Indian National Overseas Congress extends rousing welcome at NJ
EDISON (NJ): Two-term chief minister and a senior leader of India’s ruling Congress Party of the state of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijay Singh was accorded a rousing reception at a glittering function in Edison, NJ.
Hundreds of Indian American professionals, community leaders and supporters of India’s ruling Congress Party came from various corners of New York and New Jersey to attend the event organized by the Madhya Pradesh chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress.
“We want to demonstrate our full faith in the leadership of Raja Saab”, commented an enthusiast Juned Qazi, president of Madhya Pradesh chapter of Indian National Overseas Congress, a New York based organization that supports India’s Congress Party led by Sonia Gandhi. Qazi termed Singh as a leader ‘who always spoke the truth’.
Referring to accomplishments of Singh as a distinguished politician and a courageous leader, Qazi commented that Singh always made statements in national interest of India which resulted into extensive investigations by the security agencies. “As a result of his frank and bold disclosures terrorist activities in India were drastically reduced”, he said.
“Leaders like Singh were born only once in a century”, Qazi declared.
Welcoming Singh to USA, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul-General of India in New York, spoke eloquently about the strong relationship between USA and India. “The fact that three US presidents visited India within ten years reflected the importance of India in the American foreign policy”, commented Dayal, adding that the non-resident Indians played an important role in building strong ties between the two countries.
Impressed by the warm welcome accorded to him, Singh emphasized the commitment demonstrated by the Government of India for providing assistance to non-resident Indians.
“An independent ministry was set up by the Government of India for the purpose of looking after the interests of overseas Indians”, he said pointing out that the Indian government gave high priority to matters related with non-resident Indians. “You are loved and respected by the people of India”, said Singh.
Commenting upon corruption scandals involving government officials and politicians with allegiance to ruling Congress Party in India, Singh pointed out the existing anti-corruption fever that gripped India should be seen in the light of transparent policies of the government. He mentioned that the Congress led government implemented the Right of Information Act that empowered Indian citizens numbering 120 Crore to ask for any information from the government.
Expressing full faith in a bright future for India, Singh said that India was a young democracy which created an environment in which people of all faiths and religions enjoyed equal rights. “We shall not allow any religion to dominate over others”, he commented.
He praised the selfless Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the prime minister Manmohan Singh ‘who were committed to the progress of India. He hoped that India will emerge as the world’s largest economy by the year 2050.
A New Jersey based entrepreneur and activist Atma Singh who conducted the meeting, requested the speakers to speak in Hindi as a respect to India’s national language.
Atma Singh omplimented Juned Qazi for his untiring efforts to organize the reception and said that the event was supported by all sections of the community.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Surrendre Dhall (Chairman MP Chapter) Ms Sonia Keer Sodhi and Mr. Rumpy Bindra ,George Abraham, the newly appointed president of INOC, former president Dr. Surendra Malhotra, senior vice-president Shudh Jasuja, executive board members Najma Sultana, Pam Kwatra and community organizer Harkesh Thakur.
(Reported by Visionmp Correspondent)
