The Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA celebrated the Inaugural of their newly elected team for 2015-2016 along with the Baishaki festival on April 17th at Royal Albert Palace, Edison, New Jersey. The event was attended by approximately 500 people. This was the first time that the presiding President Shudh Parkash Singh stepped down to hold democratic elections as per the advice of Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Department, AICC and the vision of Indian National Congress Vice President Shri Rahul Gandhi. The Elections were held on February 7th and saw the first elected President and a woman Smt. Lavika Bhagat Singh win very comfortably.
The Inaugural was a Grand Affair with all chapters of the Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA participating. The event started with the American and Indian National Anthem and was emceed by the National General Secretary Rajender Dichpally. Guest of Honor was Former New Jersey Deputy Speaker and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula. Gurmeet Gill, Punjab Chapter President, instrumental in organizing all chapters of Punjab within USA, hosted the event. He was assisted by Punjab Chapter members, Gurdeep Singh, Mandeep Hans, Manoj Singh, Raminder Jakher, Karan Gill, Rajpal Shinda, Papi Badesha.
INOC (I), USA honored prominent community leaders Upendra Chivukula, Jasbir S. and Parmjit S. Chandi, Jabber Singh Grewal, Dr. Rajinder Jinna and Harbhajan Singh.
A special recognition and award was presented to INOC (I), USA Past President and Present Chairman Shudh Parkash Singh. Accepting the honor, Shudh Parkash Singh thanked his past team, Kanwal Sra, Ravi Chopra, Phuman Singh, Sher Madra, Kalathil Varughese among others for their support in making his term memorable. He stated that during his tenure he was able to highlight the INOC (I), USA activities and its service to mainstream American Leadership, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Nassau County Executive, Ed Mangano, and New York Mayor Bill De Blasio. He said he took up many initiatives that were pioneer efforts for the Organization like ‘Chalo Punjab.’
New President of INOC (I), USA Lavika Bhagat Singh thanked her predecessor, Shudh Parkash Singh for his leadership and hoped he will continue to guide the Organization. She assured the gathering that she will take the Organization to greater heights and hoped one day INOC (I), USA will be recognized by the Leaders in Washington DC. She recounted her association with the Party and her work under various former presidents of INOC (I) and hoped that she receive support from all members to take the Organization to a higher stature.
The Kerala Chapter was represented by the most recognized Vice President and Community Leader Kalathil Varughese and Kerala Chapter President Joby George, New York Chapter President Joy Ittan, Pennsylvania Chapter President Kurian Rajan and chapter Executive and members participated. Also, New York State comptroller Thomas DiNapo attended on behalf of Kerala Chapter.
The formation of the Telangana Chapter was also initiated on this occasion under the Presidency of Dr. Rajender Jinna, Telugu Community Leader and Former President, ATA (American Telugu Association).
The formal event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Gurvinder Talwandi, Joint Secretary, INOC (I), USA and Gurmeet Singh Gill, Chairman, Disciplinary Action Committee, INOC (I), USA. This was followed by colorful Bhangra performances and Punjabi musical rendition by singer, Gill Hardeep and his troupe. A Sumptuous dinner was served.
