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Community Across America
India Post
Nikki Haley charms Indian Americans in Dallas
www.indiapost.com
NFIA honors 10 at biennial convention India Post News Service
Nikki speaks at IAFC meet Cont’d from page 14
Thotakura observed that Nikki displayed her leadership skills in fighting back false allegations on her character with inner strength, resolve, resilience and family support. She is endorsed by who's who of the Republican Party and already holding a double digit lead over her Democratic opponent. Addressing the gathering, Nikki Haley appreciated the Dallas Indian American community for their wonderful support for her campaign all way along and this is her third visit to Dallas. She said she would be back as Governor one more time just to thank the community for their unconditional support. Haley said she is very proud of her rich Indian cultural heritage and a lot of respect for the first generation of Indian Americans like her parents who sacrificed a lot for the well being of the next generation. "As a Governor of South Carolina, I want to create and keep more jobs in South Carolina. I do encourage small and mid level businesses to prosper and know exactly what it takes to move them to the next level. I have an unwavering commitment to tax-payers bottom-line. I have a thorough
knowledge of present economic conditions and focus on future to help the next generation and the senior citizens", she said. Rao Kalvala, IAFC Board of Director, moderated an interactive question answer session with Nikki Haley. A group of Indian
She said she would be back as Governor one more time just to thank the community for their unconditional support. Haley said she is very proud of her rich Indian cultural heritage and a lot of respect for the first generation of Indian Americans like her parents American youth welcomed Nikki Haley with a bouquet of flowers. Prasad Thotakura pledged a donation of $250 from IAFC for the ECoppell project to bring environmental awareness to local citizens. Taiyab Kundawala, Secretary of IAFC proposed a vote of thanks.
October 1, 2010
NEW YORK: The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) celebrated its 16th biennial convention and 30th anniversary Sept 17-19 at the Crowne Plaza LaGuardia Hotel and the World Fair Marina Restaurant in New York City. During two-and-half day event ten Indian Americans were honored for their outstanding achievements and contributions to humanity and society. This year's awardees are recognized for their achievements in various fields as well as for philanthropy and community service. They are: Narpat Bhandari, a technologist and entrepreneur for Leadership in Silicon Valley Hi-Tech industry; New York philanthropist Peter Bhedha for Community Service; Shanti Bhavan founder Dr. Abraham George in Education and Philanthropy; PND Hotel Investors CEO Pravin Khatiwala for Community Service and Hospitality; South Asian Times publisher Kamlesh Mehta in Media; geotechnical forensic expert Dr. Awtar Singh in Philanthropy; AAPI President Dr. Ajeet Singhvi for Organizational Achievement in Medical and
Health Sciences; Manhattan College President Dr. Molly Easo Smith for Education; TV Asia Anchor Rohit Vyas for Television and Mass Media; and technology entrepreneur Dr. Vivek Wadhwa for Engineering, Technology and Society.
The event was inaugurated by Arun Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Other guests of honor included New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, New Jersey Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula, Columbia University Professor Jagdish Bhagwati, Technologist and Entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa "NFIA has been honoring outstanding achievers among Indian Americans for the last thirty years who have made a mark in the American society and/or have
done outstanding community service and the New York convention will honor ten such achievers and contributors to our society," said Lal Motwani, Convention Convener. "NFIA is proud to honor these award recipients who are role models to our new generations growing up in America," said NFIA President Chandu Patel. The event was inaugurated by Arun Kumar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Other guests of honor included New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, New Jersey Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula, Columbia University Professor Jagdish Bhagwati, Technologist and Entrepreneur Vivek Wadhwa, and New York City Comptroller John Liu. Ten conference sessions on Sept.18th covered contemporary issues affecting the IndianAmerican community. The panels covered a whole range of issues including those of diasporic cultural identity, youth achievements, inadequacies in social services, senior citizens issues, political engagement, philanthropy and US-India relations.
Chicagoans open up hearts & wallets to support Nikki Haley Cont’d from page 13
She credits her success to Indian heritage and serves as a role model for young Indian Americans. Jayshree Patel as the representative of young Indian Americans introduced Nikki Haley to the gathering. Ms. Haley spoke about her growing up in America and how she entered politics and fought the odds successfully. Through her success and prominence she encourages broader Indian participation in the American political process, particularly for second generation Indian Americans. She passionately spoke of conservative values we bring from India, values of hard work, spend wisely, live within your means, encourage and reward success as against creating a nanny State. She appealed against piling of debt for our children and grandchildren. She said that we know how to spend our money ten times better than the government. The program began with a prayer of unity and was emceed by Shri Chandak.
The highlight of the program was a panel discussion between Nikki Haley and Shalli Kumar. They covered a wide range of issues of major interest to the Indian American community.
She passionately spoke of conservative values we bring from India, values of hard work, spend wisely, live within your means, encourage and reward success as against creating a nanny State Nikki Haley favored capping government spending. She is also pushing for elimination of small business income tax in South Carolina. She elaborated on job cre-
ation and why she is against government healthcare mandates requiring everyone to have health insurance. She is a big promoter of Term Limits legislation. She favors Indo-US nuclear deal. She said she would support inclusion of India as a permanent member of UN Security Council. She is for legal immigration including the increase of number of H1 visas as recommended by US Chamber of Commerce. It was obvious that she touched every one's heart. The participants were immensely impressed with her simplicity and earnestness. It was felt that Nikki Haley could increase the clout of Indian community in the country. She can and will influence national policy favorable to Indian community and their values. Hailing from Punjab and a significant numbers of guests being Punjabi Indian Americans, it was only befitting that this magnificent evening ended with almost 20 minutes of Bhangra dance with active participation from both Shalli Kumar and Nikki Haley.