K Ravoori
CHICAGO: Indian American Business Council [IABC] – in partnership with major community organizations – hosted a ceremonial commemorative event in celebration of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, while hostinga reception to Dr. Kiran Bedi that encompassed the official release of her book entitled ‘Fearless Governance’ on Sunday October 2, 2022 at the Sheraton in Elk Grove, a north side suburb of Chicago.
This dual celebration attracted a large gathering to felicitate Dr. Kiran Bedi former Lt. Governor of Puducherry, India and the first woman in India to join the highest officer ranks of the Indian Police Service. Sheheld positions of top hierarchy in Police Departments in India. Chicago’s prominent community figures including US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Dr. Bharat Barai, Dr. Sreenivas Reddy and Consul Ranjit Singh attended.Theevent was hosted at the Sheraton in Elkgrove, IL.
Honoring the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi taking the precedence, several community leaders stepped up to the portrait to pay homage to the father of the nation by showering floral petals interspersed with a silent prayer. Paying reverential homage to Mahatma Gandhi and speaking about the relevance of Gandhian Ideals in the current context. Dr.BharatBarai outlined in-depth the role of Mahatma Gandhi and how the history and destiny of India has been shaped by his noble tenants of non-violence. He related some anecdotes that highlighted the life of Mahatma Gandhi proving that one man has shown the power to take on the challenge by shaking up the very foundations and, thus obtaining emancipation from the stubborn colonial rule.
Unveiling the content of the book ‘Fearless Governance’ Dr. Kiran Bedi extensively outlined the inspiration that led her to memorialize her illustrious role in presiding over as the Lieutenant Governor and summed up the ‘Fearless Governance’ book saying,“ I have become fearless with long held focus on the fundamental objectives of ushering effective and efficient governance replete with integrity, honesty and devotion to the core principles of good and responsive governance.” She recalled the fierce hostility she faced at the every step of her life, but she faced it with determination, conviction, faith and unshakable resolve to take up on ushering good governance.
Earlier, Ajeet Singh, President of Indian American Business Council welcomed the gathering and described Dr. Kiran Bedi as an outstanding iconic steward who dealt a body blow to the status quo by ushering comprehensive reforms in the structural foundations of the police departments in India
Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Chair of the Illinois Medical Board in his remarks extolled virtues of Dr. Kiran Bedi as a fearless leader who has comprehensively changed the fundamentals of governance by instilling honorable governance. He described Dr. Kiran Bedi as a fearless voice that has left indelible footprints in the Indian history to be the first woman in India to reign at the highest ranks in the Indian Police Service who maintained dignity and fidelity to the rule of law.
Consul Ranjit Singh from the Office of the Indian Consulate commended IABC for hosting a commemorative event in honor of Mahatma Gandhi and the book-release ceremony.
Vinesh Virani in his brief remarks assured her that the Chicago community stands ready and willing to always lend her a strong hand of friendship and cooperation in her quest to bring reforms to the governance in India.
Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, IABC Chair in his introductory remarks described the book Fearless Governance as a scholarly book from a woman of substance, steel and service and went on to advocate this book to be included in the syllabi of the government civil service.
Harish Kolasani, President, National India Hub launched the ‘Lives on the Brink’ an initiative with Ms. Anu Pewhawaria, a renowned attorney and a philanthropist with the sole purpose of bridging the chasm between the two great nations – India and the United States. This initiative undertaken by National India Hub entails extending meaningful support to the families facing challenges and help offer solutions to the problems.
FIA-Chicago President Rakesh Malhotra presented a special poem written in honor entitled ‘Kiran’ and read out the poem. Richa Chand served as the Emcee for the event. This dual celebration event was hosted in partnership with Art of Living, National India Hub, Illinois Cricket Association, VHPA, Hindu Women Network & Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago. Several community leaders were present including Shweta Baid, Alderwoman, City of Aurora, Nag Jaiswal, MurugeshKasilingam, Vinita Gulabani, Nick Verma, Subbu Iyer, MurugeshKasilingam, Satish Dadepogu and the young Ashankh and Ani Singh.
Harish Kolasani, President of National India Hub hosted a private dinner reception for Dr. Kiran Bedi at the India Hub in Schaumburg, IL and appraised Dr. Bedi about the activities and mission of the National India Hub.
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