India Post News Service

CERRITOS: Visiting Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was felicitated at a dinner reception held in his honor at the Cerritos Sheraton. Hosted by Dr Fresh Inc. the event brought together some of So Cal's leading luminaries.Congressman Ed Royce is a familiar face at Indian events. In his welcome address, he called for more investment in India.

He also commented on America's obsession with China and called for India and the United States to work together to lower trade barriers.Host Puneet Nanda, aka Dr Fresh is the President of his company that bears the same name. Welcoming the CM and his entourage, he said that India's democratic setup makes it a better option than China.

He also cited the example of Sassoon and Tata. Sassoon left India for China and lost it all.The CM and key members of his entourage were presented with flowers. The Mayor of Buena Park presented him with a proclamation. Mayors of other neighboring cities also paid their respects.In his address the Chief Minister spoke on current issues.

He also briefed the guests on the progress Haryana has made and the opportunities his state offers to prospective investors. He also spoke of Haryana's similarities with California saying that both are agro based economies.In a special interview with India Post, the Chief Minister emphasized that the State Government has created a single window clearance system to cut out red tape. The states' two new Industrial policies have enabled speedy processing and clearance.Globally, Punjab accounts for the highest number of NRIs worldwide.

A large number of these immigrants fly into Delhi and from there drive to their final destination in Punjab.From Delhi the GT Road passes through Haryana and time and again these NRIs are stopped and harassed by the Haryana Police. India Post has heard many horror stories of Haryana Police personnel extorting money from NRI travelers. Incredibly the Chief Minister denied any such harassment by his state police.

This denial comes just about two weeks before a family returned to Los Angeles from Kapurthala. Talking about their nightmare on the GT Road, they said that the Haryana cops made them open their bags and began asking for receipts of mundane routine items like watches and cameras.

They eventually had to bribe the cops to let them go. And the CM denies any harassment by his state's police.The grand finale was Bollywood dance performance by a teenage dance troupe. Earlier in the day the CM attended another private reception in Santa Monica where he met with community leaders.