Rep. Bill Foster and Rep. Mike Quigley. Standing AIA ofiicals and guests. Pics Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: It was not easy sailing for Congressman Mike Quigley attending the Association of Indians in America (AIA) Awards Banquette here last week when he was urged to explain his stand on a letter that he co-signed with other US lawmakers last November urging the government not to issue visa to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi.
An Indian American community activist and a TV correspondent Vandana Jhingan asked Quigley if had all the facts before him before he appended his signature to the letter addressed to former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for denying visa to Modi in the context of riots that rocked the State of Gujarat ten years ago. She asked Congressman Mike “What was the reason you signing that letter because the alleged involvement of Modi that was not the whole truth.”
Mike Quigley said that he had been informed by people about the happening but then he had no input from the other side. He said that he would like to get enlightened and that “I am open to meet other people also and will consider looking into that.” “He sounded honest and sincere to me”, Vandana told this paper, “and he provided me with his office card and telephone number asking to be in touch with him.”
“I am not a Gujarati but I am a human being and I cannot stand injustice being done to someone. I read book from page 1 and not from 51 the way some people in our community do and in turn are misguiding elected officials and that is not a healthy sign,” she observed
Asian Media USA adds:
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) Illinois organized an AIA Awards Banquet on Sunday August 4 with Cultural and Entertainment program at Ashyana Banquets, in Downers Grove,
Salil Mishra, President AIA Illinois Chapter served ably as MC. Naren Patel, National Vice President, welcomed all including dignitaries including Rep Danny Davis, Rep Mike Quigely, Rep Bill Foster, Bob Peickeut of Dupage County, Theresa Mg, representing Governor Pat Quinn, and Indian community activists and members from different walks of life.
He congratulated Honor Awardees Rep. Danny Davis and Mr Trilok Malik and also the Special Awardee Dr Sushil Gupta.
Congratulating Awardees and welcoming special guests, National President Dr Ghanshyam Pandey said that the Award Banquette event was the continuation of a great tradition that AIA established to honor the pioneers who have significantly contributed in promoting a healthy relationship between India and the US in their own way, and those individuals of Indian origin who are high achievers in areas like science, education, arts and politics.
In this respect, he pointed out that AIA has conferred Honor Awards to several Nobel Laureates like S. Chandrasekhar, Bharat Ratna Amartya Sen, Sitarist Ravi Shankar and several congressmen. “In line with this tradition, we are honoring two very distinguished persons, Congressman Danny Davis, and film producer Trilok Malik, and a Special recognition award to Dr Sushil Gupta” he said.
He highlighted a variety of achievements of AIA, adding that it continues to work on the issuance of Diwali stamps by the US Postal Service. He urged Congressmen Davis, Quigley and Foster to support the issuance of the Diwali stamps by the US Postal Service.
Ashish Sen, Member, Executive Committee AIA introduced U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, a very influential Congressman and a member of Ways and Means Committee. Rep Danny Davis applauded the activities of AIA and expressed pleasure at it serving the cause of the community and assured his support.
Rep Mike Quigley, representing 5th Congressional district of Illinois, was introduced by Balvinder Singh. Rep Quigley conveyed his greetings and thanked AIA for their continued service to communities nationwide and abroad.
Rep Bill Foster who represents Illinois’ 11th Congressional District, asked AIA to work for boosting economic development thru activity like reviving American manufacturing, refurbishing/reviving Wall Street, fiscal responsibility, energy, health care, science and technology and education etc.
Vinod K. Bansal, Chair, AIA Board of Trustees, emphasized uniqueness of AIA amongst Indian organizations for its non-religious, non-linguistic and non-provincial association.
AIA awards for highest achievement were given to Rep Danny Davis, and Trilok Malik, movie producer and director. His Apple Productions has produced many films since 1990.Special Recognition Award was given to Professor Sushil K.
Gupta. All enjoyed sumptuous dinner and enjoyed cultural and entertaining program.
Members of National Executive Committee are President: Ghanshyam Pandey; Vice Presidents: Virendra Gupta (GVC); Naren Patel (IL); Surinder Rametra (NY); Durgesh Thakur (FL); Treasurer: Lucy Pandey (IL); Secretary: Salil Misra (IL)
Surendra Ullal & Asian Media USA
