CHICAGO: The Indian Overseas Congress, USA (IOCUSA) proudly hosted a Membership Drive on October 19, 2023, at the Shalimar Banquet in Chicago, Illinois. The event aimed to galvanize the Indian diaspora towards active socio-political participation and celebrate Indian heritage. Over 100 attendees participated in insightful dialogues and vibrant discussions, reflecting the IOCUSA’s core tenets of democracy, inclusivity, and celebration of Indian heritage.
The event’s centerpiece was the keynote address by Mr. Sam Pitroda, a distinguished political and technology thought leader. Mr. Pitroda’s political acumen, reflected in his tenure as an advisor to former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his instrumental role in India’s telecommunication revolution, aligned seamlessly with the event’s essence and the broader objectives of the IOCUSA.
Following his address, Mr. Pitroda engaged in an interactive session, addressing queries from the Indian diaspora present, further enriching the discourse. The panel featured an array of distinguished and seasoned leaders within the IOCUSA, USA, and the broader community.
Mr. Minhaj Akhtar was appointed as the Working President for the Midwest Region during the Membership Drive. The appointment reflects the organization’s continuous mission to galvanize the Indian diaspora towards active socio-political participation. The panel also featured Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of IOCUSA, who said in his address, “We are on our way to establishing a team in all the states of the USA and uniting the Indian Diaspora to support freedom and justice for everyone back in our motherland.”
Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary IOCUSA, moderated the event, and Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Chairman of IOCUSA Haryana Chapter, Mr. Satheesan Nair, Executive Vice-President of the Kerala Chapter and Senior Leader of IOCUSA, and Mr. Iftekhar Sharif, prominent community member, seasoned businessman, and philanthropist, were also present at the event.
The Membership Drive was not just a means to augment IOCUSA’s membership but also became a celebration of the diaspora’s collective achievements and aspirations. The event provided a rich networking platform and fostered a collaborative spirit amongst like-minded individuals.
The Indian Overseas Congress, USA, is a vanguard in fostering social, economic, and political engagement among the Indian diaspora in the United States. Through various initiatives and events, IOCUSA is committed to crafting a vibrant platform for dialogue and action that propels a stronger India-US alliance.
For those inspired by the event’s objectives and looking to join the Indian Overseas Congress, USA, contact 646-732-5119 for more information on membership and upcoming events. Visit www.iocusa.org for more information.
 hosted a Membership Drive in Chicago, Illinois, where Minhaj Akhtar was appointed as the Working President for the Midwest Region. The event aimed to galvanize the Indian diaspora towards active socio-political participation and featured a keynote address by political and technology thought leader, Sam Pitroda.){kind=link}