L-R: Abdulgani Shaikh, Subba Gopavarapu, Navin Gupta, Dilip Butani, Inder Singh, Ashok Madan, Vasu Pawar & Kewal Kanda
LOS ANGELES: The two day 9th Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas event was celebrated on November 14 and 15 at The Hotel Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles. The dignitaries that graced the occasion were Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, Congressman Brad Sherman, Ambassador Arun Kumar Singh, Secretary of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Anil K. Agrawal and Consul General of India, San Francisco Venkatesan Ashok. Over 1000 delegates attended the seminar.
The program started with singing of the national anthems of the US and India followed by lamp lighting ceremony.
In his address, Ambassador Arun Singh said that there is a great desire among the Indian Diaspora to connect with India and be a part of the growing opportunities there. So also there is a desire to celebrate the great changes taking place in India with a projected growth rate of about 8 percent and rising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and consumer confidence
Anil K Agrawal lauded the contribution of Indian-Americans in various fields. He said members of the Indian American Community created many opportunities for themselves, achieved prosperity, excellence in academics and also made significant contributions in various fields.
Congresswoman Judy Chu called for increasing representation of minorities at all levels of government. She also encouraged young Americans to get involved in the government.
Congresswoman Janice Hahn said LA County was home to 500K Indian-Americans and the state of California to a million. She expressed admiration for the traditional values upheld by the Indian American community.
Congressman Brad Sherman also complimented the Indian Americans who have achieved success in various fields.
In his vote of thanks, CGI Venkatesan Ashok recognized the huge number of individuals, sponsors and Indian-American organizers who helped to make the event possible. Also present on the occasion was Deputy Consul General K J Srinivasan. The evening wrapped up with a cultural show and dinner.
Overall it was a great event and will be remembered by the Indian American community for a long time.
Dilip Butani
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