Babu Tangewala
DALLAS, TX: Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) hosted a luncheon reception to Nikki Randhawa Haley, US Ambassador to United Nations, on May 23 at Four Seasons Hotel in Irving, TX.
The event was well attended by prominent community leaders and corporate stalwarts like Abidali Neemuchwala, CEO of Wipro, Prof. Vistasp Karbhari, President of University of Texas at Arlington, Bob Tomes, owner of Tomes Auto group among others.
Dr. Prasad Thotakura, IAFC President, welcomed and introduced Ambassador Nikki Haley as a dynamic leader from the Indian Diaspora. He mentioned that it’s her 6th visit to Dallas although in different capacities. He lauded the contributions of Nikki Haley as South Carolina State Representative, State Governor and now as US Ambassador to UN.
He admired her special skills like diplomatic yet daring, tough yet transparent, patient yet patriotic, caring yet unsparing if needed. Dr. Thotakura stated that the nation needs leaders like Haley who can work effectively with both aisles of the Congress with a bipartisan approach.
Dr. Thotakura observed that the trade between India and USA in 2017 was over $140 billion. Indian tech companies in US operations have created over 410,000 jobs and contributed more than 20 billion dollars in taxes. Also, Indian students’ number in US universities rose to 186,000 that supports US Educational system strongly. Indian immigrants are the most entrepreneurial of all ethnic groups and have contributed over 2 trillion dollars to US economy in the year 2015-2016”.
Ambassador Nikki Haley stated that she is proud of her Indian heritage and recognizes the hard work and sacrifices of Indian Americans who are the least dependent on governmental assistance, most talented and highly educated. She never thought that she would become a State Representative or Governor or Ambassador but her parents did think of her potential because of the prevailing opportunities in the USA.
India and USA share strong economic ties, promising trade and technology relationships, incredible cultural exchange schemes and growing military cooperation structures.
Though India is a nuclear power, no country is worried about it because India scares no one. Instead it respects democratic principles. USA wants to ensure peace and harmony in South Asian region and can’t tolerate countries like Pakistan that became safe haven for terrorists. Both USA and India are pained by terrorism and work hand in hand to eradicate terrorism globally.
Her speech was followed by a Q & A session. Some of the fielded questions from the audience were –US & North Korean President’s meeting a reality? Role of South Asians in the USA?, Current status of US relations with Iran?, Elimination of H4 Visas; Sanctions on H1 B Visas?, After effects of opening an US Embassy in Jerusalem? Ambassador Haley answered all questions eloquently and honestly.
When asked if she was ready to run for US Presidency in the near future, Ambassador Haley replied with grin that her focus now is her current job. IAFC Board of Directors felicitated Ambassador Nikki R Haley with a bouquet of flowers, shawl and a memento.
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