IANT and IAFC Felicitated Union Labor Minister Kharge

Dallas, TX: 'India is poised to transition from the third world country to the third largest economy' is the theme of the evening gathered at the FunAsiA Richardson, TX on Sun, Jan 29th, 2012 as a part of the "Community Reception to Hon. Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister of Labor & Employment, India" jointly hosted by the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) and India Association of North Texas (IANT) on Sunday. IAFC, founded in 1990 is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that provides and promotes political education and a common platform to exchange views with Local, National and International policy makers. Its mission is to improve United States-lndia relations, support developing countries, promote global democracy, protect the interests of the Indian-American community, and educate Members of Congress.

IANT is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization established in 1962 with the primary purpose to serve the cultural and educational needs of the North Texas Indian community. This program is hosted under the leadership of Mr. Prasad Thotakura, Texas State Coordinator of IAFC and Dr. Sridhar Reddy Korsapati, President of IANT with support from a host of other local business entities and community organizations based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Mr. Thotakura extended a warm welcome to the Hon. Kharge and his delegation and over 300 Indian American community leaders and professionals representing various organizations. Mr. Thotakura recalled the recent accomplishments of IAFC and requested every citizen to become a registered voter to make an impact to the growing interest in US politics. Mr. Thotakura took the honor of introducing Hon. Kharge to the audience and quoted "Mr. Kharge is considered a competent leader with a clean public image and well versed in the dynamics of politics, legislation and administration"

Dr. Korsapati, President of IANT extended a special welcome to Hon. Kharge in his native Kannada and quoted "History has shown that great nations have influenced the world with their economic, diplomatic and cultural strength. I say with utmost pride that India and United States of America are examples of such great nations". We are blessed to be living in a democratic system and the Indian community with strong education and work ethic has done extremely well and we should leverage the lessons learned from this experience".

Hon. Kharge addressed the gathering and provided an update on various bilateral memoranda on items of mutual interest, such as, mining safety, employment, social security and said that India's GDP is poised to grow at a faster pace than most of the nations. Mr. Kharge reiterated his commitment to improve child education especially to strengthen the rural communities. On behalf of IAFC and IANT Prasad Thotakura and Sridhar Korsapati jointly felicitated Hon. Kharge with 'Pride of India' award for his over four decades of public service at both regional and national levels. Mr. Sri Rajgopalan and Mr. Kuntesh Chokshi, Pepsico Asia Network also felicitated Hon. Minsiter Kharge.

Consulate general of India Mr. Sanjiv Arora who attended as a special guest stated the progress of India in different sectors like industries, agriculture, service etc., is very satisfactory. He specially thanked the Dallas community for being brand ambassadors of India representing their motherland well in USA. Prasad Thotakura and Sridhar Korsapati presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Arora thanking him for his continued and timely delivery of critical immigration services to the Indian community.

Ms. Shabnam Modgil, IANT Trustee Board Chairman also spoke on the occasion appreciating the community support to great events like these.

Dr. Keith Goddard, US Department of Labor International Manager, Ms. Lisa London, Director of the University of Arlington also attended the event. IANT officials Swathi Shah, Loknath Patro, NMS Reddy, Indu Reddy and IAFC officials Rao Kalvala, Sushmi Kosuri, John Hamid, Murali Vennam and C.R. Rao and Mallega Kannada Sangha of North Texas felicitated several Government of India delegates who attend the event.

The thought provoking, informative and educational community reception came to an end with vote of thanks by Mr. Taiyab Kundawala, Vice President of IAFC the audience for their attendance, volunteers who spent countless hours of valuable time, to media partners TV9, Sakshi TV and FunAsiA for providing excellent meeting facilities and tasty food.