Connecting 30 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 

More than 50 US Congress members Attended

20th Anniversary Celebration of Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC)

Ambassador "Nikki" Haley, Permanent Representative of United States to the United Nations, receives a plaque from Dr. Krishna Reddy, Chairman, Indian American Friendship Council, during the celebration of 20th Anniversary of the organisation in Washington DC. More than 50 US Congress members including India Caucus Co-chairs Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Congressman George Holding and other Congress members Dr. Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Frank Pallone, Ed Royce

Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Washington DC: The Indian-American Friendship Council (IAFC) celebrated its 20th Anniversary in US Capital Washington DC on October 31, 2017. More than 200 IAFC delegates and supporters from all over the country participated very enthusiastically in these celebrations. In the morning, at White House briefing many US government officials from various departments narrated the current US-Indo relations.

US Senator Charles E Schumer speak at 20th Anniversary of "Indian American Friendship Council" as Dr. Krishna Reddy (left) Chairman of the organisation  

IAFC Founding Chairman Dr. Krishna Reddy reiterated the importance of having stronger relations between India and USA in eradicating terrorism from across the globe. IAFC President Dr. Prasad Thotakura expressed community concern of current administration’s policy changes in immigration and H-1B Visas which are going to affect many Indian American Tech companies and thousands of students. Dr. Sat Gupta, Rao Kalvala and many members fielded several questions on the current Indo-US agreements and developments on in the areas of trade, power, defense etc.

During Senate luncheon - US Senator from Ohio, Senator Shred Brown (Democrat), US Senator from New York, Senator Chuck Schummer (Democrat), US Senator from South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican) and many US Policy makers announced their full support towards the implementation of many agreements which are going to benefit both countries.

In the evening Legislative Gala, more than 50 US Congress members including India Caucus Co-chairs Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Congressman George Holding and other Congress members Dr. Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Frank Pallone, Ed Royce, Carolyn Meloney, Ted Poe, Sheila Jackson Lee, Matthew Cartwright and many lawmakers affirmed that they will work together to strengthen the Indo-US relations irrespective of their political party affiliations. Aadish Agarwal read out the greeting message to IAFC sent by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Prem Reddy read out the message sent by US President Donald Trump.

  US Senator from Ohio, Senator Shred Brown (Democrat) with Dr.Reddy

Hon. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley attended as Keynote speaker at this Banquet. IAFC President Dr. Prasad Thotakura while introducing her stated that Hon. Haley is a rising political star in US. As Governor of South Carolina she worked very hard with a lot of passion and dedication and created thousands of jobs in the state like no one witnessed before. Now, as US Ambassador to the United Nations she is having her own mark in representing US very well at global front.

   

“I’m thrilled to note that Indian diaspora is making wonders in USA in all fields especially in IT area. Indian owned tech companies have created more than 410,000 jobs in USA and contributed more than 20 billion to the US economy in form of taxes. The trade between US and India is over 115 Billion. I’m proud to note that Hon. Haley is also part of this noble Indian diaspora.” Dr. Prasad Thotakura, said.   

Hon. Ambassador Nikki Haley in her keynote address first condemned the terrorist attack that happened on the same day in New York where 8 innocent people lost their lives. She announced that the US is working with India to stop terrorism in Afghanistan and in South Asia region. Ambassador Haley stated that though Pakistan is an ally of USA but can’t tolerate Pakistan if they harbor and support terrorists in their country. She recollected the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in June where two leaders agreed that there is a greater to need to work together to stop terrorism and establish peace and security across the globe. Nikki Haley also pointed out that India is a country with a nuclear power, but no one suspects its intentions as it is a responsible democratic country. She also extended her full support to strengthen the friendly relationships in the economic, commercial and technical sectors ultimately benefiting both countries.

Frank Joseph Pallone Jr. is the U.S. Representative for New Jersey  

She further stated that many millions of Indian American with strong Indian family values and heritage ​​are contributing a lot to the US economy. She is very proud of her own Indian heritage. Haley appreciated the efforts of the Indian American Friendship Council (AIFC) in building better and stronger bond between the largest and the oldest democracies on this earth, India and USA.

Dr. Prasad Thotakura thanked Hon. Ambassador Nikki Haley for gracing the occasion despite her hectic schedule. Dr. Thotakura along with Founding Chair, Dr. Krishna Reddy and Vice President Amaranth Gowda felicitated Ambassador Haley with a token of appreciation.  

  KV KUMAR, Dr. Prasad Thotakura with US Senator from South Carolina, Senator Lindsey Graham

Dr. Krishna Reddy honored the Congress members Ed Royce, Tulsi Gabbard and George Holdings with the National Service Awards. Dr. Prem Reddy, Avadesh Agarwal, Yossef Bodonsky, Adish Aggarwal and Prameela Kaza with National Excellence Awards.

IAFC Vice President Amarnath Gowda in his vote of thanks message specially thanked Dr. Prasad Thotakura for playing a key role in having Hon. US Ambassador Nikki Haley as the Chief Guest and Keynote speaker. He praised IAFC Chairman Dr. Krishna Reddy for his vision and leadership and officers Secretary Subbarao Kolla, Treasurer Tanvir Arfi, Board of Directors Murali Vennam, Satish Reddy, Dr. Harnath Policherla, K. V. Kumar, Ravi Gowda, Dr. Tara Reddy, Prameela Kaza, Mallik Banda, Bala Palaniswamy and MC Rita Cosby, Jogeswara Rao Peddaboyina for their hard work in making these grand celebrations successful. He also expressed his gratitude to all US Policy makers, delegates who attended from across the country, media representatives and donors.