MELVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian National Overseas Congress(I) hosted a grand reception for Captain Amarinder Singh (Former Punjab Chief Minister and PPCC President) at the Hilton Hotel on May 7th 2016. The reception was organized along with other Punjabi Organizations in the Tri- State area.

There were around 3000 people along with media that attended the grand reception. The All India Congress Committee from New Delhi supported the event. Senior most leaders of congress party sent greetings and best wishes thru letters for the souvenir Journal wishing the event a success. The Vice President Shri Rahul Gandhi (letter attached) wished that Punjab will see better days again under Captain Amarinder Singh’s leadership and hoped that the youth will be guided to better opportunities under the Congress Government. He also congratulated the Indian Diaspora in building strong US-India relations.

Dr.Karan Singh, MP and Chairman of Foreign Affairs Dept. of AICC hoped in his message that Captain Amarinder Singh will again lead the Congress Party to victory in the forthcoming Punjab Elections.

Capt Amarinder Singh was accorded Indian traditional welcome with Diya and flowers by Women wing of INOC, led by Shalu Chopra and Suman Nagpal.

The event started off with the MC introducing the prominent Punjabi Leaders and recognizing the Organizing Committee. Kewal Dhillon Incharge of NRI affairs congratulated Indian National Overseas Congress under the Leadership of Mr.Shudh Parkash Singh (Chairman) and Gurmit Gill (President Punjab Chapter) who had worked hard in association with other Punjabi leaders to make the event a super success.

Shudh Parkash Singh spoke on the development under the previous Government of Captain Amrinder Singh and his love for NRI Punjabis. He spoke of his Chalo Punjab Initiative and how it was supported by AICC and also the reception accorded to the NRI team of Chalo Punjab by Captain Amarinder Singh in Punjab. He assured that the youth of Punjab will see better future under the Congress Government lead by Amrinder Singh. Gurmit Gill asked Punjabis all over the world to support Capt Amarinder Singh. The New York President Pappi Badesha also made emotional appeal to call family back home to support Capt Amarinder Singh. National Senior Vice Presidents PHUMAN Singh and RAVI CHOPRA thanked the big audience for taking time out to come support Capt Amarinder Singh.

Captain Amrinder Singh spoke on the various Development schemes he undertook as Chief Minister and his initiatives for the youth, especially in the rural areas. He assured that the NRI’s have a very special place in his heart and said he will have separate department in Chief Minister’s office that will cater and help the issues that the NRI’s face. He also assured that

Punjab will see better governance once again Under the Congress Government. He informed the gathering that this will be his last elections and like a warrior who hangs his sword after a certain period, the time has come to pass the baton to younger leaders after he serves for next 5 years. He acknowledged the hard work put by the Indian National Overseas Congress and also recognized the President Lavika Bhagat Singhfor her leadership. LAVIKA BHAGAT Singh said this was so far the biggest turnout for any Punjab leader ever in USA.

The political leaders who accompanied Captain Amrinder Singh were Mr. Kewal Dhillon, MLA Barnala and Incharge of NRI affairs. The other coordinators were Mr.Sukh Sarkaria (MLA – Rajasansi), Mr.Sangat Singh (MLA – Tanda).