UNIONDALE, NY (TIP): More than 500 Indian Americans, including prominent community leaders representing a broad cross-section of the Indian American diaspora, gathered Tuesday evening, October 13, at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale in a show of support for Congressman Tom Suozzi’s re-election campaign.
The gathering brought together Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi and other regional communities, along with Hindu, Sikh and Christian Americans, women’s organizations, and civic and cultural leaders.
The evening featured live musical performances, the American and Indian national anthems, and remarks by community leaders, including Naveen Shah, Girish Patel, Dr. Purna Atluri, Gary Sikka, Satnam Prahar, Koshy Thomas, Dilip Nath, Dr. Neeta Jain and others.
Varinder Bhalla, Chairman of the Indian American Voters Forum, served as Master of Ceremonies and drew a historical parallel between Congressman Suozzi and the late Congressman Stephen J. Solarz, an influential advocate of strong India-U.S. relations.
Bhalla recalled that Solarz served nine terms in Congress, visited India numerous times, and was affectionately known as the “Congressman from Bombay” for his extraordinary commitment to India and Indian Americans. Despite his distinguished career, Solarz lost his 1992 Democratic primary.
“It took us 24 years to find another Congressman who shared Steve Solarz’s passion for India and the Indian American community,” Bhalla observed, referring to Suozzi’s election to Congress in 2016.
The remark drew thunderous applause, prompting Suozzi to rise from his seat and wave to the enthusiastic audience.
Bhalla also cited examples of congressional elections decided by remarkably narrow margins, including a 1984 U.S. House race in Indiana decided by just four votes, and emphasized that every vote matters and warned against complacency in the November 3 election.
Speakers praised Suozzi’s longstanding relationship with the Indian American community, extending back more than three decades, and his continuing efforts to strengthen ties between India and the United States.
Girish Patel, a prominent community leader, praised Suozzi’s efforts to unite Indian Americans and amplify their voices. “He is a strong advocate for our community, a bridgebuilder, and someone who believes that when our community comes together, we can make a real difference,” Patel said.
As Vice Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, Suozzi has advocated closer diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two democracies. Speakers highlighted his congressional engagement with India, support for Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, assistance to religious workers facing immigration challenges, and advocacy for physicians and technology professionals.
Gary Sikka, President of the American Punjabi Society, highlighted Suozzi’s longstanding support for the Sikh community, recalling his role in helping establish a Sikh gurdwara in Glen Cove and his willingness to speak out against discrimination targeting Sikh Americans.
“Tom Suozzi is the kind of Congressman who remembers that politics is about people, not just policies. He listens, he shows up, and he doesn’t forget where he comes from”, said Shaker Nelanuthala.
Addressing the gathering, Suozzi expressed appreciation for the community’s friendship and support and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India-U.S. relations and addressing issues important to Indian Americans.
The evening concluded with supporters surrounding Suozzi for photographs and personal greetings, reflecting the warmth of his decades-long relationship with the community.
The rally demonstrated the growing political participation of Indian Americans and their ability to come together across regional, religious and linguistic differences around shared civic interests.
For more information about this news story, please contact Varinder Bhalla Phone: 516.680.8037 or VarinderBhalla@gmail.com
(Based on a press release issued by Varinder Bhalla)
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