![Indian Community elite L-R Ranjit Ganguly, Narendra Patel, Beena Patel, Prof G Pandey and Salil Mishra, AIA president](https://indiapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IADO2-web2.jpg)
CHICAGO: A premier political organization of Indian American community in Chicagoland, the Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) recently held its annual banquet at the Holiday Inn in Skokie, celebrating its 34 years serving the South Asian and Illinois community.
Top ranking elected officials from Democratic Party along with over 400 members and other guests from the Chicagoland area attended the glittering event.
IADO’s dinner was supported by the presence of several of Illinois’ key elected leaders and candidates. Attendees included Governor Pat Quinn, Lt Governor Sheila Simon (candidate for State Comptroller), Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, State Senators Mike Frerichs (Candidate for State Treasurer), Daniel Biss, State Representatives Lou Lang, Robyn Gabel and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar, Chicago’s first South Asian American alderman.
There were also several candidates for Judge, including Sean Chaudhri, the first IADO supported candidate to receive the Democratic Party’s backing in over 30 years.
“The South Asian community represents a key voice for Illinois,” said Governor Pat Quinn while presenting “Outstanding Service Award” to Harendra Mangrola for Providing Exceptional leadership to IADO and South Asian American Community. Mangrola has headed IADO in the past and is actively associated with host of other community oriented organizations and activities.
In his keynote address, US Congressman Luis Gutierrez gave the community an update on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. “The fastest growing demographic in Illinois are Asian Americans. It is vital for us to work together and pass immigration reform,” he said.
Congressmen Jan Schakowsky, Bill Foster and Danny Davis participated in a panel discussion on the recent government shutdown.
Dr Ashish Sen, President of IADO, stated, “We are proud and honored to have the support of so many elected officials and candidates for office.” IADO meet was addressed by Dr Ausaf Sayeed and others
Founded in Chicago in 1980, IADO is the oldest Asian American political organization in Illinois. Its mission is to promote the political empowerment of the South Asian American community.
Surendra Ullal