Sri Harbachan Singh, Secretary General, IOC USA, opened the event with greetings and remarks, “Congratulations to Sri Rajiv Gowda, today marks a momentous occasion as we embark on this journey under your capable leadership. Your ability to assemble such an outstanding team speaks volumes, and I am eager to witness the remarkable achievements that await us, especially with the Lok Sabha elections on the horizon. The upcoming Elections are particularly important, and we will communicate with each other to ensure we are in sync with the voters of India and support their yearnings for a change in the status quo. We need every voter to participate and support the Indian National Congress so democracy can be saved for everyone today and future generations.“

Vice Chairman of IOC USA, Sri George Abraham, addressed the gathering and highlighted India’s dire current political situation and the apparent threat to democracy and free and fair elections. Sri Abraham introduced the new president of the Karnataka Chapter and said, “It is my distinct pleasure to have the Karnataka Chapter officially on board to help us in the people’s fight to retake our beloved country from those who want to foster and facilitate discrimination, division, and a blatant disregard for freedom in our motherland.“

In his address via Zoom, IOC Global Chairman Sri Sam Pitroda offered a heartwarming congratulations and introduction. He said this chapter’s presence marks a particular moment in our collective mission, “I stand with unwavering pride to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your team. Your dedication has formed a new bedrock for the INC and is poised to be a loyal advocate for democracy in India. The Karnataka Chapter will resonate as a powerful voice, upholding the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, freedom, equality, fraternity, and secularism, regardless of caste, language, or religion.” Sri Pitroda specifically commented on the crucial timing as the INC is poised to shape the future of India, particularly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said, “the recent Supreme Court ruling on electoral bonds, farmer unrest, and encroachments on civil liberties serve as stark reminders of the challenges facing Indian democracy. Yet, united as a cohesive force, we possess the power to cause meaningful change. Through our collaboration, we will thwart any further attempts to erode the democratic fabric of India.“

In a taped video message, Dr. Arathi Krishna, charge secretary of the All-India Congress Committee IOC, offered a warm welcome and congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda. She said, “You are bringing a unique experience to the IOC USA family, and we are confident that the newly organized chapter will soar to success under your leadership. Karnataka’s decisiveness in the state elections sent a powerful message to the nation under the leadership of CM Sri Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Sri D.K. Shivakumar. Our democracy is in crisis, and we must stand shoulder to shoulder to fight for a win in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.“

IOC USA President Sri Mohinder Singh Gilzian, who is in India on an important INC work via phone, congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda and wished him and his team a successful inaugural event as you earnestly start working this election year.

Senior leaders Sri John Joseph- Sr. VP/IOC USA, Sri Baldev Randhav – VP/IOC USA, Malini Shah, VP/IOC USA, Sri Sharat Vemuganti- General Secretary/IOC USA, Rajeshwara Reddy – President Telangana Chapter, Ram Gadula -Chair Telangana Chapter, Amer Sing Gulshan- President Haryana Chapter, Leela Maret- President Kerala Chapter and Dr. Joshua Jaya Singh-President Tamil Nadu Chapter addressed the gathering and congratulated Sri Rajiv Gowda.

Sri Rajiv Gowda, the newly appointed president, thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve Indians everywhere and the tremendous responsibility he is ready for. In his remarks, Sri Rajiv Gowda said, “India is the largest democracy in the world and must stand as a beacon for all others who dream of living in a democratic country. As a democracy, we cannot be afraid of those who abuse the power given to them by the people. Instead, when they abuse that power, the people must take it back from them and give it to those that will strive to create a unified India, an India that can truly emerge on the global stage as a rights-respecting democracy.”

Yamuna Nagaraj and Thomas Matthews were appointed as General Secretary and Treasurer, while Manoj Mulki assumed the role of Joint Secretary. Abhishek Harish, Nivedita Chandrappa, and Mohammad Sahada were appointed as members of the Executive Committee. Newly appointed Nikhil Thagdur- Joint Secretary, Indira Reddy – President, of Mahila Congress, Govindaraj, and Madhu Iyer – executive board members were unable to attend the event.

The event was packed with senior party officers, Kannada Association leaders, and media outlets including Sakshi TV and TV Asia, progressed into lamp lighting, enchanting classical dance, Mysuru Jathi, and Varaha Roopam by Mayuri Karanth, the release of souvenirs and vote of thanks by Thomas Matthews.

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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.

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On this occasion, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA, said, “We gathered here to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the first anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. This journey, spanning more than 4000 kilometers, has taken us through the heart and soul of India, covering 12 states and 2 Union territories. This Yatra aims to unite India and to come together and strengthen our nation. Bharat Jodo Yatra also provided an opportunity to listen to the voices of India. We’ve heard our fellow citizens’ hopes, dreams, and concerns. The Bharat Jodo Yatra is not just about covering kilometers on a map but bridging distances in our hearts. Bharat Jodo Yatra is not just a physical journey; it’s a journey of the spirit. It’s a journey that celebrates the idea of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ – One India, the Best India.“

During her visit to the United States, Smt. Ramya Haridas spoke of the long struggles the erstwhile Congress party leaders undertook to make the nation that is India today. She emphasized that India belongs to all of us, regardless of group or religion.

The reception was attended by several prominent members of the Indian Overseas Congress, including Ms. Leela Maret, President of Kerala Chapter, Mr. George Abraham, Mr. Varghese Pothanicad, Jose George, and Sam Mannarikot.

The Bharat Jodo Yatra has provided an opportunity to listen to the voices of India and understand the hopes, dreams, and concerns of fellow citizens. The celebration of its first anniversary is a remarkable milestone in the journey towards a united and strong India.

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