Indian Americans have an obligation to help create conditions for empowering Indian women, says philanthropist Frank Islam.
The Washington area-based National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA) (HQs-VA) celebrated the Republic Day of India in Potomac, MD, on Sunday.
One of the highlights of the day was colorful cultural programs that showcased traditional art forms from different states in India, including Rajasthani ghoomars, Punjabi, Bengali and Assamese folk dances, Bollywood dance, and Kathak and Bharatnatyam.
The theme of the event, held at the Winston Churchill High School auditorium in Potomac, was empowerment of women.
Delivering the keynote address, prominent Indian American businessman and philanthropist Frank Islam said Indian Americans have the obligation to help improve the status of women in India.
“We as Indian Americans with a love for our motherland and our own mothers have an obligation to reach out to assist the public and private sectors in India in providing the appropriate education at the primary school level to ensure the necessary foundation for empowerment of women,” said Islam.
“Because of the status of Indian women today, there is a critical need for silence breaking,” he added. “This silence breaking should not be about sexual harassment but about an invisible socio-economic system of barriers, obstacles, and limitations that prevents Indian women from learning, advancing and achieving their full potential. This is true especially in terms of business ownership and entrepreneurship.”
Islam suggested a “3E” formula for empowering and to create a state of interdependence for Indian women. The 3Es, according to him, are education, enlightenment, and entrepreneurship.
Amrit Kalotra, president of Karuna Charitues, Inc., was honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding services in empowering women over 20 years through various activities.
Among other speakers were Maryland State Delegate Aruna Miller and Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner. Miller, an Indian American, is running for Congress from Maryland’s 6th congressional district. Berliner is a candidate for the county executive.