NEW YORK (TIP): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on June 13, announced $315,000 in grant funding to help New York’s coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist New York in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.
“This funding helps keep beaches and coastal waters clean so that people can have fun, relax and enjoy all the beauty that New York coastlines have to offer,” said Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator. “EPA funding is vital for successful beach monitoring and notification programs.”
“Protecting the health of beachgoers from bacteria in our waters is of the utmost importance for New Yorkers to enjoy this summer swimming season,” said Senate Majority Leader Schumer. “This federal EPA funding will help ensure safe water at both downstate beaches and Great Lakes beaches by giving New York the resources needed to closely monitor water quality.”
“As thousands of beachgoers enjoy New York’s coastal and Great Lakes beaches this summer, they deserve to enjoy the waters without a threat to their health,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help local authorities monitor beach water quality and ensure that swimmers know when the waters are safe. I am proud to see EPA making this critical investment and will continue to fight to ensure all can safely enjoy New York’s beaches.”
“I have always called the Long Island Sound our ‘National Park.’ Safeguarding and conserving the Sound and our coastal beach areas has consistently been a priority of mine throughout my decades-long career in public service. This grant funding from the EPA will significantly contribute to guaranteeing that the water quality at our local beaches remains safe for everyone to enjoy throughout the entire summer season,” said Representative Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
“Water quality monitoring and public notification programs are crucial to protecting public health and I thank the EPA for awarding this funding, especially as New Yorkers hit the beaches for the summer,” said Representative Grace Meng (NY-06). “As New York’s representative on the House of Representatives’ Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden – I am glad that critical federal funding continues to flow to our state.”
“Ensuring the resiliency of Great Lakes communities is a key part of protecting our environment and providing recreational opportunities for our families,” said Representative Joe Morelle (NY-25). “I’m grateful to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Biden Administration for their ongoing commitment to investing in New York’s shoreline communities as both economic and recreational assets—including this latest $315,000 grant to support water quality monitoring and beach public notification programs. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the EPA to safeguard our Great Lakes for generations to come.”
“New York State is home to many beautiful beaches from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, and we encourage people to get out and enjoy these areas this summer,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “These BEACH Act grants through the Environmental Protection Agency will allow communities to keep their beaches safe for all New Yorkers, while allowing the Department and our partners to monitor beach water quality and share information with the public to ensure everyone can enjoy safe and healthy beach days.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems, and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): “I support this critical step to fix the asylum system and speed up deportations. Now it’s time for the Republicans in congress to step up and pass right now laws to secure the border”, Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-Congressional District 3) said in a statement. Congressman added: “ Pres. Biden has taken action – now the GOP needs to stop acting out. No more excuses. To those Republicans who now say it’s too little too late, the voters won’t be fooled. The Republicans in Congress have failed to act on the bipartisan Senate bill proposed earlier this year – their failure to act now is a cynical act of harming the country for their own political gain.
Stop the rhetoric and call a vote. Let’s secure the border and modernize legal immigration.”
Congressman Tom Suozzi is the Co-Chair of the Democrats for Border Security Task Force and a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. In May, Suozzi and Fitzpatrick wrote a letter to the President calling for him to restrict the abuse of the asylum process by cartels guiding migrants between ports of entry and expand the issuance of work permits for families with mixed immigration status.
Congressman Suozzi (D-NY) and Congressman Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to President: We Need “Order at the Border” and Work Permits for Mixed Status Families .
Being editor of ALotusInTheMud.com has not made me immune from getting caught in the whirl of the pernicious problem of political polarization. At a recent family get-together in India, the conversation veered to politics, and one person close to me remarked, “Our leader is a messiah.” That was a bridge too far for me. Engaging in arguments and counter-arguments, I found the pitch of my voice rising. Thankfully, better sense prevailed, and I de-escalated.
You may have been caught in a similar situation, too. Amid the widening chasm between political parties and ideologies in India, America, and other countries, heated arguments, strained interactions, and even rifts erupt as more and more people find it hard to respect differing viewpoints. The other is always wrong, even dubbed evil. And each side insists the leader of the opposite camp will destroy democracy while our leader is godsent to fix the country.
Now Tom Suozzi is 3rd time Member of Congress from New York’s 3rd district, and he is known to be working across the aisles to bring about commonsense legislation in the Congress . I spoke with him on the subject. He listed a few factors fueling polarization in America, and what we can do to alleviate the problem.
Tom Suozzi on Political Polarization in his own words
The first step is to recognize that just because we disagree with others, we don’t have to hold them in contempt.
It is a very big concept of my religion. Jesus said not only to love your neighbor, but to love your enemies too, those you disagree with.
Yes, political polarization is happening in our country as everybody thinks differently. The first thing to do is to understand why this is happening.
4 factors causing polarization
Number one is that out of the 435 seats in Congress, 380 are ‘safe’ seats. They are evenly divided: 190 are safe Republican seats, and 190 are safe for Democrats. This is because the Congressional districts have been gerrymandered and because of the advantage of incumbency. You will win no matter what as long as you are in the right party. So, candidates for those safe seats don’t listen to the public as much. But they do listen to the one group that can defeat them. And that’s not the people who vote in the general election, but people who vote in the primaries. The few people who vote in the primaries for the Republicans are often on the extreme right, and those who vote for the Democrats are also often on the extreme left. So, politicians pandering to the small groups of people voting in the primary elections is a big problem.
Number two is social media. You get more followers, more likes and more people reposting your stuff if you say more extreme things. That encourages people to say outlandish things, encouraging more extremism.
The third cause of polarization is cable news. The most followed show on Fox News before he got moved out was Tucker Carlson Tonight. But Tucker Carlson had only 4 million viewers. Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, which is like the far left, gets 3 million viewers. But that is out of 350 million people in America. Yet, such extreme voices are controlling the political debate. And their job is not to educate people. Their job is to try and keep people watching by trying to get them enraged.
The fourth problem, and the most dangerous one, is that our strategic adversaries, Russia, Iran, North Korea and others are using our freedom and our social media to whip up the debate in our country. And they’re supplying people with disinformation. They take an issue that people are divided on. Earlier, it was Black Lives Matter versus Blue Lives Matter — the whole thing about the cops and the African Americans and defund the police. Now you see the same with the transgenders issue and the Evangelical Christians. Our adversaries don’t pick sides; they prop up both sides to get everybody yelling and screaming at each other. The biggest thing today is Israel and Gaza. No matter that there are a lot of awful things happening in many places in the world. For example, there have been a hundred thousand people killed in Ukraine, and 20,000 children taken hostage. But you don’t hear about any of that.
A lot of what is happening on our college campuses and on social media is really outside actors who want to make Americans fight with each other. Because the longer we’re distracted and fighting with each other, the less likely we can actually solve the problems we face in our country and our world.
Healing the divide
I am constantly working to try and heal that divide. I was the first Democrat to come out and say, I would vote to keep Mike Johnson as the Speaker of the House. I don’t agree with Mike Johnson on many things, but I said I’ll vote to keep him as Speaker because I don’t want to see the whole government come to a standstill again.
What people can do to heal the divide and save their sanity is to be careful where they get their information from. You can’t trust a lot of this stuff on social media that’s being directed at you. You have to work at trying to hear different voices.
If you listen to what they say on Fox News, Democrats want open borders and they want your children to become transgender and they don’t care about the police. But that is not true. And if you listen to the disinformation about Republicans, they all hate people with brown skin, they don’t care about poor people or the environment.
Yes, on both sides there are some people who are like what the other side is saying. But most people are not like that. They just want to say to their leaders, “Hey, can’t you work together to solve the problems?”
So, we have to recognize that we’re being manipulated.
The far left is less than 8%, and the far right, too, is less than 8% of the population in America. A majority of the people are in the middle, fed up with the left-right divide. This was reported in 2018 by a public opinion study titled the Hidden Tribes of America conducted by a group named Finding Common Ground.
The best example of this is my victory in the election in February for New York’s 3rd district. It was a very tight race. The Republican George Santos had won by 8 points last time. I won by eight points this time. That’s a 16-point swing. Why? My opponent was saying crazy, radical things that the far right says, to attack me. And I was saying, “Hey, can we all just try and work together to solve problems?” And people responded to that message.
(Parveen Chopra is the founder and editor of ALotusInTheMud.com
For more comments on political polarization from concerned citizens in America and India, please check out the web magazine.)
WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), on May 9, joined forces with the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) and Families United (AFU) and, in one unified voice, called on President Biden to issue executive orders to help bring order to the border and to help expand the issuance of work permits for families with mixed immigration status.
“Today we are delivering a bipartisan message to President Biden to enact executive orders to bring ‘order to the border’ and expand work permits for families with mixed immigration status,” said Suozzi. “Americans want action. Congress has failed to act and we now need the President! Organized crime “coyotes” are scamming the asylum system enacted in 1980 that was designed to help Cold War defectors. Additionally, 1.1 million undocumented people living here for decades and married to US citizens need a work permit to allow them to pay taxes and come out from the shadows.”
“Only bipartisan commonsense solutions will fix what’s broken, concluded Suozzi.”
“We need a smart and sensible immigration system to support families and protect the border,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to partner with Rep. Suozzi on this bipartisan letter to President Biden urging him to take executive action on sensible immigration reforms to begin fixing our country’s broken immigration process.”
Suozzi and Fitzpatrick sent a letter to the White House this morning asking the President to use his Executive Authority to “help bring order to the border and extend legal work permits to populations of the long-term undocumented who have shown significant roots in our nation and a history of economic contributions.”
Suozzi and Fitzpatrick were joined at the press conference by Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, ABIC; Al Cardenas, Co-Chair, ABIC; Andrew Tisch, Board Member, ABIC and Co-Chair, Loews Corporation; and Stephanie Medellin, Board Member, AFU.
“Common-sense solutions like work permits for spouses of US citizens and mixed status families is economically crucial,” said Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of ABIC. “Polls show that American voters support legal work permits for long term residents already established deep roots in our nation. We are deeply grateful to Representatives Tom Suozzi and Brian Fitzpatrick for leading on common-sense solutions for these U.S. citizen spouses that everyday Americans want, and we urge President Biden to protect American families.”
Additionally, the Suozzi/Fitzpatrick letter urged the President to consider issuing “an executive order to help bring order to the border by 1) restricting the abuse of the asylum process by cartels guiding migrants between ports of entry, and 2) raising the credible fear standard to a higher threshold.”
The bipartisan pair of lawmakers closed the letter by writing, “We support efforts to bring order to the border and fairness for long-term contributors. Our nation needs solutions, and an overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens will support meaningful steps taken in this direction.”
WASHINGTON, DC (TIP) : Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), joined by a bipartisan group of congressional members, met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top-ranking Ukrainian, Polish, Moldovan, and US military and civilian officials during his trip last week to war-weary Eastern Europe. The delegation included Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Congress Members Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), and Mike Quigley (D-IL)
The trip began on Monday, April 1, 2024, and for security reasons, details were not released or publicized until the Congress members left for home. This is the only Congressional Delegation that stayed overnight and for multiple days in Ukraine since the war started. The delegation stayed in Kyiv for two days and visited Odessa and multiple other sites throughout the country, as well as neighboring Poland and Moldova.
“It is vital that the United States act quickly to support Ukraine in every way we can,” Suozzi said.
“Putin is stepping up his attacks and he must be stopped. The Ukrainians are running out of time, and we must act within the next two weeks. Helping Ukraine is not only a moral imperative but also in America’s strategic and financial interests,” Suozzi explained.
“My week-long meetings with the Ukrainian President, his military advisors, journalists, prosecutors, farmers, local leaders, and civilians on the ground convinced me more than ever of how courageous the Ukrainians are amidst so much pain, suffering and terror Russia’s Putin has rained down upon Ukraine,” he added.
“100,000 soldiers and civilians have been killed, 10 million people forced to leave their homes, 20,000 children kidnapped and sent to Russia,” Suozzi emphasized.
On Saturday, April 6th, in Kyiv, Suozzi was awoken by the searing sound of air-raid sirens in the middle of the night. Three Russian missiles and 28 bomb-carrying drones targeted the city. Anti-aircraft defenses were deployed, and they were successfully shot down, but Ukraine is running out of ammunition.
Zelenskyy met with Suozzi and the delegation in the Chernihiv region in Northern Ukraine, liberated from the Russians exactly two years ago on Friday, April 5, 2022.
The President briefed the group on the latest events on the battlefield, his army’s urgent needs, and the scale of the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Suozzi said that Zelenskyy began the meeting by saying, “We are grateful to everyone in the United States, to every American heart that, like ours in Ukraine, refuses to succumb to evil and cherishes life.”
“While meeting with President Zelenskyy, he first and foremost expressed his gratitude to the American people. He then made it clear that the situation now in Ukraine is dire. Ukraine must be resupplied, and if they are, they can and will stop Putin,” said Suozzi.
Suozzi and the delegation saw the tragic toll taken by Ukraine’s civilian population, during the Russian invasion.
He visited the Ukrainian city of Bucha, the site of civilian massacres and brutal killings first suffered by Ukraine, where hundreds of civilians were murdered and buried in mass graves.
He spent time learning more about the Russian siege from Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruck and War Crimes Prosecutor General Roman Avramenko. “I visited with residents held hostage, with families whose apartment buildings were bombed, and churches destroyed, with farmers removing mines before planting, journalists reporting in dangerous conditions while over 70 of their colleagues have been killed, prosecutors attacking corruption, and with officials and civilians responsible to keep ports operating,” said Suozzi.
“I heard from liberated hostages held in dark, cold, and wet basements with little food and no room to move or sleep for a month. Hundreds of children, seniors, and infants were confined without a single toilet; buckets were used. And when people died, their bodies were stacked up against the wall. When people asked for help, they were scolded by Russian soldiers and told, ‘This is war,’” Suozzi retold.
He toured previously liberated battle-scarred towns and cities that have been the victims of Russian assault and destruction. He spoke with the Governor of Odessa, Oleg Kipper, and his team working to keep the port operating while under constant bombardment.
Suozzi visited fellow NATO member Poland and met with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, and several of Poland’s defense officials, as well as with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandy, to better understand Russia’s threat to all of Eastern Europe.
Suozzi also met with U.S. Army Brigadier General Jerry Baird and other service members of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed in Poland and responsible for shipping all arms and supplies into Ukraine.
“It’s clear to me that America must continue its leadership in NATO to stand against any further Russian aggression,” Suozzi said.
Suozzi was unable to fly from Poland to Ukraine as flights have become impossible. He and the delegation took a 12-hour overnight train to reach the embattled country,
The Congressman returned home on Monday, April 8th. He promised to provide a more extensive description of his visit in the coming weeks.
“The people of my district would be appalled by what Putin has done. I am more convinced than ever that he must be stopped, and that aiding Ukraine is central to the United States strategic and financial interests,” concluded Suozzi. “I will carry that message forward in Washington this week.”
GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): Rep. Tom Suozzi welcomed hundreds of supporters to a thank you party Monday night, held a little over a month after he won his special election to represent the 3rd Congressional District on Long Island and a sliver of Queens. The event at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck attracted a number of other politicians too, including Rep. Grace Meng of the neighboring 6th Congressional District in Queens. “I cannot tell you, watching Tom’s victory that night and the weeks after, how much this victory has encouraged and inspired my colleagues and fellow Democrats all over the country,” Meng said while introducing Suozzi.
Fellow congressional candidate Laura Gillen, running in the 4th Congressional District against Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, got a shoutout from Suozzi at the start of his speech. “Before I say anything else, I want everybody to pay attention to one person in this room who is running for the 4th Congressional District, let’s hear it for Laura Gillen,” Suozzi told the crowd to applause. Until recently, Gillen was competing in a primary against state Sen. Kevin Thomas – but Thomas dropped out and endorsed his one-time opponent. Nassau County and state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, who was also at the party, told City & State that he spoke with Thomas about suspending his campaign. “I just didn’t want him to engage him in a race that I thought would be questionable as to whether he could win it, and I felt unity in the party was paramount, and so did he,” Jacobs said, adding that his goal is to “try to avoid primaries where we can.”
According to Jacobs, Gov. Kathy Hochul had originally planned to make an appearance at the party as well. “The governor called me this morning and wanted to be here tonight and asked me to convey her regrets,” Jacobs said. Two national guard members died in a helicopter crash at the southern border recently, and he said Hochul needed to attend to the return of their remains. “But she wanted me to express to all of you her congratulations and her heartfelt thanks for all the work that everyone in this room, and those who could not join us tonight, did to make this victory.”
State Senate candidate Kim Keiserman, who is running for the 7th Senatorial District, also attended and received a shoutout from Suozzi. “I will make mention of one teammate that helped on this campaign because I want to see her win her race for state Senate,” Suozzi said. Unlike Gillen, Keiserman still faces a primary race against Brad Schwartz before either of them has the chance to take on Republican state Sen. Jack Martins on Long Island.
WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28), on March 12, launched the Democrats for Border Security Task Force, a group of 26 House Democrats dedicated to addressing our country’s immigration and border crisis and countering the surge of illicit narcotics threatening communities across the country. Suozzi and Cuellar will serve as Co-Chairs of the newly formed Task Force.
“America’s southern border and immigration system aren’t working, and it is time to fix it. This task force will advocate for commonsense, bipartisan compromise to achieve much-needed and long-overdue comprehensive immigration reform. Our approach to the immigration and border crisis is unequivocal; we will work with anybody from any wing of any party if they genuinely care about solving this problem,” said Rep. Suozzi. “Too many in politics today are focused on pointing out the problem and keep busy figuring out what tricks they have ‘up their sleeves’ to weaponize the border crisis, this task force will ‘roll up our sleeves’ to try to fix it.”
“Cities across the country are now feeling the consequences of the humanitarian crisis at the border – something border communities have been dealing with for years,” said Rep. Cuellar, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. “This crisis is unsustainable, and Democrats need a forum to approach border security policy as the GOP continues to play partisan politics with the issue. The crisis at our border demands solutions today, and it is unfortunate that a bipartisan Senate bill aimed at addressing the situation was killed before we even had a chance to debate its contents. I’m proud to lead my fellow Democrats on this Task Force so we can find sensible solutions that will secure the border while respecting the rights of migrants to claim asylum.”
The goal of the Task Force will be to provide a platform for House Democrats to contribute to ongoing discussions regarding border security and collaborate with colleagues. The Task Force will hold meetings with Administration officials, NGOs, and local officials from border communities to better inform members of the realities of the border crisis while giving House Democrats a platform to discuss sensible border security measures.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj honors four eminent Indian Americans
Tom Suozzi, Congressman-elect, felicitates The Indian Panorama
Parveen Chopra February 26, 2024 HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama celebrated its 18th year of publication uniquely by hosting a grand Gratitude Gala on February 25 here.
For The Indian Panorama’s Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, it was a double celebration as he also cut a cake for his 80th birthday.
In a busy program, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presided and presented awards to four honorees. Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi dropped by to thank Prof Saluja and the Indian community for their support. The Indian Panorama also lent its platform to launch Blitz India’s US edition.
Attorney Ravi Batra introduced Ambassador Kamboj as a giant of a diplomat who has brought India much respect at the United Nations.Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj in her address described the Indian diaspora as the best in the world, and praised Prof. Indrajit Saluja, publisher and chief editor of The Indian Panorama for maintaining the highest standards of journalism.Congressman -elect Tom Suozzi spoke highly of the Indian Americans and characterized the US-India relations as strong and getting stronger.Tom Suozzi was presented a replica of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs. L to R: Ranju Batra, , Sunil Hali, Purnima Desai, , Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Tom Suozzi, FIA President Avinash Gupta, GOPIO President Lal Motwani, Prof. Saluja.
Even as Prof Saluja expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests present in the chandeliered ballroom of Pearl Banquet Hall, as well as his readers and the Indian community for their loyal support over 18 long years, he chose to honor four eminent Indian Americans at the event. All were honored with a citation scroll, a shawl, and a model of the Golden Temple.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America, the lifetime Achievement Honor. L to R: Dr. Leela Raju, Secretary of the Eye Foundation of America, Ambassador Kamboj, Dr. V.K. Raju, Prof. Saluja.
The four honorees are well-known in the community. Dr. V.K. Raju (Life Achievement Honor) is an eminent ophthalmologist who is on a mission to eliminate childhood blindness through his Eye Foundation of America.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj congratulating her friend Ranju Batra after honoring her with the Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award. L to R: Deepak Dwivedi, Ambassador Kamboj, Ranju Batra, Abha Bhatnagar, Prof. Saluja.
Ranju Batra (Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award) honors diplomats at the Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards every year after she secured the Diwali Stamp from USPS.
Harry Singh Bolla (Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award) runs a billion-dollar chain of gas stations and has started a charity to support good causes here in New York and India. He could not be present in person to receive the award.
Ambassador Kamboj presented to Purnima Desai the Excellence in Culture Award. L to R: Ms Desai, Ambassador Kamboj, Purnima Desai, Flora Parikh, Jag Kalra.
Purnima Desai (Excellence in Culture Award) is the founder of Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation to encourage and support Indian music and arts through training and events.
They were also presented citations from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Introducing the Chief Guest, Ravi Batra said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj joined her post when India was already a Member of the UN Security Council and she took it to a higher trajectory.
Ambassador Kamboj in her brief address commended The Indian Panorama for not only being a mirror of the vibrant roots of our culture but also showcasing the journey of the Indian diaspora. She also called the US diaspora the best in the world. She lauded the achievements of the Indian community in the US, describing their journey as nothing short of inspirational. She emphasized the diaspora’s significant role in fostering excellence and innovation globally. Ambassador Kamboj congratulated all the honorees, and in particular, Ranju Batra whom she has come to know well because of her work at the UN. She commended Ranju for creating goodwill and earning a name for her country of origin.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Dr. VK Raju (All photos : Mohammed Jaffar-SnapsIndia)
Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) said he sees the US-India relationship as the most important in the next 50 years. “These two will define the long-term global world,” and whether it would abide by the “noble principles” outlined in the constitutions of both countries. While in the US Congress (he took the oath of office on February 28), Suozzi said he would do everything possible to represent the diverse Indian community in his district.
The new Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan could not make it because of a conflict in scheduling.
Blitz India Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi and CEO Sandeepp Saxena flew in from New Delhi for the US launch of their news weekly, which is India’s first chronicler of development news. The duo was joined by Prof Saluja and other dignitaries and mediapersons to release printed copies of the paper.
Two more media events followed. Journalists Beyond Borders (JBB), a fraternity organization founded by Prof Saluja in 2022, was formally launched. Local publishers and editors joined in to reveal its logo. Through journalism, JBB aims to protect and promote human rights, human values and world peace. Prof Saluja used the occasion to felicitate his friend Parveen Chopra, Founder and Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, on the first anniversary of his wellness and spirituality web magazine.
Copies of The Indian Panorama’s 18th year Gratitude Gala souvenir were distributed among the guests. All guests were also gifted a model of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs.
Video messages were screened from Padma Bhushan Sant Chatwal, India’s Ambassador to Guatemala Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Emmy-nominated film director and actor Tirlok Malik, and Prabhjot Singh, a senior journalist from Chandigarh.
The standing-room only audience was hooked on to the show, beginning with the very first item when two lithe dancers from Battery Dance took to the floor. The last item was the adrenaline-pumping bhangra dance. In between, dancers trained by Shilpa Jhurani and Rimli Roy showed their classical moves. The artists were profusely applauded by the audience for their mesmerizing performances and thanked by Prof. Saluja.
The guests at the gala included Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Chairman and CEO of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, who congratulated Prof Saluja for his “great work in the media,” over the 18 years of The Indian Panorama. Dilip Chauhan from NYC Mayor’s office congratulated The Indian Panorama on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams. Zahid Syed, Director, Community Affairs with the Town of Hempstead and Rokeya Akhter, Community Coordinator with Queens District Attorney’s office also graced the occasion.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive sent his representative Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs to present Citations to the Honorees- Dr. VK Raju, Ranju Batra, Harry Singh Bolla and Purnima Desai.
Prominent Community organizations were represented: Gobind Munjal and Dr Jagdish Gupta from AIA, Dr Avinash Gupta, Srujal Parikh, and Alok Kumar from FIA-Tristate, Thomas Abraham from GOPIO, Pradeep Tandon from IALI, and George Abraham from IOC-USA, Shiv Dass, President, Jackson Heights Indian Merchants’ Association, besides many others.
Veteran Sikh community leader Master Mohinder Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill, and a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sikh Center was present with Gurmej Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana, besides many others from the Sikh community.
The media fraternity stood in solidarity with Prof. Saluja: they included, besides Dr. Parikh, Sunil Hali (Promoter, Radio Zindagi, and Publisher, The Indian Eye), Sharanjit Singh Thind (Editor-Publisher, South Asian Insider), Varinder Bhalla (Publisher, Bollywood Insider).
The evening’s program was ably emceed by Piya Jyoti Kachroo, ITV anchor and producer.
The sumptuous dinner with a top-of-the-shelf bar was enjoyed by the guests. Prof. Saluja expressed his heartfelt thanks to Pearl CEO Gary Sikka and his staff for excellent food and hospitality.
Prominent guests included Arish Sahani, Sudhir Vaishnav, Gobind Bathija, Baldev Singh Grewal, Shiv Dass and Ashok Arora.
Guests came from various parts of the US and even India. They included Bidisha Roy, Assistant Editor of The Indian Panorama (TIP) from Tampa, Florida, Zia Khan, a celebrated photographer who looks after TIP’s Dallas edition, and Parminder Singh Aujla, TIP’s California representative, from Sacramento,
Politician Puneet Ahluwalia came from Virginia, social activist Murtaza from Pennsylvania. Harry Singh Panaser, Mrs. Manjit Kaur Panaser, Harvenderpal Singh, Seema Jagtiani, Nutan Dabholkar, Dave Makkar, Mrs. Rashmi Makkar, Prachi and Surya Makkar, Rimli Roy, Rupinder Singh, and many more from New Jersey.
From India came Arminder Arora and his wife Tript Arora, Sparsh and Bhola.
Those at the event from the electronic media included Pardeep Gill from Global Punjab, Munish Byala, and Gurinder Hothi. Photographers included Mohammed Jaffer, Vijay Shah and Kripa Prasad.
Prof Indrajit Saluja has become synonymous with his weekly newspaper, a labor of love. He is not only an eminent editor but also a well-respected community leader who has forged links across the ethnic, ideological, and political spectrum. His friends from all over the US and even India, supporters, and who’s who of the community wished him a long life on his 80th birthday.
For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression and extension of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America. A trilingual, he has also helped start newspapers in Hindi and Punjabi.
Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama has a Dallas edition.
Indefatigable Prof Saluja’s spirit and intensity of work belie his years. He came to the US over 20 years ago after having a long career as a Professor of English Literature at leading colleges in India. Alongside, he founded a prominent monthly magazine titled ‘Punjab Beat’.
Prof Saluja feels proud that throughout its eventful journey, the Indian Panorama has remained true to its motto, EVER TRUTHFUL”. “This commitment is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, a promise to our readers, and a testament to the collective effort that sustains the publication,” he insists.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Ranju Batra.Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Purnima Desai.Blitz India US edition is launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Deepak Dwivedi and Prof. Indrajit Saluja present a Citation to Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Journalists Beyond Borders, an international organization of Journalists founded by Prof. Indrajit Saluja is formally launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Ashok Arora, the International Legal Advisor to The JBB exhibited the JBB logo.Prof, Indrajit Saluja felicitated his friend Parveen Arora on completion of a year of founding of ALotusinTheMud.com
The Indian Panorama was one of the first newspapers to endorse Tom
Updated February 15, 2024
NEW YORK (TIP): Tom Suozzi won back New York’s 3rd Congressional District seat that he earlier held for three terms. He defeated his less-known Republican rival Mazi Pilip, Nassau County legislator, by a double-digit margin.
He flipped a Republican held seat which became vacant when the disgraced George Santos was expelled from Congress.
CNN projected Suozzi’s victory at about 10.30 pm on Tuesday, February 13, and said Mazi had conceded defeat.
Even though media reports said it was going to be a close race, Suozzi prevailed easily. The contest for this congressional seat had national stakes because Republicans enjoy only a razor-thin majority in the House. Under national media glare, the contest also attracted big spending by both candidates and their parties.
In every campaign speech Suozzi hammered home the point that amid growing polarization in the country, he is the one with a record of working across the aisle.
In his victory speech, Suozzi stressed his campaign trail theme of bipartisan cooperation.
“There are divisions in our country where people can’t even talk to each other. All they can do is yell and scream at each other,” he said, acknowledging the demonstrators who interrupted his speech, shouting against his support to Israel. “That’s not the answer to the problems we face in our country. The answer is to try and bring people together to try and find common ground.”
“The way to make our country a better place is to try and find common ground. It is not easy to do. ” Suozzi told supporters at his election night party in Woodbury.
Suozzi is a friend of the Indian community which has a major presence in Nassau County. He served as Mayor of Glen Cove before being elected Nassau County Executive. He was elected to Congress from New York Congressional District 3 in 2016 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2020. He did not contest in 2022 for the NY3 seat he held because he ran for New York State governor.
Trained as an attorney and CPA, Tom Suozzi has committed his 30-year public service career to delivering for his constituents. His philosophy of working with anyone who shares his goal of solving problems and delivering for his constituents has guided his career and led to notable accomplishments on issues including protecting the environment, common-sense gun safety, full access to reproductive health care, immigration, caring for our veterans, affordable healthcare, and fiscal responsibility.
The Indian Panorama was one of the first media houses to endorse Suozzi way back in early December soon after he received the Democratic nomination.
Four persons to be honored for their singular achievements
Guest of Honor Ambassador Binaya Srikant Pradhan, Consul General of India at New YorkGuest of Honor US Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY District 3)
February 16, 2024
By Parveen Chopra
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama is celebrating its 18th year of publication with a Gratitude Gala on February 25 in a grand way. Says its Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, “I want to celebrate community, and say my heartfelt thanks to our readers, friends, supporters, and advertisers for the love and support they have blessed us with all these years.”
Prof. Indrajit Saluja has become synonymous with his weekly newspaper, a labor of love. He is not only an eminent editor but also a well-respected community leader who has forged links across the ethnic and political spectrum. His friends, supporters, and who’s who of the community are set to grace the gala at the glittering Pearl Banquet Hall in Hicksville not only to felicitate The Indian Panorama but also to wish him a long life on his 80th birthday.
Dignitaries
Presiding the delightful event will be Hon. Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Ambassador to the United Nations, the first woman diplomat to hold that position.
The new Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan will be offered a welcome toast by the community at the event.
The newly elected Congressman, Hon’ble Tom Suozzi, whom the Indian Panorama endorsed on the first day of his campaign, has promised ‘my loyal friend’ Prof Saluja that he will be there to personally thank Long Island’s Indian community, with whom he has forged bonds over the years.
Honorees
The four eminent people to be honored at the gala with whom The Indian Panorama has had a long association, are:
Dr. V.K. Raju -Life Achievements Honor
Dr V.K. Raju – Life Achievement Honor award. The President and Founder of the Eye Foundation of America, he has a mission to eliminate childhood blindness from the world. He has helped start two eye hospitals in India and held free eye camps in 30 developing countries.
Mrs. Ranju Batra – Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award
Mrs. Ranju Batra – Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award. She is the Chairperson of Diwali Foundation USA which holds the Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards event at the UN every year to honor diplomats. She also led the campaign to get USPS to release the Diwali stamp.
Mr. Harry Singh Bolla – Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award
Mr. Harry Singh Bolla – Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. He is the Founder and CEO of Bolla Oil Corporation which runs a chain of gas stations and convenience stores in the New York area. Through his Bolla Charity Foundation, he gives back to the community here and extends help to the needy in India.
Mrs. Purnima Desai – Excellence in Culture Award
Mrs. Purnima Desai — Excellence in Culture Award. As Founder and President of Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation, she has been instrumental in encouraging and supporting Indian culture through music and arts training and events. She has also produced and directed over a thousand cultural programs.
Blitz India US launch
Mr. Deepak Dwivedi, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BlitzIndiaMr. Sandeepp Saxena, CEO, BlitzIndia
The Indian Panorama’s gala event will also get an international sheen. The US edition of Blitz India will be jointly launched by its Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Deepak Dwivedi, CEO Sandeepp Saxena, and Prof Saluja. Blitz India, the country’s first chronicler of development news, has several editions in India and was launched in the UK last year.
Mr. Parveen Chopra, Founder of ALotusInTheMud.com
At the event for the ages, Prof Saluja will also introduce ALotusInTheMud.com, founded by his friend, Mr.Parveen Chopra. Launched at the Indian Consulate in January, 2023, Lotus is a web magazine presenting free content on wellness and spirituality, a first by an Indian American.
The attendees at the gala will also be welcomed and entertained with both traditional Indian and contemporary touches.
About Prof Saluja
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Publisher & Chief Editor, The Indian Panorama
For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression and extension of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America. A trilingual, he has also helped start newspapers in Hindi and Punjabi.
Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama also has a Dallas edition now. It reaches the Indian diaspora in the entire US and the world. Its editorial content is the right mix of community news as well as Indian and American current affairs.
Indefatigable Prof Saluja’s spirit and intensity of work belie his years. He came to the US over 20 years ago after having a long career as a Professor of English Literature at leading colleges in India. Alongside, he founded a prominent monthly magazine titled ‘Punjab Beat’.
Robert Frost’s words “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have miles to go before I sleep”, aptly characterize Prof. Saluja’s journey in life.
The Indian Panorama was one of the first newspapers to endorse Tom
February 13, 2024
NEW YORK (TIP): Tom Suozzi won back New York’s 3rd Congressional District seat that he earlier held for three terms. He defeated his less-known Republican rival Mazi Pilip, Nassau County legislator, by a double-digit margin.
He flipped a Republican held seat which became vacant when the disgraced George Santos was expelled from Congress.
CNN projected Suozzi’s victory at about 10.30 pm on Tuesday, February 13, and said Mazi had conceded defeat.
Even though media reports said it was going to be a close race, Suozzi prevailed easily. The contest for this congressional seat had national stakes because Republicans enjoy only a razor-thin majority in the House. Under national media glare, the contest also attracted big spending by both candidates and their parties.
In every campaign speech Suozzi hammered home the point that amid growing polarization in the country, he is the one with a record of working across the aisle.
Suozzi is a friend of the Indian community which has a major presence in Nassau County. He served as Mayor of Glen Cove before being elected Nassau County Executive. He was elected to Congress from New York Congressional District 3 in 2016 , and was re-elected in 2018 and 2020. He did not contest in 2022 for the NY3 seat he held because he ran for New York State governor.
Trained as an attorney and CPA, Tom Suozzi has committed his 30-year public service career to delivering for his constituents. His philosophy of working with anyone who shares his goal of solving problems and delivering for his constituents has guided his career and led to notable accomplishments on issues including protecting the environment, common-sense gun safety, full access to reproductive health care, immigration, caring for our veterans, affordable healthcare, and fiscal responsibility.
The Indian Panorama was one of the first media houses to endorse Suozzi way back in early December soon after he received the Democratic nomination.
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Former Congressman Tom Suozzi, today, held a press conference in response to his opponent, Mazi Pilip, taking an outrageous partisan stance and siding with her extreme GOP party bosses in the House and their mission to play politics with people’s lives by coming out against the Senate’s bipartisan border deal. The Senate’s bill is the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border our country has had in decades. It would make our country safer, make our border more secure, and treat people fairly and humanely while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.
Yet Pilip called this bipartisan legislation: “the legalization of the invasion of our county.” During the press conference, Suozzi underscored that the reason Pilip is opposing the bill is because she’s completely beholden to the national Republicans. And like them, she’s only interested in playing politics with people’s lives instead of actually working to solve problems.
“It’s incomprehensible to me that a candidate can claim that her number one priority is securing the border yet takes a dead-on-arrival approach on the only compromise border bill that has had a chance of passing our Congress over the past 30 years,” said Suozzi.
“This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. She’s aligned with some of the most dangerous members of the Republican Party, who are all also on board with opposing this bipartisan border deal because they think it will help them politically, even if it’s at the expense of the people. People are sick of these political games that Mazi Pilip and her DC handlers are playing, and I will work with whoever it takes to get people to come together to actually get stuff done and fix our border.”
This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. In a CNN interview over the weekend, in a complete flip-flop from the past two months, Pilip whole-heartedly embraces Trump even if he’s convicted of a crime. She claimed he is innocent of the 91 criminal charges against him. And she dismissed the fact that Trump led the insurrection of our nation’s Capitol on January 6th.
Meanwhile, Suozzi has built his entire life in public service by working with anyone to get things done for the people, especially on immigration. In 2019, he worked across the aisle with Peter King to put forth bipartisan solutions to fix our border. Suozzi has long called for investments in border security while supporting a pathway to citizenship for people who follow the rules.
In 2018, not only was he one of 18 Democrats to support funding ICE, but Suozzi was critical of the far-left in his party who wanted to abolish them.
QUEENS, NY (TIP): It was pretty evident from the enthusiasm and energy exhibited at the recent gathering of the Indian Americans in the Santoor Restaurant in Floral Park, Queens, New York, that they are excited to have Tom Suozzi back in the political arena again. “The Indian Community has always admired Mr. Suozzi for standing up for issues that our community has cared for, and this gathering strongly reflects those feelings’ Said Mr. Koshy Thomas, one of the leading organizers of the event in Queens. The meeting brought together people from diverse backgrounds who have roots in South Asia.
In his address, Mr. Suozzi thanked the Indian community for their support and said, “The Indian American Community truly understood the importance of voting, particularly in this special election.” Mr. Suozzi assured the audience that he would continue his excellent work of bringing people together to resolve many thorny issues, including the border crisis”.
Mr. Suozzi has a reputation as a middle-of-the-road politician who is keenly aware of the issues an average citizen is concerned about, such as rising crime, inflation, the need for better schools for the next generation, and creating jobs for the new graduates. However, these issues often get marginalized by both far-left and far-right policies that are highlighted and garner the most attention. It is time for the nation to return to common sense policies that are beneficial to the majority of voters who are increasingly concerned about their lack of say in addressing these issues.
Raju Abraham, one of the event organizers, applauded Mr. Suozzi for his stand on principles and said, “Tom is a strong advocate for consensus building and who will be able to bring together various factions for necessary compromises that will end the paralysis in Washington and take the nation forward.”
George Abraham, one of the avid supporters of Mr. Suozzi, conveyed his message urging the community to come out and vote and send a message to Washington that Congress should make policies to improve people’s lives, not disrupt them. Whether dealing with increasing crime in the neighborhoods or fighting inflation at gas pumps, we need politicians who use common sense. That is where Tom Suozzi truly stands out from others. He truly believes that every American should have the same right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. If someone is out there to destroy that American dream, they should be held accountable”.
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): The Order of Sons of Italy Commission on Social Justice, the National Italian American Foundation, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, the Italian American Action Committee, the New York State Italian American PAC, the New York State Order of the Sons of Italy, and the former President of the New York State Sons of Italy have issued a joint statement. In today’s New York Post, Mazi Pilip said, “Tom Suozzi is the godfather of the border crisis.”
“As Italian Americans and Italian American organizations, we condemn this anti-Italian attack and demand that Legislator Pilip apologize and refrain from issuing any other anti-Italian stereotypes in the future.”
Bob Ferrito, National President of the Order of Sons of Italy Commission on Social Justice
John Cavelli, National Italian American Foundation
Judge Basil Russo, Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations
Robert Fonti, Italian American Action Committee
Jim Lisa, New York State Italian American PAC
Anthony Naccarato, former President of New York State Sons of Italy
Bob Ferrito, National President of the Order of Sons of Italy Commission on Social Justice
NEW YORK (TIP): In the race to replace disgraced Former Republican Congressman George Santos, former Democratic Congressman Tom Suozzi is ahead in his quest to return to Washington, according to a new PIX11/Emerson College Polling survey released Thursday, January 18. Suozzi, who represented New York’s 3rd Congressional District for three terms before an unsuccessful run for governor, got the support of 45% of those surveyed. Republican nominee Mazi Pilip, a Nassau County legislator and an Israeli-American who once served in Israel’s Defense Forces, got support from 42% of those surveyed. About 9% of NY-3 voters are undecided.
NY-3 is comprised mostly of Nassau County with a little bit of eastern Queens.
The special election is set for Feb. 13, with early voting beginning Feb. 3. Suozzi’s advantage in the poll swells when you look at “very likely” voters who were surveyed. They comprise about 84% of the survey and are crucial in special elections, which often see a low turnout. Suozzi had support from 51% of “very likely” voters and Pilip got 37%.
There is not an overwhelmingly clear top issue for NY-3 voters. About 26% of voters said immigration was their top concern, 22% said the economy and 15% said crime.
Abortion access, an issue that generally favors Democrats, was only at 4%. Abortion rights are protected by law in New York; however, the special election in this swing district is widely viewed through a national lens and Democrats are focused on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Another red flag for Democrats is the approval of President Joe Biden in NY-3. The poll found only 33% of those surveyed approve of the job he is doing.
Drilling down on the issues, most NY-3 voters are in favor of continued foreign aid to support two major conflicts abroad: 60% favor continued support of Israel in its war in Gaza and 51% support continuing to help Ukraine with the Russian invasion.
On the migrant crisis, there is a plurality of NY-3 voters who would like to see the federal government foot the bill. Of those surveyed, 45% said the federal government needs to pay back New York for the cost of supporting migrants; 18% said it should be a mix of New York City, Texas — which is doing the busing from the border — and the federal government; 14% said this city should be handling this on its own.
PIX11 News will host a special one-hour forum featuring NY-3 candidates Suozzi and Pilip on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. You can tune in to PIX11 News or stream the forum on PIX11.com and PIX11+, which is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung.
The Emerson College Polling/PIX11 New York Third District poll was conducted January 13-15, 2024. The sample consisted of 975 registered voters, with a credibility interval, similar to a poll’s margin of error, of +/- 3.1 percentage points. The data sets were weighted by gender, age, party, race, and education based on US Census parameters, and New York voter registration and voter turnout data by regions (NY SOS). Data was collected by contacting a list of cellphones via MMS-to-web, landlines via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and emails provided by Aristotle, along with an online panel of voters provided by Alchemer.
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Earlier tonight, former Congressman Tom Suozzi participated in the Lakeville Estates Civic Association’s Meet n’ Greet in New Hyde Park. Suozzi was the singular participant in what was originally planned as a candidate forum featuring the two candidates for the NY03 special election on February 13.
According to the organizer of the forum, Mazi Pilip originally agreed to participate but then abruptly canceled, citing “other appointments.” Suozzi accepted the invitation as soon as it was received and appeared at this evening’s event, fielding and answering questions submitted by the public (read: voters).
The Lakeville Estates Civic Association represents 18,000 homeowners (read: voters) in communities such as New Hyde Park, Manhasset Hills, Herricks, and Garden City Park. “Mazi Pilip did a huge disservice to the voters who came out tonight to listen to the candidates,” said Suozzi. “Nobody knows who Mazi Pilip is or what she stands for, but instead of meeting with voters and taking their questions, she has stayed hidden.
“She blew it.”
During the hour-long forum, Suozzi answered several questions ranging from SALT to Social Security concerns to antisemitism and gun violence prevention. He touted his record of working across the aisle to deliver for Long Island and Queens, as well as talked about his 10-Point Plan that includes proposals for many of the questions posed to him during the event.
“We have many challenging issues that we face in this country and here in Nassau and Queens,” stated Suozzi. “The only way we will solve the problems is if both Republicans and Democrats work together, find common ground, and start fixing things!”
Suozzi’s campaign noted that as of today, there have been 14 news outlets or civic organizations that have sent invitations to both candidates to debate or participate in candidate forums. While Suozzi has accepted five debate invites and will likely accept more, Pilip has only accepted a single debate on News 12, exactly five days before the February 13th special election and exactly five days after early voting has begun, and not accessible to the Queens’ part of the Third Congressional District. This evening voters in NY03 witnessed firsthand what Suozzi has been saying all along, “Why is Mazi Pilip hiding?”
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): The Suozzi for Congress campaign today announced that Tom Suozzi has accepted two scheduled televised debate invitations…and he welcomes more. A special election will be held on February 13, 2024, to fulfill the remainder of expelled Republican George Santos’ congressional term.
“Now more than ever, it’s vital that the people of Nassau and Queens understand who they are sending to Congress, what they believe, and how they will approach the big problems facing our country,” stated Suozzi for Congress senior advisor Kim Devlin. “Tom has demonstrated time and again that he is someone who will put aside politics and work with Democrats and Republicans to get things done. He’s looking forward to discussing his record and his plan to restore sanity to Washington, D.C., in at least two televised debates. It is our hope that his opponent will commit to doing the same.”
Since entering the race for New York’s Third Congressional District, Suozzi’s opponent has refused to answer questions regarding her position on key issues, whether she voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election or if she supports Trump in the Republican primary for president. Even more alarming, the Republican and Conservative nominee has not given a straight answer about how she will address gun violence prevention or if she supports codifying Roe v. Wade federally.
“Tom’s opponent’s statements raise more questions than answers. We have seen this before,” continued Devlin. “The people of Nassau and Queens have no idea how she will tackle the serious issues Congress needs to address or if she will vote lockstep with MAGA Republicans.”
“Voters deserve to know exactly who they are sending to Washington to represent them.”
Suozzi has accepted debate invitations from WABC and WNBC.
GLEN COVE, NEW YORK (TIP): Former Congressman Tom Suozzi, on December 19, unveiled a 10-point plan to help restore sanity to Washington and get things done. The intention of Suozzi rolling out his plan is to demonstrate his belief that Congress needs to move beyond petty, partisan, and performative finger-pointing and focus on working across the aisle to get things done for the people he serves. Suozzi has a long record of working with Democrats and Republicans to tackle the problems that the people of Nassau and Queens face. Suozzi’s 10-Point Plan is in sharp contrast to his opponent Mazi Pilip’s refusing to answer reporter’s questions about her positions on the issues.
“Throughout my career, I have always prioritized delivering results for the people over petty partisan politics,” said Suozzi. “The growing influence of the far right and far left has led to gridlock in Congress. My 10-point plan is a blueprint to address the real concerns people face and my intention to work with anyone of goodwill who has the same objective of actually addressing challenging problems and working together to come up with a solution.”
The plan details Suozzi’s blueprint to:
1. Lower the Cost of Living, Repeal the SALT Cap, and Further Reduce Prescription Drug Prices
2. Address the Immigration Crisis by Passing the Tom Suozzi-Peter King Compromise
3. Protect the Long Island Sound, Provide Clean Drinking Water, and Address Climate Change
4. Improve Public Safety and Get Guns off the Streets
5. Stand Up to Extreme Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
6. Support Israel and Ukraine
7. Never Forget the Vet
8. Expand Affordable Health Care and Long-Term Care, and Protect Social Security and Medicare
9. Defend Democracy
10. “No Wrong Door”: Comprehensive, Wraparound Social Services for K-12 Students
Tom Suozzi is a seasoned politician. What sets him apart is his comprehensive understanding of both local and federal governance, and his supreme desire to serve his constituents as their best friend. (X photo)
Representing constituents in any congressional district requires a unique blend of experience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those you serve. In the case of New York’s 3rd Congressional District, Tom Suozzi emerges as the epitome of a public servant dedicated to the welfare of his constituents.
Suozzi’s illustrious career in public service speaks volumes about his suitability for this role. With a rich administrative background as the Mayor of the Town of Glen Cove and Chief Executive of Nassau County, Suozzi brings invaluable hands-on experience in local governance, understanding the pulse of communities, and addressing their needs at the grassroots level.
What sets Suozzi apart is his comprehensive understanding of both local and federal governance. Serving three terms as a Congressman, Suozzi has seamlessly transitioned from local leadership to the national stage. His tenure has been defined by a no-nonsense, result-oriented approach. He has consistently delivered for his constituents, irrespective of partisan divides, emphasizing pragmatic solutions over political posturing.
One of Suozzi’s distinctive traits is his commitment to transcending partisan lines. In an era marked by political polarization, Suozzi’s dedication to collaboration and bipartisanship stands as a beacon of hope. He understands that progress often requires a willingness to work across the aisle, forging alliances to achieve tangible results that benefit the lives of those he represents.
Despite the 3rd Congressional District leaning more Republican, Suozzi has earned the trust and admiration of constituents due to his track record. His proven ability to deliver results, coupled with a sincere and tireless approach to addressing community concerns, has garnered widespread support. This support transcends party affiliations, as constituents recognize Suozzi’s genuine commitment to their well-being.
The constituents’ inclination to re-elect Suozzi is rooted in their belief that he is the embodiment of effective representation. Suozzi’s tenure has been characterized by his unwavering dedication to tackling issues that matter most to the people – healthcare accessibility, economic growth, infrastructure development, and education, among others. His ability to translate promises into actionable policies has earned him the faith of those he serves.
Tom Suozzi’s re-election to Congress is not merely about rewarding past accomplishments; it’s a testament to the trust and confidence constituents have in his ability to continue championing their causes. His presence in Congress is seen as a crucial asset for the district, a guarantee that their voices will be heard and their concerns will be addressed with diligence and empathy.
In essence, Tom Suozzi’s candidacy for the representative of NY’s 3rd Congressional District is not just about his impressive resume. It’s about recognizing a leader who embodies the essence of public service – a leader who has consistently put the interests of his constituents above partisan politics, delivering tangible results and fostering a sense of unity and progress within the community.
As constituents head to the polls, they carry with them the hope of having a steadfast advocate in Congress, a leader who will tirelessly fight for their interests. Tom Suozzi has proven time and again that he is that leader. His dedication, experience, and bipartisan approach make him the most suitable candidate to continue representing the people of the 3rd Congressional District in Congress
Therefore, The Indian Panorama is pleased to endorse Tom Suozzi for Congress.
The early bird gets the worm, goes the saying. Indeed, even as Republicans took time to announce their candidate for the seat in New York that fell vacant by the expulsion from Congress of the disgraced Geroge Santos, Democrat Tom Suozzi hit the ground running. So, the former Nassau County Executive and three-term Congressman (2017-2022) who represented the same District 3, has placed himself in a position of advantage.
Announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the special election is scheduled for February 13. District 3 encompasses large parts of Nassau County, and a part of Queens, with a fair proportion of the well-to-do Indian community residing there.
Tom Suozzi gave an exclusive interview last weekend to The Indian Panorama. It was his first engagement after the Democratic party nominated him as the ideal candidate to flip the seat. I was particularly impressed with his reply to my question why he chose to seek election to Congress. Here is what he said: “America is an idea that all men and women are created equal. And if you embrace that, you’re just as American as anybody else. And that idea is under threat. One of the reasons I’m getting back into public service is to try and address that threat.”
The interviewer Prof. Indrajit Saluja and the interviewee Mr. Tom Suozzi pose for a photograph (Photo : Courtesy Parveen Chopra)
Here are excerpts from the interview.
TIP: Welcome, Mr. Suozzi. We want a Congressman who has been an achiever, who has already done a lot of work for his constituents. And we want you in Washington again. We are sure that notwithstanding the Republican challenge and the fact that Long Island has largely turned red, you will make sure that a Democrat represents us in the US House.
So, first, tell our readers why you think you are the best candidate for them.
Tom Suozzi: For our Indian American constituents, let me first say Namaste, and for the Sikh friends, Sat Sri Akal.
I think that I’m the best person for this job because we’ve got a lot of distrust that exists in politics these days. And people want someone they feel comfortable with, somebody that they respect, and that they won’t be surprised by their behavior.
That’s not to say that everybody likes me or likes everything I’ve done, but at least they know me. And I’ve got a record of getting things done to help make people’s lives better.
People have a sense of dread about what’s going on in the world these days. They’re concerned about the cost of living. They’re concerned about the immigration crisis in America. They’re concerned about crime and public safety. A lot of violence has been directed towards turban-wearing American Sikhs, other South Asians, and Asians.
Then there is the climate crisis and wars in Israel and Ukraine. People look to Washington DC to our leaders, and they say, “What are you doing to address the things I’m concerned about? What are you doing to address the problems that affect my life? All I see you doing is pointing fingers at each other and attacking each other.” You know, they (the Republicans) kicked the Speaker out. They can’t fund the government, endangering a government shutdown. ‘Do nothing Congress’ they have turned it into. And people are getting more and more frustrated. Then you had the disgraced George Santos in that seat.
Remember that I have a record of getting things done. I brought money back to the district. I cleaned up the pollution. I helped people with their constituent issues related to the federal government: immigration, Social Security, and healthcare. During COVID-19, I fought for the state and brought more money and aid to New York and our hospitals.
I also have a record of working across party lines. I was on the problem solvers caucus. This race is not going to be just about Democrat versus Republican. If it was, that probably wouldn’t be good for me because, as you said, Republicans have been winning on Long Island and I’m a Democrat. But to serve the people I’ll work with anybody – Republican, Democrat, or Progressive. I’ll try and find common ground. We passed the bipartisan multibillion-dollar infrastructure bill for roads and bridges and trains and airports and the ports.
TIP: That is why, Mr. Suozzi, you always get the support of a large majority of voters who see what a candidate can do for them rather than go by party affiliation.
Tom Suozzi: Yes. I think the time is right for that message right now. And it’s always been my message and people are hungering for that because every problem we face in the country is complicated. But you cannot solve complicated problems in an environment of fear and anger, where everybody is yelling at each other. You need people of goodwill to sit down across the table to try and find common ground.
TIP: You are well regarded by the Indian American community in Nassau County.
Tom Suozzi: I’ve got a very warm feeling for the Indian Americans starting from my days as Glen Cove Mayor way back in the 1990s. My story is that my father came to the US as a young boy from Italy and became a success story. He went to Fordham University and fought in World War Two as a navigator. Graduating from Harvard Law School, he couldn’t get a job at a law firm because nobody liked the Italians after Mussolini teamed up with Hitler. Not disheartened, he went on to get elected as city court judge at age 28.
So, when I think of the Indian American experience, I see the same story and I see the same striving to succeed in their adopted country. You still love your native land, and celebrate the culture, food, and history. But you’ve adopted the idea of America and made it your own.
America is an idea that all men and women are created equal. And if you embrace that, you’re just as American as anybody else. And that idea is under threat. One of the reasons I’m getting back into public service is to try and address that threat. But I’ve always found that like Italian Americans, and Irish Americans from my mother’s side, Indian Americans have that same love of America, that same sense of hard work and opportunity, the same love for their fellow human beings, and the love of family.
I’ve enjoyed learning about the Indian American community, and its diversity. I’ve got tremendous friends in the community.
TIP: The Indian American community has done very well for themselves, but now they are getting worried about safety and security. Some believe that it is the GOP which is harder on crime. How do you address their concerns?
Tom Suozzi: Yes, your community has done spectacularly well. They are hardworking, well-educated, and very entrepreneurial. I’m conscious of their concern. But I want both the Democrats and the Republicans to vote for me as I’m very committed to public safety. The priority of the government is to make sure that the citizenry is safe.
As mayor of the city of Glen Cove, I oversaw the Police Department and we were one of the safest communities in the country. Later, as executive of Nassau County, I ran the 12th largest police department in the country and we were the safest place for over 500,000 people. We saw record crime decreases every year when I was in office.
Later, when I was in Congress, protests against the police erupted in the wake of the horrific murder of George Floyd. Bad behavior by police officers must be called out. But during that same period, I honored police officers from my district for their service. That was not easy to do amid the protests, but I wanted the police to always know that I supported them. We can’t let a few bad actors ruin the reputation of the overwhelmingly good police, which is so important to our safety and our quality of life.
TIP: You visited India as part of a Congressional delegation. What were your impressions of the country?
Tom Suozzi with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in New Delhi
Tom Suozzi: I had a wonderful time during that brief official trip in 2018. We met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Delhi, we visited the BAPS temple (Akshardham). Of course, we went to see the Taj Mahal, which I never knew was a Muslim burial site.
I got the impression that India is moving forward very rapidly. I see more and more success there because India has embraced democracy as well as capitalism, the two best systems that can be.
This is what I talk about in America also. Capitalism is taking more people out of poverty and has resulted in more innovation than any system in the world. But its competitive underpinning results in some people doing very well and some others doing very poorly. So, we say, okay, we got another system. It’s called democracy, where we set up protections so that nobody is to be relegated to a life of hunger and homelessness. The challenge is, how do you find a balance between these two systems?
Somehow, in recent years and decades in America, the middle class has been hollowed out with more people making tremendous amounts of wealth, and a lot more people not even able to make ends meet. So, we have to do a better job of rebuilding the middle class in America.
I helped pass the bipartisan Chips Act to try and bring semiconductors back to America. We must restart manufacturing items ourselves, and you’ll see more supply chains and so on.
TIP: What do you promise to your constituents in NY District 3? Why should they vote for you?
Tom on the campaign trail. “I promise you that I will be open and accessible and will treat everyone in my constituency as though I was the best friend they ever had”.
Tom Suozzi: I promise my constituents that I will work as hard as I can. Every single day. I have to try and make their lives better, and to help them solve the problems they face in their lives to the extent that I can. I promise my constituents that I will never embarrass them or make them ashamed that I’m their representative. And I promise them that I will be open and accessible and will treat everyone in my constituency as though I was the best friend they ever had.
TIP: How are you getting the word out about this special election, which is likely to see a low turnout, and getting the vote out for you?
Tom Suozzi: The election is on February 13. So, it’s a very short period from now. My campaign has divided the Congressional District of 790,000 people into 16 regions as different regions have different characteristics and different groups of people. For example, in Hicksville, there are a lot of longtime residents as well as a lot of newcomers from India and Pakistan. So, we are going to have outreach to all those different communities.
I have a great advantage, I think, in this race, because I’ve been around here a long time and because of the good things that I’ve tried to do, and I have high name recognition. My opponents will spend millions of dollars trying to make me look bad but because people know me and because of the work we’re going to do during this campaign, we’ll be able to get people to come out and vote for me.
I take the ground campaign seriously, that’s person-to-person, getting people to talk to their friends, relatives, and coworkers to spread the word. And that’s going to be a highly organized effort, with some very professional people helping me to pull that together. My team is already in place.
I am confident of winning the race and will restore sanity to Washington.
(Prof Indrajit Saluja is the Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Panorama, and Parveen Chopra, the former editor of The South Asian Times, is the founder-editor of ALotusInTheMud.com)
“I delivered for this district before, and I will do it again”, says Suozzi
I.S. Saluja
NEW YORK (TIP): Tom Suozzi, on December 7, was named the Democratic candidate for the special election to fill the 3rd Congressional District seat left vacant since George Santos was expelled last week.
“Tom Suozzi has a proven record of fighting for his constituents, fighting to safeguard our suburban way of life here on Long Island and Queens and always advocating for sensible solutions to the real challenges affecting everyday average Americans,” said a joint statement from Nassau County Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs and Queens County Chair, Congressman Gregory Meeks.
Jay Jacobs, the state and Nassau Democratic chairman, and Fifth District Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Queens County party chairman, announced Suozzi’s selection as the party’s nominee on Thursday, December 7, after an advisory vote of party executive committee members.
Political party leaders choose the candidates in a special election, according to New York elections law. There will be no primary in the special election.
Meeks said voters “want someone to represent the district with somebody that they know. Many of the constituents previously were coming to other members to get constituency services. Those days will soon be over.”
Jacobs said the race will get, “national attention, as it should.”
“We have begun already. We knew this day was coming,” he said.
Suozzi, who held the seat from 2017 through 2022, said in a statement he would “work day and night with both parties to deliver for the people to make living here more affordable, safer, and better. I delivered for this district before, and I will do it again by putting you ahead of partisanship. Let’s reject the nonsense and get back to work. Let’s Fix This!” National Republicans and Democrats view the Third District race as key to the battle for control of the House. After Santos’ expulsion and California Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s resignation at the end of the year, Republicans will be able to lose only three votes on a party-line vote and still get a bill passed, if every House member is in attendance.
The Third District includes parts of Queens and the North Shore of Nassau County, as well as parts of southwestern Nassau. The district has more than 531,000 registered voters, state board of election filings show. 38 % are registered Democrats, 28% are Republicans and 28% are not registered with any political party.
Whoever wins the special election will have to run for election to a full two-year term in November and could face the prospect of having to run in a June party primary. The job pays $174,000 a year.
Suozzi is a former mayor of Glen Cove and two-term Nassau County Executive. In the House, he sat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and served as a vice-chair of the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus.
Suozzi, who did not seek re-election in 2022, instead ran that year for New York governor. He finished third in the Democratic primary. The Third District has changed substantially since 2020, the last time Suozzi ran for the seat, when it included parts of Suffolk County. The election takes place on Feb. 13. Republicans are expected to choose their challenger early next week.
“Therefore, what is lacking in all these policies is simply common sense. Policies should be made to improve people’s lives, not disrupt them. Whether dealing with increasing crime in the neighborhoods or fighting inflation at the gas pumps, we need politicians who use common sense. That is where Tom Suozzi stands out from others who are vying for the job of the Governor of New York State. He truly believes that every American should have the same right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. If someone is out there to destroy that American dream, he/she should be held accountable.”
Looking at the video, one can only witness with horror how a gang targeted Virani Jewelers on the Oak Tree Road in Iselin, New Jersey a few days ago, smashed and grabbed hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of gold jewelry in a matter of minutes, and disappeared. We should not see this as an isolated incident, and it is not. What we are witnessing is not just crimes being normalized but the beginning of a total breakdown of the law enforcement mechanism around the country, a prelude to an end of civil society.
The Asian Indian community, known for its hard work and disciplined living, is increasingly wary of the rising crime in their neighborhoods. Even riding the subways in New York has become a life challenging experience as an ever-increasing number of people are pushed in front of the oncoming trains, and some have paid with their dear lives. Robberies are on the increase, and people are once again afraid to walk the streets.
As someone who has arrived on these shores five decades ago, I could recollect a timeframe in the past when one could not walk in the Time Square without being harassed by drug kingpins, pimps, or prostitutes. Morningside Park uptown was known as a killing field. It could have been considered a death sentence if one dared to walk at night in a certain part of the city. Yes, crime was rampant, and people were simply fed up. My own experience included three muggings and one at gunpoint, and I had to thank my parents for their prayers. Many of us know how that situation was turned around with the election of Rudy Giuliani as Mayor of New York. As an adage goes, it is obvious that an election has consequences. However, once again, politicians are playing with people’s lives. With the so-called progressive ideology, some appear to be sanctioning laissez-fare to commit the crime and disrupt the lives of innocent people who just want to live peacefully and bring up a family. Many immigrants who have come ashore have fled crime and violence in their own homelands. America was a breath of fresh air, a nation that was respectful of individual liberty and freedom. The constitution guaranteed protection for the lives and property of every citizen. On unfreedom in a Laissez-fare state, a Cambridge study said the following: “when liberty is defined as a negative constraint or intrusion to the person, the most obvious threat to liberty comes from the powers of the State. In this view, the State, except when it enforces contracts and punishes crimes, is the negative agent of liberty: its inaction ensures a sphere of free action for individuals. A Laissez-faire state, the State that does not extend beyond the enforcement of criminal and private law, seeks to justify its inaction on the grounds that it protects the liberty of individuals”.
Defunding the police and deactivating law enforcement systems would only lead to chaos, as we are witnessing today. There is no doubt that there are underlying social issues to be tackled regarding why our young people are becoming increasingly violent. The country may also need to look at the increasing level of drug addiction, rising mental illness among the young, and the easy availability of guns. There should be a bipartisan effort to deal with such exigencies and find long-term solutions to these ever-simmering problems. History is there to learn from and be inspired or unlearn evil deeds of the past, never to repeat. However, it should not be used as a cover to avenge past grievances or exact concessions from a detached new generation.
A family who lost his loved one on the subway tracks of New York City to a vagrant is not interested in a lecture from a politician leading a privileged life in a safer neighborhood with high levels of security. What happened to common sense in dealing with day-to-day issues? The cash bail reform, as they call it, turned out to be a disaster for ordinary people who happen to live within the inner city who these repeat offenders increasingly terrorize. The New York Legislature passed bail reform in 2019, which eliminated cash bail and judge’s discretion of setting bail for most misdemeanor and nonviolent crimes. The State says this is to keep people out of jail as they wait for their day in court. America was mostly run by pragmatic visionaries who were willing to change their points of view if that would harm the country. However, today, the country is so polarized that the ideological battles are waged with reckless abandon. Whether in State or national capitals, it has become a zero-sum game for politicians and bureaucrats. Rahm Emmanuel’s famous line of ‘you never want a serious crisis to go waste’ has become the mantra for so many among the elites who run the country today.
Some say Fossil fuel is terrible, and they want to save the planet. They tend to forget that the earth has provided us with fossil fuel, and we should use it responsibly. We should go for it when we can safely switch to cleaner and renewable energy with enough supply to meet the demand. However, some ideologues want to wreak misery and havoc upon the nation to fulfill their utopian dreams. The ordinary people are once again becoming the guinea pigs for the ill-conceived policies and plans architected without public scrutiny. Therefore, what is lacking in all these policies is simply common sense. Policies should be made to improve people’s lives, not disrupt them. Whether dealing with increasing crime in the neighborhoods or fighting inflation at the gas pumps, we need politicians who use common sense. That is where Tom Suozzi stands out from others who are vying for the job of the Governor of New York State. He truly believes that every American should have the same right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. If someone is out there to destroy that American dream, he/she should be held accountable.
(The author is a former Chief Technological Officer, United Nations, and Vice Chairman of Indian Overseas Congress USA. He can be reached at gta777@gmail.com)
National Executive Committee takes oath of office at a virtual ceremony
AIA Officers take oath of officeClockwise: AIA National President Gobind Munjal, Dr. UrmileshArya , the outgoing President, Dr. Samin Sharma, Congressman Tom SuozziClockwise: Dr. Sameen Sharma, Satish Khanna, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Nilima Madan, Asmita Bhatia, Mukesh Modi
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Gobind Munjal, the newly elected National President of The Association of Indians in America (AIA), was sworn-in along with his National Executive Committeein an exciting Inauguration ceremony arranged virtually on Sunday February 6,2022.
The occasion was graced by the chief guest Honorable Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, Hon.Congressman Tom Suozzi, and Hon.New York Senator Kevin Thomas.The Inauguration and Oath ceremony was attended by well over one hundredattendeesand their families. This included AIA founding members, board of Trustees, AIA National Past Presidents, AIA current and past chapter Presidents, community leaders, AIA members, friends, and all the media partners.
Bharat Ratna legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar was given homage by observing a moment of silence. It was followed by melodious singing of American and Indian National Anthem by Gita Setia. The Chairman Board of Trustees,Dr Samin Sharma initiated the program and spoke briefly about AIA. Chief Guest Hon. Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal. in his opening Remarks, praised AIA for all that it has done for the community during its 55 years of history and commended the organization for sending oxygen concentrators to India in 2021. He also pledged to work with AIA for outreach to the community.
National President Gobind Munjal was sworn-in by Honorable Congressman Tom Suozzi, who also administered the oath to Vice Presidents Uma Swaminathan(NJ), Nilima Madan(NY), Santosh Pandey (IL), Uma Eniasivam (Fl), Secretary Gunjan Rastogi (NY) and Treasurer Dr. Bal Gilja (NY). Honorable NYS Senator Kevin Thomas had the honors for swearing-in the members at large from all the states, namely Anil Sharma (IL),Aridaman Jain (NJ),Ashish Sen (IL),Dr. Bharti Palkhiwala (NJ),Dr Binod K. Verma (NY),Gobind Bhatija (NY), Manoranjan Mishra (IL),Maya Kirpalani (FL), Neelam Modi (NY),OM Dhirgra (IL), Pradeep Tandon (NY), Prem Mehrotra (IL), Rajeev Chaudhary(NY)Ram Khanna (NY), Santosh Khera (NY),Sharmistha Dutta (FL),Shashi Malik (NY),Sujata Seth (NY),Sushma Kotahwala (NY),Usha Bansal (NY).
In his speech, National President Munjal welcomed everyone and shareda glimpse of his vision.
In pursuing the AIA’s moto of “Indian Heritage and American Commitment”, he emphasized that:
“We are here to serve the community needs. As we continue to direct our help to the people in India, our homeland, we should equally remain committed to the community right here in the United States, our adopted homeland. We hope to work towards increasing that commitment.
As the demographic profile of the Indian American Community has changed in past 5 decades since the founding of AIA, so are their needs. We remain committed to understanding the changing requirements of the community, and then will develop Programs to help both – the Youth and the Elderly. NEC pledges support to all the Chapter Presidents and its members, so they all can build and expand on these programs across the nation. This way together, we can make the next two years most productive”.
A plaque was presented to the outgoing National President Dr. Urmilesh Arya for her splendid service and all the contributions to the organization and the community.All AIA leadership extended their good wishes and support. The program concluded with a traditional vote of thanks by the secretary.The program on Zoom was very well planned and executed and was appreciated by all.It was mentioned that as soon as the covid conditions improve,an in-person event will be planned in the near future.
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.
Rep. Tom Suozzi, New York 3rd DistrictHappy Independence Day! “E Pluribus Unum”; Out of Many, One.
Our country is a “great experiment”. It is a chance to show that people of different backgrounds, creeds, ethnicities, endowed with certain unalienable Rights, can come together as one nation, united in freedom and democracy. Let’s celebrate our Independence and honor those who have sacrificed so much for us to maintain it.
Happy Independence Day!
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Suozzi and Fitzpatrick were joined at the press conference by Rebecca Shi, Executive Director, ABIC; Al Cardenas, Co-Chair, ABIC; Andrew Tisch, Board Member, ABIC and Co-Chair, Loews Corporation; and Stephanie Medellin, Board Member, AFU.
(Prof Indrajit Saluja is the Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Panorama, and Parveen Chopra, the former editor of The South Asian Times, is the founder-editor of ALotusInTheMud.com)
