Royce optimistic of growth in Indo-US ties.
AB Wire
WASHINGTON, DC: The Indo American Community Services (IACS) hosted its first annual Leadership Reception on June 23, in Washington, DC.
The event, which honored and celebrated the achievements of Indian Americans in Congress, attracted several distinguished members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as more than 100 established professionals.
Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the Foreign Service Committee, was optimistic about the future of the Indo-U.S. partnership, according to a press release.
“We look forward to building the relationship between India and the United States and we thank the community here for the bridge that they help provide so that these two great democracies can work ever closer together for a common goal,” he said.
Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) praised the role Indian American leaders have taken in both local and national politics.
“What to me is so great about this event is raising new leaders in the Indo American Community and this community as we can see is definitely expanding politically. I’ve always been impressed by this community that is always ready to fill new roles and responsibilities in our great country.”
Other notable attendees included Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL), Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL), Balan Ayyer, the first Indian American Brigadier General in U.S. Air Force, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Ryan Panchadasaram, and senior staff from the offices of Illinois Senator Mark Kirk’s, Congressman Menendez’s, U.S. Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Mike Honda and other congressional offices.
Manu Bhardwaj Senior advisor for Deputy Secretary of State, and Vikrum Aiyer, Senior Advisor to the White House economic council and other Indian American corporate leaders, and various entrepreneurs were also present.
The organizers, IACS, are a non -profit organization dedicated to empowering the South Asian community through a variety of events including: Diversity Job Fairs, Woman’s conferences, Leadership Intern programs, professional and leadership networking, and Entrepreneurial conferences.
“I am so please to be able to say how much we appreciate the Indo American Community Service that is growing rapidly in its success and its influence in Illinois as well as in DC,” said Congressman Foster. “IACS is very valuable for opening the lines of communication between members of Congress,” he continued.
The IACS has worked with several members of Congress to involve Indian American students in internship programs at Congress to help them gain experience and inspire them to run for office in the future.
When asked about the importance of these internship program, the president of the IACS Sreenivas Katragadda stated, “These intern programs are crucial in providing Indian American students [with] a unique experience that can get them involved in the government. The Indian American Community has been expanding in the science and business fields and it is also important that we be active within the government as well … these internships give young people a great opportunity to do so.”