Washington, D.C.

Chair:
Mr. Ashok Saxena
President:
Dr. Kamala Edwards Secretary:
Ms. Minati Dutta
Treasurer:
Mr. Surinder Boveja

Board Members: Dr. Sisir Dutta, Mr. Yesvy Gustasp, Dr. Sanjay Pandey, Cherian Eapen, Dr. Ashoka Ratnam, Mr. Joseph Thomas, Dr. Premala Brewster-Wilson, Mr. Kusuma Philip, Ms. Somesh Sood, Mr. Abraham Samuel, Mr. Walton Dawson and Mr.. Vinod Ghildiyal.

Official Photographer:

Ms. Sonali Roy

The Asian American Vote

Indian American grassroots activism brought political dividends to the 2006 Midterm elections as per Exit Polling data compiled by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Four out of every five (80%) Asian American voters supported Democratic candidates in the top-ballot races for their respective states: the Senate races in MD, NJ, PA, VA and WA; the gubernatorial races in IL, and MA, and the Attorney General races in NY.

In Virginia and Maryland, Indian Americans top other ethnic groups in party enrollment at 92%: Asian Indians ranked the highest (92%) in turnout in US Senate race in VA and 98% in the Maryland Gubernatorial race.

The following states with large Indian American population are critical in 2008 Presidential race where a blitz of voter registration campaign is on. Promote Indian American voter participation in the US political process.

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Neighborhood Voter Registration Campaign.....April 10--September 19, 2010....Identify/Examine Candidates for Community Support/Non-Support....

Thank you for selecting IndianAmericans.org as your virtual location to connect with the Asian Indian community in North America. The Indian American Leadership Council (IALC) was formed in the early 90's to promote civic awareness and protect the civil rights of Indian American residents and immigrants. The IALC seeks to provide a unified voice for Indian Americans in the main stream decision making process along with promoting People-to-People diplomacy to develop more dynamic relationships between the peoples of the world’s largest and oldest democracies--India and the United States. As you tour this site, we hope that it will entice you to select it as your destination in real time--you may surf the web, avail free email, get directions and retrieve information about Indian American civic and cultural activities or grassroots issues: civil rights, health, business, education, immigration and Indo-US affairs, etc.
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President Obama to Visit India in November 2010: Says India is a Rising Global Power WASHINGTON: June 4, 2010: President Barack Obama on Thursday called deepening ties with India one of his administration's most important goals. Announcing that he will visit India in early November, 2010, he said that the U.S.-Indian relationship will help shape the coming century. "Our relations with India are at the highest of priorities for my administration and for me personally as president of the United States," Obama said at a reception at the State Department hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton for her Indian counterpart S.M. Krishna. Obama called India "a responsible global power" and said the U.S.-India relationship "will be a defining partnership of the 21st century." The United States, Obama said, values India not merely for its crucial geographic position in South Asia but because of the deep social, political and strategic values the countries share. "India is indispensable to the future that we seek," Obama added. "That's why a third of my Cabinet has already visited India. That is why officials from across my administration are a part of this strategic dialogue. That's why I want to thank you for the progress that we've made together since Prime Minister Singh's visit," the US President proclaimed before a select audience at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. An IALC delegation attended the reception along with other events marking the US-India Strategic Dialogue. Earlier, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that "India’s rise will be a factor in any future consideration of reform of the Security Council," indicating U.S. support for India's bid for a seat on the United Nation's Security Council.
US Ambassador to India, Mr. Tim Roemer chats with the IALC President Dr. Kamala Edwards at the State Department reception. Mr. Ram Narayan of India-US Foundation in the background (left). Dr. Edwards attends the "Women Ambassadors & Women in Diplomacy," event at the Embassy of Bahrain. Ambassador Houda Ezra Nonoo (Bahrain), UNESCO goodwill Ambassador Esther Cooper Smith and Maria Fatima Lima Veiga (Cape De Verde) poses for pictures (Right). Currently there are 26 women Ambassadors in Washington, D.C.
President Obama Hosts White House Reception to Celebrate Asian Heritage Month WASHINGTON, May 24, 2010. President Barack Obama welcomed Asian American leaders to the White House to observe Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The President said Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders have not always been given credit for their accomplishments and have been subjected to "tremendous unfairness and injustice during our history." Generations of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders " helped to build this country, defend this country and make America what it is today," The President added, "more than 16 million Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders whose talents and efforts strengthen our economy and protect our security and enliven our communities each and every day, Obama noted he has signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders, to be led by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "The goal is to make sure that our government is successfully working to address disparities in healthcare, in education and economic opportunity that exists within various AAPI communities, Obama said. Kumar Barve, Majority Leader of Maryland House of Delegate, Dr. Kamala Edwards, Commissioner, Maryland Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and President, Indian American Leadership Council (IALC), Rajan Zed, President, Universal Society of Hinduism and Ohio House of Representative Majority Whip, Jay Goel, from the Indian American community participated in the Asian Heritage Month Celebrations. DJ Rekha Malhotra was praised by the President for mixing hip-hop beat with sounds of her heritage as the celebration commenced in the East Room while Indian American appointees mingled with the guests.
An Event with Harriet Fulbright: Partnerships Key to Smart Power Silver Spring, Nov. 15, 2009: Harriet Fulbright, President of J. William and Harriet Fulbright Center and an internationally recognized leader in promoting world understanding through education and international exchanges shared a wealth of insights in fostering global peace. Dr. Kamala Edwards, the IALC president welcomed Mrs. Fulbright and said that hundreds of Indian American educators and scholars are indebted to the Fulbrights for their generosity and vision that exposed Indian Diaspora communities to international educational experiences and led to professional advancement at home or in the United States. Mrs. Fulbright emphasized that each of us has our own network and community that we can work within. Communities connect with communities to get things done. Raising women up – politics. We’re already accomplishing great things--collaborations and partnerships are ways to go. Maryland Secretary of State, John P. McDonough, candidates for local offices, Indian American White House appointees, and distinguished Fulbright scholars-- Drs. Premala Brewster-Wilson and Krsitin Rao from years past--were in attendance at the Hillraisers leadership meeting at the IALC community caucus center. Secretary Mc Donough recognized the pioneering role of Maryland’s flagship educational institutions, including Johns Hopkins in international education and enriching relationships with the Fulbright Foundation.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Addresses NoLimits Conference Washington, D.C., November 6, 2009: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed a gathering of over 400 women leaders assembled at the Ronald Reagan Building in the nation's capital from across the US for the first Annual Public Policy NoLimits conference. Amidst cheers, rousing applause and an extraordinary out pouring of enthusiasm, Secretary Clinton reiterated, "Women’s rights are human rights." Terry O'Sullivan, President, Laborer's International Union of North America highlighted Hillary Clinton's record of public service: a strong and relentless voice for empowering women worldwide; observing that, "She never gives up and never gives in." Secretary Clinton asked women leaders to help every voiceless sister, daughter, and mother looking for an opportunity. since there are 'no limits' to what is possible in America. " I hope that you believe, as I do, that foreign policy matters, that public diplomacy matters, that standing up for the rights of people we will never meet very far away matters. And who does it matter to? It doesn't just matter to someone else. It matters to us as Americans." Ann Lewis, a prominent national leader for women's rights and former adviser of Hillary Clinton is the founder of the non-profit organization "No Limits." Policy analysts observed that the conference is an effort to keep people engaged in making a difference much like those who were instrumental in making 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling.. NoLimits, currently a 38,000 member organization plans to expand its membership to 100,000 by November 2010. The organizers of the conference provided prominent seating to the IALC delegation members from Maryland, Virginia, New York, Chicago and D.C., appreciated the work of its volunteers in facilitating the conference and welcomed their continued support.



President Barack Obama Celebrates Diwali with Indian Americans and Signs an Executive Order Washington, D.C., October 14, 2009: US President Barack Obama lit a lamp to celebrate the Hindu festival Diwali as he reached out to Asian Americans with the signing of an Executive Order on Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders--a new initiative aimed at expanding opportunities. for the 'model minority.' Obama became the first US president to personally take part in a White House ceremony for Diwali--tthe festival of lights-- by lighting a "diya" oil lamp inside the executive mansion. "While this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need," Obama said. The Executive Order sets up a commission, comprised of 20 members from a wide range of government agencies, to conduct a two-year study of how to assist Asian Americans. One in five Asian Americans lacks health insurance, in part because more than one million of them are sole proprietors of businesses, the order said. After signing the Executive Order, the President met with Indian American community leaders, the Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shanker and US Ambassador to Belize Vinai Thummalapally. Dr. Kamala Edwards, IALC President and member of the Maryland Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs was specially invited to participate in the executive order signing ceremony and celebration of Diwali.

Dr. Edwards with US Ambassador Thummalapally and Congressman Jim McDermott.

Indian Americans in the Obama/Biden Administration: Our Joy and Pride!!

Washington, D.C., September 2, 2009: The South Association Bar Association of Washington, D.C. and the North American South Asian Bar Association invited the leadership of the IALC to celebrate an evening reception honoring South Asian American appointees to the Obama administration at the Law Offices of DLA Piper in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Kamala Edwards, President of the IALC was virtually 'mobbed' by the attendees who thanked her for IALC's grassroots activism, advocacy in the main stream and unconditional support for inclusion of Indian Americans in the Obama administration. Even though some appointees had just met her for the first time, Dr. Edwards advised: each one to always remember their family roots, where they came from and urged them to remain connected with the Indian American community-- their supporters and power base as a voting block.

Dr. Kamala Edwards, IALC President with Obama administration appointees and young activists--Mr. Manu Bharadwaj, Ms. Neera Tanden, Ms. Songeeta Guha Biswas and Ms. Rhonda Binda

Mr. Neal Katyal, Principal Deputy Solicitor General, US Department of Justice and Ms. Preeta Bansal, General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor, White House Management and Budget addressed the crowd. Ms. Neera Tandan, Senior Advisor, Health and Human Services, Mr. Ro Khanna, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Commerce Department, Ms. Tara A. Rangarajan, White House, Deputy Associate Director, Management and Administration and Mr. Manu Bhardwaj, Counsel, Congressional Affairs, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce were among others who attended the event.

Ms. Preeta Bansal (in Blue), with Mr. Neal Katyal, Mr. Ro Khanna, Ms. Tara A. Rangarajan , and Manu Bhardwaj welcomed during the reception.

Indian Achievements and the"Jugaad Factor"

Potomac, MD, August 28, 2009: Mr. Sailesh Patel receives the AIA Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 award from Dr. Usha Kumar, President, Associations of Indians in America (AIA) Washington, D.C. while AIA's 2009 Community service award went to Dr. Kamala Edwards

Highlights of Dr. Usha Kumar's inspiring speech about Indians and the "Juggad" factor on the 30th Annual AIA Academic and Outstanding achievement awards reception:

One could say there has never been a better time for us in recent history…we are the world’s physicians, academicians, artists…Bollywood has never been so popular…JAI HO.

Indian ceos head over 10 Fortune 500 firms. Under 40 years of age , Francisco D'Souza, CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions, is one of the youngest CEOs in America, running an American public company that is worth at least $500 million. Vikram Pandit, Rajat Gupta , Rana Talwar, Arun Netravalli, and lets not forget Saber Bhatia of Hotmail…Neel Kasahkari, Vivek Kundra, Aneesh Chopra, Rajiv Gupta (HP), Vinod Dham (Pentium chip), Azim Premji ( WIPRO). WHY IS IT SO?

Professor Harbir Singh ,Vice-Dean of Global Initiatives and Chair of the Management Department at the Wharton School said. "One very unique difference, is that Indian leaders think in English, thanks to their Western educations, but act in an Indian context. They internalize Western best practices but adapt them to India." They also have long-term strategic vision and aim beyond just the next quarter and their shareholders interests. But the most unique quality of the Indian management style — the "Jugaad" factor ..I love that and we are all too familiar with it…. the tendency to resort to an improvised quick fix or make-do. "…it is this Jugaad that lets us make do under any situation…we are only 1.5% of the US population…YET, about 40% of doctors , 12% scientists , 36% of NASA scientists , 34% of Microsoft employees , 28% of IBM employees , 17% of INTEL scientists. 13% of XEROX employees, ALL THESE ARE INDIANS

India has the second largest pool of Scientists and Engineers in the World and a small fraction is in our audience. India is the only country other than US and Japan, to have built a super computer indigenously. MAYBE IT IS IN OUR GENES…We live among people whose only business is war and yet India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history. .We invented the Number system. Aryabhatta invented the Zero and Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus came from India . Sridharacharya in the 11th Century gave us Quadratic equations. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were some where near 10⁶ whereas Indians used numbers as big as 10 ⁵³. In 100 BC we gave the world the decimal. or the place value system.

Takshila, the world's first University was established in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda was built in the 4th century BC.

Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software …even the Forbes magazine thinks so. 5000 years ago on the river Sindh, India gave birth to the art of navigation. The word 'Navigation' is derived from Sanskrit NAVGATIH. Budhayana first calculated the value of pi and also explained the concept of the Pythagorean Theorem. Budhayan's works dates to the 6th Century which is long before the Europeans figured out mathematics.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, up until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds to the world. USA based IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers) has proved what has been a century-old suspicion amongst academics that the pioneer of wireless communication was Professor Jagdeesh Bose and not Marconi. The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was. built in Saurashtra.. Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago...Today Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place. 2600 years ago Sushruta, the father of surgery, and others of his time conducted surgeries like caesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stones. Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India. Over 5000 years ago, we established Harappan culture in the Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization) when most of the world were only nomadic forest dwellers or in Sanskrit, nagna vicharan.

Although western media loves to portray much of India as poverty stricken and under developed through political corruption, we once were the richest empire on earth. ..and give us time I say, we’ll get there yet again .

Senator Dodd Invites IALC Leadership to the US -India Senate Caucus Inaugural Event

Washington, D.C., July 28, 2009: Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Co-Chair US Senate India Caucus and a senior member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, hosted the inaugural 2009 event for the US Senate India Caucus. Senator Dodd, specially invited IALC leadership to participate in the event. Later, Senator Dodd, along with Co-Chair, John Cornyn (R-TX) held a reception honoring Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar. A group of Indian American leaders from all over the United States participated into the reception. Senator Dodd, termed India "A true friend to America and an emerging global power."

IALC Delegation Meets Senator Barbara Mikulski

Washington, D.C. July 13, 2009: A delegation of the Indian American Leadership Council (IALC) met with Maryland’s senior Senator Barbara Mikulski in the historic John F. Kennedy Caucus Room in the Dirksen Senate office building. A frank and vigorous discussion followed on Indian American community issues and the Indo-American Strategic Partnership. The meeting which ran over an hour amidst Senator’s having to move in and out of the room to cast votes on important Senate Health Committee deliberations. Senator Mikulski’s concern for Indian American community issues was marked by her forthright responses to problems discussed.. Delegation members were of the opinion that the meeting proved to be very productive as Senator assured them that she would be in touch with them through teleconferencing about health care issues. In addition, Senator Mikulski promised that she would address issues raised by the IALC president, Dr. Kamala Edwards about Indian Americans and their inclusion in the American mainstream.

Two days after the delegation meeting, the Senator’s office communicated with the IALC leadership about actions being taken by the Senator as a member of the Senate India caucus.

Indian American Community Welcomes Ambassador Meera Shankar

Dr. James Lyons, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Kamala Edwards, Event Co-Chair and Her Excellency Meera Shankar

Arlington, VA, May 31, 2009: In record setting numbers and with irrepressible jubilation, Indian Americans in the nation's capital hailed the appointment of India’s new Ambassador, Her Excellency Meera Shankar—the first women envoy to the US in over 50 years. A “sold out’ reception in her honor was held on May 31 at the Arlignton Hilton, VA. In her address, Ambassador Shankar thanked the community leaders for playing a significant role in strengthening Indo- US relationships. She assured them that the newly elected Congress UPA government is positioned for 5 to 7 % economic growth and that development will continue at a healthy pace in spite of the global economic down turn. “India’s highest priority was to strengthen policy and development relations with the United States and build on the emerging strategic partnerships between the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” she said.

No sooner than the new Chief of Mission of the Embassy of India, Washington DC, presented her credentials at the White House, community activists. Leaders and representatives from over a dozen Indian American community associations in the Greater Washington area, began planning the festivities to coincide with Asian American heritage. The event Co-chairs, Dr. Kamala Edwards, President Indian American Leadership Council (IALC) and Mr. Sunil Singh, President, NCAIA who where unanimously chosen by the organizing committee, worked tirelessly to unify the diverse and burgeoning Indian community and make the occasion representative of the Indian American community. The event brought together 300 representatives of all the major Indian American associations of the Greater Washington area to enthusiastically greet Ambassador Shankar with dances, speeches, and a warm and affectionate welcome.

Public officials and representatives from MD, DC and VA. Governments joined in celebrations. Governor Martin O’Malley was represented by the Hon. Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., Secretary of Higher Education and Senator Ben Cardin by his Policy Director, Ms. Patrica Ross. Congressman Van Hollen, Assistant to speaker Pelosi and Congressman Steny Hoyer also sent representative. Other dignitaries included Montgomery County Council member Valeri Ervin, Mr. Steven Rossetti, Jr., former US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Defense, Dr. Natwar Gandhi, Chief Financial Officer, D.C.

A number of Indian American leaders spoke briefly about their organizations and assured Meera Shankar of their full support to take Indo- US relations to the next level. The following associations were participated and were among the sponsors: AAHOA, AAA, AAPI, AIA, AIM, CAIA, Chetana. FAPAC; FIA-NCR, FOKANA, FOMAA, GOA; GOPIO. GRACE, Gujarati Samaj; IACA; IAFPE ( MD & VA) IALC, ICCC; KNS, NFIA; NCAIA; RANA; SDA-India, Tamil Sangam; US Asian and Uttranchal Association of North America. Indian community leaders with Ambassador Meera Shankar Mr. Kusuma Phillip Kusuma, Ambassador Meera Shakar, Dr. Usha Kumar and Mr. Sailesh Patel

(Courtesy India This Week, June 12, 2009)

Asians To Support Terry McAuliffe for Virginia Governor

Arlington, May 27, 2009: Prominent community leaders representing the Asian and South Asian community congregated at the Nena Restaurant to pledge their support for the grassroots campaign of Terry McAuliffe who is seeking the democratic party nomination for Governor of Virginia. After the kick off, IALC's Virginia unit asked Indian American registered voters to vote for Terry in the primary which is on June 9, 2009.

Dr. Kamala Edwards, speaking with reporters, said that the decision to support McAuliffe, the former DNC chair, followed in the wake of his "special request" based on his stellar record of reaching out to Asian and ethnic minorities, particularly Indian American voters. IALC grassroots activism was first demonstrated when the Virginia chapter forged a vibrant coalition with the Fairfax multicultural community for Democratic candidate Mark Warner when he sought the Party nomination and won the Governorship.

Indian Americans to Support Nancy Navarro for Montgomery County Council Seat

Rockville: Nancy Navarro, Montgomery County School Board member and former President, is running for the County Council seat in a special election. The district 4 Democratic Primary will be held on April 21, 2009. She recently met with Indian American community leaders and sought their support for her candidacy.

Nancy Navarro's candidacy got a boost when County Council members--Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, Mike Knapp and George Leventhal endorsed her for the District 4 election. Many Indian community leaders along with Asian, African and Hispanics leaders attended the press conference to enthusiastically endorse Ms. Nancy Navarro. Her vision resonated with County Council member Valerie Ervin who later joined the Indian community leaders to pledge, unlike other politicians, that they would remain sensitive to the issues and concerns of Indian American community, the largest cohort of Asians in Montgomery county.

The Indian American Leadership Council has called upon its grassroots activists and voters in District 4 (Silver Spring, White Oak, Burtonsville and Wheaton areas) to enthusiastically support Ms. Nancy Navarro’s candidacy for Montgomery County Council.

Indian Americans Launch Grass Roots Campaign for Hillary

Indian Americans campaigning in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas, 2007-2008

Silver Spring, MD, August 11, 2007: Indian American community leaders and activists came together from across Maryland state and the Greater Washington Metro region to dialogue with Ms. Leecia Eve, Senior Policy Adviser for Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign. Eve appreciated the extraordinary gathering of diverse sections of the Indian American community leaders, and observed that “candidate talk" about what they will do is what they have already done.”

Ms. Eve had earlier broken away from a meeting with 11, 000 persons in D.C., in order to meet with the IALC leadership because she valued organizations dedicated to grassroots activism and empowerment. Obviously, the 10,510 multicultural and 4,725 new Indian American voters in Montgomery County which IALC facilitated to recruit in 1996 and 2006 respectively, would be targeted and cultivated in support of Hillary Clinton. just like Virginia and D.C., where a large multicultural population resides --another goldmine of new voters.

Newly appointed Maryland Democratic Party Chair Mr. Michael Cryor and Gene Counihan, Maryland Senate candidate for District 39 also addressed the IALC leadership on state and local issues.

TANA Conference Ends: Telegu Community Raise $1 million for Clinton Charities

Washington, D.C., July 5, 2007: President Clinton, the keynote speaker at the 16th TANA conference noted that the prosperity enjoyed by Indian Americans is evidence of what is good about the global economy. No rich country can maintain its middle class unless it creates jobs. He said, "how you define your life in relationship to others is the central challenge." Over 13,000 delegates participated in the three day Telegu Association of North America (TANA) conference held in Washington Convention Center.

Senator Hillary Clinton "Values" Indian Community's support: New York Fundraiser nets $2.2 million

Baltimore, June 13, 2007: Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton early in the campaign 2008 Presidential race has reached out to the Indian American community to seek their active grass roots support for her candidacy. Mrs. Clinton met with Dr. Kamala Edwards, President, IALC at a fundraiser organized by Governor Martin O’Malley where she received the endorsements of Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones, US Senator Barbara Mikulski, Congressman Ruppersburger and over 40 Maryland officials and community leaders. Dr. Edwards is among the leaders who endorsed Hillary Clinton. Hillary said that the Clintons not only appreciate but "value" the Indian American community's support. The fundraiser exceeded its target and raised over $500,000.

Indian Americans has formed a support group--The 'Indian Americans for Hillary 2008" to provide Senator Clinton with a united front on the road to the White House. Indian-Americans raised $2.2 million for Hillary’s presidential campaign in New York. The June 24^th event showcased the growing political activism of Indian-Americans, now regarded as the wealthiest ethnic minority in America. More than 1200 people packed the ballroom of the Sheraton contributing $1000 to $2300 apiece for the evening with Clinton.

Mrs. Clinton said,” We value the relationship and because we have so many Indian American friends here in the country." But the biggest cheer of the evening came when, speaking of her own presidential bid, she remarked, "I understand that it's likely that India will have a women president, perhaps in the next month or so."

The New York Daily News reported, "It's a constituency that Bill and Hillary Clinton have been courting for more than a decade."

O'Malley Seeks Indian-American Community Support


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Baltimore Mayor and Democratic frontrunner in the Maryland Governor's race, Martin O'Malley, met with Indian-American community leaders on October 15, 2005. He discussed community issues and sought their support in his bid for the Governor's office. Within a fortnight of his formal announcement of his candidacy for Governor, O'Malley was eager to reach out to Indian Americans--the largest Asian American group in Montgomery county, a major battleground in the democratic primary.

O'Malley spent more than two hours with Indian community leaders as he outlined his vision for a "stronger Maryland that can do better." He was forthright in his answers to questions raised by attendees whose views resonated with Mayor O'Malley's on the high cost of college education, health insurance, transportation planning and small business development. The need for improved federal, state and county cooperation was cited when discussing homeland security concerns.

Nationally recognized by TIME magazine as one of the America's best mayors, Mayor O'Malley emphasized the importance of bringing people together to reach out to take on tough challenges--care about drug addicts, reduce violent crimes and create safer neighborhoods. Under his leadership, Baltimore has moved 20,000 welfare workers to work, lowered taxes, doubled housing values and improved test scores.

The Democratic Gubernatorial candidate agreed with a questioner that Indian Americans should not be discriminated against in state business, contracts and employment opportunities. He said that Maryland should celebrate its multicultural heritage. Maryland needs to do better with its pension program, investment and job creation and that he will look into how Ireland was able to attract Indian American investment, and hi-tech know-how to become the No.1 software/IT exporter in Europe.

Indian-American Community leaders hailing from a broad cross section of the Indian Diaspora--Tamil, Telegu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Anglo Indians, Malayali, Marathi, Rajasthani and various North Indian organizations attended the Meet & Greet program for Mayor O'Malley.

Mr. Peter O'Malley, Mayor's brother said that a campaign office has been opened in Rockville. He invited Indian American Community members to support and volunteer in Martin O'Malley's campaign. Indian American community leaders have also asked members of the community to lend their financial support to O'Malley campaign. A check for $50, $100, $250, $500, $1000 or $2000 can be mailed directly to the Treasurer, O'Malley campaign or paid online. Contributors should either be U.S. citizens or green card holders. For volunteer and contribution information log on to: www.martinomalley.com or call 410-468-4004

U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8th Dist.) meets with Indian American Leadership Council members: More Pictures

Congressman Ben Cardin reaches out to the Asian Indian American Community

Silver Spring, MD, February 11, 2006: Congressman Benjamin L. Cardin (D) at a Meet & Greet with Asian-Indian community leaders engaged in a lively exchange of views on health, education, social security, small business development, national security and human rights. He sought their support for his election to the US Senate upon Senator Sarbanes (D) retirement. Despite the snowstorm and poor road conditions, Asian American voters and leaders drove long distances across the State to attend the Meet and Greet. Congressman Cardin's dedication to principled leadership and democratic values resonated with the community. Several leaders assured him of their support and volunteered to help in his election campaign.

State's Attorney Gansler Meets with IALC Leaders

Hon. Douglas Gansler, State's Attorney, Montgomery County was honored by Indian American Community Leaders for his public service on Dec 3, 2005. Gansler plans to run for the office of Maryland Attorney General and was applauded for the progressive changes he has made as the chief law enforcement official in Maryland's largest jurisdiction--Montgomery County. As Vice President of Maryland State Attorney Association, he encouraged youth to choose careers in public service and make social change. For Pictures Click here

Ambassador Jassal with IALC Community

Ambassador Raminder Singh Jassal, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. with Indian American Leadership Council Members. Ambassador Jassal said that Indo-US relations have entered a

new phase with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Washington visit. He congratulated the Indian-American community for its role in bringing the two democracies closer together.

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An Event with Harriet Fulbright: Partnerships Key to Smart Power

Potomac, MD, August 28, 2009: Mr. Sailesh Patel receives the AIA Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 award from Dr. Usha Kumar, President, Associations of Indians in America (AIA) Washington, D.C. while AIA's 2009 Community service award went to Dr. Kamala Edwards

Highlights of Dr. Usha Kumar's inspiring speech about Indians and the "Juggad" factor on the 30th Annual AIA Academic and Outstanding achievement awards reception: