NEW YORK: The Tamil Nadu wing of the Indian National Overseas Congress USA (INOC-USA) was inaugurated here by former Union Minister S Thirunavukkarasar at a gala function held in the presence of Indian National Congress dignitaries from South India.
Inaugurating the Tamil Nadu Chapter, the former MP and Minister said Indian-Americans who are ambassadors of goodwill should promote business ties between the two nations taking advantage of the pro-liberalization policies of the UPA government headed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
“Dr Manmohan Singh had ushered in a new era in Indian politics since independence in terms of economic development and India is now looked up in awe by most nations. He has enhanced the prestige and image of India in the comity of nations,” he said.
He appreciated the glory and respect all Indians in America have added to India in their various fields. He emphasized the vast scope in business and service sectors both countries could play in furthering these endeavors through IT, power, technology, investments, education, or medicine.
Octogenarian party stalwart Kumari Ananthan, former MP and former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President, in his presidential address said Tamil Nadu was a forerunner in Indian freedom struggle with the formation of Native Association in Triplicane, Chennai in 1852, almost 33 years before the launch of the Congress on Dec 28, 1885 in then Calcutta.
Guest of Honor Kumari Ananthan traced the historic roots of the Indian National Congress from its birth in 1885 through its growth in then British India delivering in powerful eulogy the landmark steps taken by many Tamil Nadu rulers, leaders including poets in bringing the so many divisions and people together, remembering among them G. Subramania Iyer, Mahakavi Bharthi, Kamaraj and Sathyamoorthy and recalling the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom movement.
Vazhapadi Rama Suganthan, Youth Congress leader and son of former Union Minister Vazhapadi Ramamurthy, said Gandhi being the earliest NRI who went to South Africa to work as an attorney, it was appropriate that Congress President Sonia Gandhi launched the Indian National Overseas Congress – USA in New York in 2001.Madhappan, former Palakode MLA from Tamil Nadu offered his felicitations.
John Joseph, a Long Island medical entrepreneur from Amity Harbor, Long Island, New York was installed as president of the state wing. The launch of the Tamil Nadu Chapter INOC(I) was formalized by the handing over of the official Letter of Appointment by George Abraham John Joseph in the presence of all chief guests and INOC (I) Executive Committee members and chapter presidents.
Kumari Ananthan garlanded John Joseph with the traditional Congress tricolor shawl.
As the lamp was officially lit and program commenced with placing of traditional silk shawls and sandalwood garlands on guests of honor and dignitaries, George Abraham, President INOC (I) in welcoming address applauded the ancient great traditions, culture, arts and music of Tamil Nadu.
He said the bringing together of all states under INOC(I) umbrella was marked by this launch and will continue after the launch of Karnataka Chapter recently by the then Foreign Minister SM Krishna. Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh chapters will also be unveiled.
Among other noteworthy announcements made were that of the NRI Interface Council for the Indian Diaspora, Business Council for strategic partnership exchange between India and USA, the Think-Tank with Academia to be formed which will be officially announced.
Shudh Parkash Singh, Senior Vice President INOC (I) in his “Vanakam” address lauded the efforts of John Joseph and his team for bringing three dignitaries from Chennai. Kanwal Sra, treasurer and Mohinder Singh Gilzian, senior executive committee member offered their felicitations to the new chapter.
Prakash Swamy, President of New York Tamil Sangam introduced the guests as doyens of Congress in Tamil Nadu. Dr T K Sripada Rao, internationally renowned nephrologist of Brooklyn Hospital who treated late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran (MGR) was honored on the occasion. A special Bharathanatyam dance recital by Pallavi Moorthy and Pooja Iyer, disciples of Padma Bhushan Kamala Lakshman, performed the Pushpanjalli and Padam.
India Post News Service
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