The Indian Panorama

Tag: Mohinder Singh Gilzian

  • 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
  • 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.

  • “In death, Fr. Stan Swamy’s voice is even stronger’ – Father Noby Ayyaneth

    “In death, Fr. Stan Swamy’s voice is even stronger’ – Father Noby Ayyaneth

    Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Father Noby Ayyaneth, Dr. Surinder Malhotra, George Abraham
    Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Varghese Abraham, Leela Maret

    NEW YORK (TIP): “Living Stan was a nobleman, but the departed Stan is unstoppable and his voice on behalf of the poor and the downtrodden is even stronger and will resonate it throughout history,” said Father Noby Ayyaneth of the Malankara Catholic Diocese of North America condoling the death of Father Stan Swamy at a remembrance meeting organized under the banner of Indo-US Democracy Foundation in Floral Park, New York. Jesus Christ was a master humanitarian, and Fr. Stan was following in his master’s footsteps. For him, suffering was not a tragedy in the face of injustice and as he could not be a silent spectator”.

    Mr. George Abraham, Executive Director of the India-US Democracy Foundation, welcomed the gathering and stated ‘it is a dark day for democracy in India and Father Stan Swamy’s detention, treatment in prison and death is a blot on the nation’s consciousness and a travesty of justice. He expressed his disappointment that in today’s India, the presumption of innocence is becoming a thing of the past. India is about to celebrate its 75th Independence Day, and our founding fathers built democratic institutions that stood the test of time and protected democracy, freedom, individual liberty, and equal justice under law. However, these institutions are increasingly under attack and are being diminished. Today, anyone who dares to criticize the authorities is in danger of being termed anti-national.

    Professor Indrajit Saluja, Publisher of Indian Panorama Newspaper, said Father Stan Swamy was a frail and weak man physically but strong morally and spiritually to carry on with his work on behalf of the weaker sections of society. As Indian Americans, we must demand our politicos to speak out when authorities target the poor and downtrodden in India. UAPA is a draconian law that the Supreme Court should have reviewed, and it is a shame that an innocent man had to pay with his life this way.

    Pastor Wilson Jose, Pastor of the Grace International Church in Mineola, said while we have gathered here to celebrate Father Stan’s life, we would like to express our indignation as Pravasis, the way the political leaders and the judiciary treated him in India. Father Stan represented Christ’s teachings to its core and did his best to uplift the neglected ones by a caste system that is in place over centuries. Jesus said, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, and Fr. Stan’s life exemplified those principles. During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi was jailed many times by the British authorities. However, they respected his ideals and made sure no harm happened to him. Sadly today, the Government of India lacks even that basic level of humanity in the treatment of its own citizens!

    Father John Thomas of Orthodox Church pondered what it would be like if any one of us would be in Fr. Stan’s shoes. Will we get intimidated or pull back? Father Stan’s life is a testament to all of us and should inspire us to stand up and fight for what is right.

    Father P.M. Thomas, Vicar-in-charge of Marthoma Church in Queens Village, said Father Stan’s passing had created a big void, and each of us has a role to play in continuing his work. He asked not to be discouraged but to continue the fight until the truth is revealed.

    Mr. Amir Rashid, Director at NYPD who hails from Bihar, described the hardships the marginalized people suffer at the powerful hands in States like Jharkhand. Father Stan Swamy was the voice for the voiceless, and as long as this same power structure exists, these injustices will continue to be tolerated.

    Pastor Babu Thomas of IPC Hebron in Queens Village reiterated the old saying that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Father Stan Swamy was not a terrorist. The government knew that. His only crime was he loved the poor and served them. Unless we stand up and fight for our freedom and rights, our world will be a diminished place to live.

    Dr. Surinder Malhotra, former President of the Indian Overseas Congress described the pathetic situation in India as far as caste and religion is concerned. Unlike the United States, even for a job application, they want to know your religion. Even in our Diaspora here, they tend to ask whether he is a Hindu or a Christian, north Indian or south Indian, and such intolerance is so evident and has become part of our mindset. He condoled the death of a man who dedicated his entire life to doing good but ended up dying in custody.

    Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, said it is outrageous that a man who is working on behalf of the poor dies in Government custody. The people who are responsible for foisting false charges to imprison him should be held accountable. The UAPA act is being misused and used against people for political reasons.

    Dr. Anna George, President of the Indian Nurses’ Association in New York, called Father Stan Swamy’s imprisonment and death cruel and unusual punishment. She asked for raising our collective voices to stop this from happening again.

    Mr. Koshy Thomas, who ran for the NYC Council from District 23, expressed his sorrow, and asked authorities to protect  activists such as Father Stan while respecting the human rights of every citizen in India regardless of their religion or caste.

    Mr. John Joseph, the Vice-President of the Indian overseas Congress, urged not to be silent on these ongoing atrocities by the authorities. Is India a real democracy? He asked the participants to be more vigilant in guarding against these Human Rights abuses.

    Mr. Shaji Karackal, National news coordinator, Harvest TV said ‘forgive us father, I am guilty and many of us are for not seeing the truth on time to come to your defense”. Father Stan Swamy will be remembered as a nobleman who stood up for the poor and marginalized.

    Mr. George Chacko also spoke. Mr. Varhgese Abraham thanked everyone for their attendance and paid tribute to the memory of this great soul, Father Stan Swamy. Mr. Shaji Ennasseril (solidactionstudio.com) provided the logistics.

    (Based on a press release)