HOUSTON, TX (TIP): The Indo-American Press Club -Houston Chapter recently organized and hosted a debate and discussion on the upcoming Presidential election. Its purpose was to impart political education, enhance political awareness and increase participation of the Indian community in the political process. The presidential discussion with representatives from both the Trump and Hillary campaigns, held at Stafford Civic Center in Houston on Sept 11, was attended by a large number of Indian Americans, political personalities and community leaders. IAPC is a non-profit formed three years ago to create a common platform for media professionals in USA and Canada, thus giving them a powerful voice in the media world and larger society.

The event also worked as a soft launch of IAPC’s Houston chapter with Easo Jacob as its president. In his welcome remarks, he said, the presidential debate followed the motto of the press club, which is “Informed Action Promotes Change.”

After Mike ONeill, President of The Houston Press Club, opened the event, Cyriac Scaria, IAPC National Committee member, spoke on “Path to Mainstream,” stressing why Indian Americans should shed their shyness about politics and participate actively in the process.

Some of the dignitaries present included Hon. Judge Joel Clouser, HCC Trustee Neeta Sane, Ken Mathew – Pro Tem Mayor of Stafford, Dr. Kendell Baker -State Representative Candidate, Len Swanson -Advisor to Donald Trump, Democratic Party Fort Bend County Chairwoman Cynthia Gyn, and State Representative Candidate Sarah DeMerchant.

Presentations were made by the panel of political experts favoring the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump. The debate was moderated by Attorney Scott Brasington. Republican side included Dr. Kendell Baker, Dr. Nik Nikam, Ramesh Cherivirala, Sangeeta Dua, and Len Swanson, and Democratic side was helmed by State Representative Ron Raynolds, KP George, Amee Patel, and veteran journalist Jawahar Malhotra.

The partisan and fiery rhetoric from both sides excited the audience to help them to contrast the two candidates and vote their conscience in the election Nov 8.

The entertainment during the evening was provided by singer Grady Long who sang several songs in different languages.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Babu Jesudas of IAPC, and was followed by dinner. Lakshmi Peter emceed the event.

About 40 prominent Indo-American media professionals in the greater Houston area were recognized at the event, which was supported by other community organizations.

Afterwards, Len Swanson said in an email: “I felt I was successful in presenting and discussing privately with key Indian leaders and other guests as to why the GOP had more to offer to the Indian community given our mutual conservative and entrepreneurial values than the Democratic Socialists.

“In fact I was the only speaker who was applauded mid-way through my presentation as I hit upon the key points that the Indian community here in Houston did come to the US ‘legally’ not ‘illegally’, that their community is especially a very successful model of ‘How to’ that other communities should emulate.”

Media Conference: The Indo-American Press Club is holding its 3rd Media Conference during the Columbus Day weekend (Oct 8-10, 2016) at the Hilton Stamford Hotel and Executive Meeting Center in Stamford, Connecticut. IAPC’s chairman is Ginsmon Zacharia and current President is Parveen Chopra.