YORK (TIP): IOCUSA leaders met with Shri. K. Raju, who is the National Coordinator of the Indian National Congress for SC/ST/OBC and Minority Affairs and exchanged views on how to improve the messaging to the Diaspora while increasing the reach of the organization. Mr. Raju, formerly an IAS officer, resigned from service in 2013 to join the Congress party. Prior to his resignation from service, he served as Additional Secretary, Govt of India at the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by Smt. Sonia Gandhi.
    IOCUSA team headed by President Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian and Vice-Chair George Abraham briefed him on the activities of the IOCUSA and assured him of our support and commitment as the Congress party is at the forefront of fighting for the cause of the common man. The meeting also assessed the deteriorating situation in India as regards democracy and religious freedom. Mr. Raju applauded the grand reception organized for Rahul Gandhi and said, “Rahul Gandhi spoke to the Diaspora from the depths of his heart.” He also urged the Diaspora to make use of the technologies available to counter the false messaging and propaganda emanating from the BJP circles.
    Mr. Phuman Singh, Chairman, Punjab Chapter, Rajeswar Reddy Gangasani, President, Telangana Chapter, Sharath Chandra and Baldev Randhawa also participated in the discussions.

  • Rahul Gandhi speaks of making a modern India with “love and affection, not with anger and hatred”

    Rahul Gandhi speaks of making a modern India with “love and affection, not with anger and hatred”

    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.
  • Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, revamps the organization in the USA

    Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, revamps the organization in the USA

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Addressing a charged-up group of Indian Overseas Congress USA leaders from all over the USA who were assembled at a special meeting in New York on April 1, 2023, Dr. Sam Pitroda emphasized the importance of recalibrating collaborative efforts to canvass, educate, and respond to the electorate in India on what they are looking for from their elected representatives. At this time, he has appointed five new working presidents to cover the five zones that he had delineated of the USA for this purpose as follows:

    Working President, North-East Zone – Mr. Pradeep Samala.
    Working President, South-East Zone – Dr. Sajan Kurian
    Working President, South-West Zone – Mr. Srivatsa Ramanathan
    Working President, Mid-West Zone – Mr. Kulraj S. Grewal
    Working President, West Coast Zone. – Mr. Devenderpal S.

    Bhullar

    Other Changes/Appointments:
    Vice-President, Community Liaison – Mr. Rajendar Dichpally
    Chairman, Disciplinary Committee, – Mr. Gurmit Gill
    Chairman, Membership Committee, – Mr. Nikhil Thagadur
    Chairman, Social Media Committee, – Mr. Avinash Dandiya
    General Secretary, – Mr. Sandeep Vangala
    General Secretary, – Mr. Balinder Singh Kundu

    The newly appointed officials of IOCUSA

    President Mohinder Singh Gilzian expressed gratitude to all the leaders who came from all over the USA. He also praised the vision and the valuable guidance of Dr. Sam Pitroda ji, who is respected as a great visionary leader. George Abraham, the Vice-Chair, congratulated all the new appointees and thanked them for their dedication to the cause. Pradeep Samala, IOC Working President In charge Northeast Region stated that as a Working President, he would work towards building IOC chapters across the Northeast region with the guidance of IOC global Chairman Sam Pitroda ji, IOC USA president Mohinder Ji and other leaders. “At this crucial juncture, it is very critical to bring NRIs & PIOs into the IOC fold and work for the betterment of the country,” Mr. Samala added. Mr. Kulraj Singh Grewal, IOC Working President In Charge Mid-West Region, said, “Thank you very much to our IOC Chairman Sam Pitroda ji, and IOC USA president Mohinder Singh Gilzian ji for giving me this opportunity. I promise to fight for the party with everything I have and meet every expectation that you have of me.”

    IOC officials with Dr. Pitroda

    Rajender Dichpally, IOC Vice-President for Community Relations, said that there was a need to work with the Indian organizations to find common goals away from the religious and biased approach adopted by HSS and other right-aligned forces in the USA so that we can strengthen the forces of secularism and help promote values of love, tolerance and progressive approach, which the congress party stands for. He said the message Rahul took to all of India during his Bharat Jodo Yatra should be the basis of finding common ground with Indian organizations and diaspora. We should unite the forces in the fight to save the idea of India.
    John Joseph, IOC Vice-President, said, ” India is no longer a true democracy; MLAs and MPs are bought for a price as the BJP leaders are perpetual liars – it looks like someone writes the script, and all of them echo the same. BJP has become the government for a few Business houses, and the common man is neglected and ignored – when the Indian currency is losing its value, the finance minister says that it is not true the Dollar is gaining! If we have people of such caliber, how will India face the economic downcall (Crash ) that is expected soon? We need a government that cares for the common man – the neglected/oppressed and squeezed beyond tolerance. Rahul Gandhi is the only one who can turn it around, and Congress is the only party that really cares for India. Let us unite and remove the party that is abusing power in 2024.”
    Mr. Balinder Singh Kundu, IOC General Secretary said, “Parliament Elections in India are around the corner; we have to unify IOC globally to support the party in our home states; our leader Rahul Gandhi ji gave us a great tool “weapons” in the form of Bharat Jodo Yatra and Hath se Hath Jodo going on now, we have to promote his Agenda “Nafrat ke Bazar mein Mohabbet ki dukan kholenge” We have to sound in unison.
    Gurmit Gill, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, said, “we need to support Rahul Gandhi in the upcoming 2024 election; he is our only chance to save democracy in India”. Avi Dandia, Chairman of the Social Media Committee, said, ” I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Sam Pitroda and Mr. Mohinder Singh of overseas congress for appointing me as chairman of social media ( US chapter) with independent charge.”

    Dr. Sam Pitroda bestowed “The Chairman’s” award upon Secretary General Harbachan Singh Esq., which stated in part, “your untiring efforts and outstanding performances have earned our highest esteem.” Seen on the right is IOCUSA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian
  • IOCUSA protests the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi

    IOCUSA protests the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi

    IOCUSA members protest the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Indian Overseas Congress, USA, an advocacy organization that promotes democracy and freedom in India, held a protest in New York against the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a defamation case. The supporters held placards that said ‘save democracy, save India’, ‘Modi-Adani Bhai Bhai’, ‘Adani & 20,000 Crores Rs’, and ‘Rahul Gandhi Zindabad’ and shouted the slogans.
    The protests were staged at an event organized by IOCUSA in Long Island, New York, where delegates from ten states were present—over one-hundred-chapter delegates of IOCUSA who were highly incensed by the conviction of Rahul Gandhi strongly expressed their disappointment and anger. The maximum penalty had been imposed for a non-lethal and drummed-up offense with extra-ordinary severity, which was totally out of the norm, character, and scope, which shows how far the Modi Government went to unjustly overreact with intent to remove Rahul Gandhi from the public square.

    In the keynote address, Mr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, challenged the audience and rhetorically asked what kind of India we all want. He went on to say, “In today’s India, there is an ongoing disinformation campaign against the opposition: they used to call Rahul Gandhi Pappu and then filed court cases. However, after the successful Bharat Jodo Yatra, they have even ratcheted up the pressure. When Rahul went to London and had a series of private and public meetings, and said Indian democracy is a larger public good and added that Indian democracy is in danger, but that is our problem. However, in the media in India, on almost every channel, his talk was twisted and turned into a campaign against him. Every minister showed up on Indian T.V. and said Rahul was asking to interfere in Indian democracy. It is obvious that the ruling party has captured the media along with all other institutions, such as Judiciary, E.D., and Income tax. Even Civil society is not allowed to function as a watchdog. It is wrong. But nobody seemed to listen. There can be no meaningful conversation, and the sanctity of the scientific, logical, and rational mindset appears lost. It isn’t easy to operate”.
    “We are in a situation where the 2024 election becomes very important for the country. It is the idea of India we are fighting. It is not a fight between Modi and Rahul Gandhi or Modi and XYZ, nor is it a fight between BJP and Congress. It is a fight about the idea of how we build a nation. We want to build a nation with peace and harmony where everybody can work comfortably, or should we be in a nation where everybody is fighting each other, affecting our growth and prosperity? We cannot ignore 200 million Muslims in India. They are very much a part of my life. I grew up with their music and culture, and they have become an integral part of India. Then you begin to separate Muslims and Christians, and whatever, you begin to attack the very fabric of India. That is what is going on, and that bothers many of us.”
    “2024 is ahead of us, and how do we convince people that we have to fight for the idea of India? Some people feel that the fight will be on social media, and others feel that it will be over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). There are all kinds of ideas, and everyone has a view of what is wrong. There is so much interest in what is going on in India. These are the issues we are fighting for. Indian Overseas Congress has been here for a while. Today we are in 32 countries. We are successful only because of people like you who are present here. You make it happen. We don’t see the results if we don’t make things happen. Some seniors may feel that if BJP wins in 2024, they must write off India. However, I cannot afford to write off India. I want India to be the way it was when we were kids. Lots of good things have happened. When I came to America, I had never seen a telephone, television, or refrigerator in my life because we were that poor. Today, we have everything. India is what it is today because we planted the right seeds at the right time in education, Industry, technology, and science. Today’s India needs to forge ahead; we cannot have prosperity without having the core of it. And the core of it is being attacked. You may build high-speed trains, but there is no soul in them. We need to get the soul back. In the long run, there will be no prosperity if there is no peace. Peace only comes by respecting each other. I very strongly believe in it. Therefore, let us work together and take this message to our families and friends across India to make a difference starting today”. Mr. Pitroda exhorted.
    In his presidential address, Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian asserted that we are at a critical time for India, particularly for democracy and freedom of expression in our motherland. As NRIs, we have a responsibility to see that a democratic and secular India survives and prospers. The last three years have been challenging. Covid has stopped us from achieving many of the goals we have set out to accomplish. However, the time is ripe now for us to become active and be counted. Sam ji has proposed a reorganization of IOCUSA to be more responsive to the ongoing challenges. That will include appointing five working Presidents to work in their respective zones. This way, we hope to reach the maximum possible NRIs and convince them to join us to help preserve democracy and the rule of law in India. What happened to Rahul Gandhi should never have occurred in a democratic country. We have seen the weaponization of the law enforcement system against the opposition.
    In summary, we are joining a fight against tyranny and dictatorship. In 90 days, we will have chapters reorganized or newly created in every state where there is a substantial number of Indian Americans. The 2024 National elections are just a year away, and we need volunteers to help our party to defeat communalism and preserve freedom. I know that for many, America has become the new home. They see India only in a rearview mirror. Many others are concerned but unwilling to get involved. Are we saying that we have no obligation to the country that has given us birth, education, and freedom to immigrate to this great country? We owe it to our brothers and sisters who are left behind the same freedom we enjoy here in the U.S. In the coming days, the newly appointed working Presidents will assemble a team in their own zones. New York is in the Northeast Zone, which includes several nearby states. He concluded by urging the gathering to come forward and enlist and make their talents and skillset available so we can work together and rally behind the cause of freedom and democracy.
    George Abraham, Vice-Chairman, in his speech, thanked Mr. Pitroda for his spirited defense of freedom everywhere in the last couple of weeks. He added, “only a few years ago, four Justices of the Supreme Court held unprecedented news conferences in which they asserted that democracy was in danger in India. That prediction is steadily becoming a reality. A mere expression of words in jest can put you in jail. This is not the India we left behind. This is not the India Nehru and Ambedkar envisaged. Today, institutions are undermined, media is muzzled, a parliament is no longer a debating body, diets are regulated, and freedom of expression is curtailed. With the recently enacted changes to OCI, NRIs are also gagged, and it is all part of silencing any dissent. We want you to use words in support of this cause that means speaking out,” Mr. Abraham added.
    After Krishna Sree Gandham and Sharath Chandra Vemuganti sang the Indian National Anthem, Secretary Secretary-General Harbachan Singh, Master of Ceremony, declared the event open with a welcome speech and thanked everyone who came from far and near. He also gave a rousing welcome to the Chief Guest and Global Chairman, Dr. Sam Pitroda. All those who spoke at the event include Minhaj Khan, Gurmit Singh Gill, Pradeep Samala, John Joseph, Rajendar Dichpally, Balinder Singh Kundu, Dr. Dayan Naik, Sabu Sakaria, Pavan Darsi, Gurinderpal Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Amel Singh, Gulshan Singh Ghotra, Sharath Chandra, Gourishankar Ranganagoudra, Dr.Jayesh Patel, Devindarpal Bhullar, Kulraj Grewal, Srivatsa Ramanathan, Sharod Chandra, Johnson Myalil, Sukhy Dho, Verghese Pothanikadu, Zinda Singh and Pappy Badosh.
    In the end, Dr. Sam Pitroda proudly bestowed “The Chairman’s” award upon Secretary General Harbachan Singh Esq., which stated in part, “your untiring efforts and outstanding performances have earned our highest esteem.”

  • George Abraham, Vice-Chair of IOCUSA, condemns the attack on farmers and detention of Priyanka Gandhi

    NEW YORK (TIP):  Vice-Chair of IOCUSA George Abraham has condemned the attack on farmers in Lakhimpur-Kheri and detention of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by the authorities in UP. “There is a total breakdown of democratic process in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Isn’t it strange that the BJP leaders who incited the riots or the son of a union minister who ran the vehicle over the farmers are remaining free-at-large while a political leader who went to investigate and empathize with the victims is in detention?  We strongly condemn the attack on farmers and detention of Priyanka Gandhi from visiting and empathizing with the bereaved families. The incident in Lakhimpur Keri in Uttar Pradesh shows that the BJP government’s anti-farmer stand has taken an even uglier turn. Holding a peaceful protest is a fundamental right and it cannot be denied,” said George Abraham. A purported video of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra in which he is heard telling farmers that he would discipline them in two minutes appears to have upset the farmers before the violent incident. “Face me, it will take just two minutes to discipline you fellows,” the two-time BJP MP from Kheri is heard purportedly saying on social media. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also made a controversial remark recently that encouraged violence while speaking at a farmers’ event in the state. He called upon 1000 volunteers from different regions to pick up sticks and fight “furious farmers.” This has become a pattern of BJP governance where various leaders of their party often make highly provocative and reprehensible statements that result in violence and lives lost.  It is a shame that the Modi government that raises FIR against innocuous statements by ordinary citizens appears indifferent to eschewing their cadre’s own inflammatory comments. Priyanka Gandhi also tweeted, “the BJP government is doing politics of crushing the farmers and finishing them. Today’s incident shows that this government is using politics to mow down farmers. This is the farmer’s country.” IOCUSA calls upon the BJP government to reestablish the dialogue with farmers and bring this long-simmering dispute to an end.

    (Based on a press release)

  • Indian Overseas Congress USA stages protest against Modi policies at the United Nations

    Indian Overseas Congress USA stages protest against Modi policies at the United Nations

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Overseas Congress, USA, an advocacy organization that promotes democracy, human rights, and equal justice together with its supporters and friends, held a protest rally in front of the United Nations on Saturday, September 25, 2021, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering his address to the General Assembly.

     “Although we have no issues with a Prime Minister of India visiting the U.S. or the U.N. and promoting better bi-lateral relations or promoting world peace, it is imperative to let him know at the same time that we do not approve of his misgovernance in dealing with COVID epidemic or undermining the democratic institutions,” said George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOCUSA. “If there is to be genuine economic progress and social development in India, political tranquility and social harmony is a pre-requisite without which there would be very little hope for the future. Let us, at the minimum, raise our voices, no matter how feeble it may be, because one day our next generation might ask where you have been when India took a turn towards authoritarianism and fascism,” Abraham added.

    “I am glad to state that IOCUSA stands firmly behind India’s farmers who have been denied their rightful voice and concerns to be heard by the Modi government which has pushed a set of bills through the parliament for the benefit of the crony capitalists and to the detriment of our farmers” Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA said.  “We want Modi to know that the NRI voice will continue to be raised in support of their protest unless and until he resolves these issues,” Mr. Gilzian added.

    Indian Overseas Congress, USA held a protest rally against Modi policies in front of the United Nations on Saturday, September 25, 2021

    The protesters carried slogans and chanted examples to point out the failures of the Modi government, e.g., “Anti-Narendra Modi isn’t anti-national,” “We are all Indians. Stop discrimination based on religion, caste and language”, “Protect India’s constitution”, “IOCUSA supports democracy, freedom, and human rights”,” IOCUSA supports India’s farmers”, “IOCUSA -proud supporter of pluralistic India” and so forth.

    Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA, Mr. Harbachen Singh, Secretary-General, Mr. George Abraham, Vice-Chairman, Mr. John Thomas, Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary, Vice-President, Ms. Leela Maret, President, Kerala Chapter, Mr. Amar Singh Gulshan and President, Haryana Chapter were among those who took part in the protest.