NEW HYDE PARK, NY (TIP): Maharashtra Chapter of INOC, USA held its anniversary celebration at Nan King Restaurant in New Hyde Park, New York together with the National Executive committee members, various chapter heads, and Congress supporters from India‘s commercial hub. Mr Devendra Vora, President of Maharashtra chapter welcomed the guests and detailed his plans to expand the membership and to strengthen the Chapter.  

Mr George Abraham, Chairman of the INOC, USA implored the audience to be vigilant against the current onslaught by the BJP government against India’s venerable institutions that were built under the Nehruvian vision. Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President spoke about the current challenges party is facing in the upcoming elections and exhorted the Congress loyalists to come together and fight the elements that promote communalism.

Mr Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General, extolled the dynamism of the State of Maharashtra and the vibrancy of the Marathis.  As the second most populous state in India, it plays a vital role in the economy and politics of India. We look forward to our colleagues from Maharashtra to harness strong support for the Congress cause.

Mrs. Malini Shah, Vice-President of the National Committee and the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Chapter urged the gathering for more active participation in the community-at-large.

Prof. Indrajit Saluja, editor of Indian panorama spoke about the authoritarian and polarizing forces in India and U.S. and spoke about the urgent need to guard against such ideologies. He also denounced the recent tweet by President Trump of the unverified Muslim videos from a right group in U.K.

Priscilla Pinto, vice-president, Vipul Sanghvi, Executive Committee members of the Maharashtra chapter also spoke.

Mr Dilip Chauhan, Nassau County Deputy Comptroller of Minority Affairs honored Malini Shah, Devendra Vora, George Abraham and Gautam Sanghavi with citations from the Nassau County Comptroller Hon. George Maragos‘ office. The citations were given to recognize these outstanding individuals who rendered significant contributions for the enhancement of the Asian Indian Community and the betterment of goodwill.

Sherry Dutta entertained the gathering with Bollywood songs of yesteryear. Hema Verani was the emcee of the event.