CHICAGO: The US India Chamber of Commerce Midwest organized a “2016 Annual Holiday Dinner” celebrating its 15th Anniversary on December 8 at Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove, Illinois, with Indian Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed as the Chief Guest. Many business leaders and leaders from other Industry organizations and local area chambers attended the event.
Ms. Roopla Khanna, Board Member, welcomed the gathering and conducted the event. Dr. Ajit Pant, President, thanked all the attendees for joining the celebrations in spite of the chilly weather. He briefed the audience on the history of the Chamber and shared his memories of the founding of the Chamber, as one of its four founders.
Dr Pant mentioned about some of the programs conducted in the past by the Chamber on subjects like Energy Cooperation, Aviation, Infrastructure, Retail, Skill Development, Immigration Issues, Leaders’ visits from either sides, and its Entrepreneur Speaker Series etc.
He said that the Chamber promotes stimulating dialogues thru its programs, brings like minded people together, builds awareness and develops stewardship and mentoring. With the US India Trade envisaged to grow four times over the next 4 years, to $500Billion, he said that the Chamber is deeply vested in the success of the US-India business relationship.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Chicago, in his address explained the various steps the Consulate and its Commerce Division, under his leadership, has taken to promote trade relationship between India and US Midwest states. He narrated the events organized by the Consulate to bring various business organizations together and also to create awareness about the various programs of the Government of India like the Make in India Program, the Skill Development Program etc.
He also suggested to the Chamber members to participate in the forthcoming events organized by the Commerce Division of the Consulate.
Past Presidents Ms. Gabrielle Buckley and Richard Mcmanamin were felicitated and honored at the event for their contributions to the Chamber.
Finally, Dr Prakasam Tata, Board member, thanked the Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed and the attendees. The event ended with a grand dinner and cocktails and more networking.
Suresh Bodiwala
