NEW YORK (TIP): Harbachan Singh was sworn in for his second term as president of Queens Civic Congress (QCC) at the annual QCC Legislative Reception on December 6, 2015 at the Douglaston Club in Queens. It was another successful QCC event which was well attended by its many organization members and several prominent legislators from federal, state and city levels. Highlighting the event was the swearing in of the newly elected QCC team by US Senator Charles Schumer who commended QCC for its representation and advocacy.

Harbachan Singh, born in Malaysia, is a Barrister-at-Law from U.K He is a former Chairman of the Headquarters Committee on Contracts of the United Nations. Currently, he is Secretary-General of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA. and President of the Advisory Board of the Holocaust Center at the Queens Borough Community College. He is a past president of the Saul Weprin Democratic Club, Vice President of the Community Advisory Board of the Queens Hospital Center and a delegate of the Queens Borough President’s’ General Assembly. Singh is also a life member of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO.

Ashook Ramsaran, formerly of Guyana, was sworn in as the newest vice president of QCC. Ramsaran emigrated from Guyana in 1968 and currently president of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO International). He is a board member of the Fresh Meadows Civic Association and Secretary of New York Presbyterian/Queens Hospital Community Advisory Council, among several other notable positions in prominent organizations and institutions.

The growing impact of the activities of Queens Civic Congress has certainly drawn attention recently as evidenced from the significant number officials attending the event. Legislators who participated in the Legislative Reception included: U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng; Queens Borough President Ms. Melinda Katz; New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer; Public Advocate Letitia James; State Senators Tony Avella and Toby Ann Stavisky; State Assemblymen David Weprin and Edward Braunstein; State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic; NYC Council Members Rory Lancman, Alicia Hyndman, Karen Koslowitz and Barry Grodenchik; NYC Design & Construction Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora representing Mayor Bill di Blasio; and others.

QCC second term president Mr. Harbachan Singh spoke after the swearing in ceremony of the many challenges Queens residents were facing on issues such as those relating to public transport system, airplane noise at vicinities of Queens two major airports, congestion pricing, shelters for the homeless, zoning for quality and affordability housing, use of parks and the parkland, business development districts and Long Island Rail Road line activation proposals. Singh reasoned with the legislators that “while we invariably find ourselves on the same side of the table at City Council or State Assembly hearings, we both serve the common interests of the residents and the county; we also appreciate your listening ears to our opposing positions when necessary”. Singh recognized their overall collaboration, support and cooperation.”

Queens Civic Congress, formed in 1997, is a registered New York State non-profit organization representing more than 100 civic and other community organizations throughout the Borough of Queens in New York City, is committed to the protection and advancement of the “Quality of Life”, to provide a forum for the civic associations and neighborhood organizations, to develop and present common policies and positions, and to furnish effective leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the welfare and interests of Queens’ neighborhoods.