New York: “My participation in the celebration of India’s Republic Day today is a testament to the value I place on the friendship the United States has with India,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks on January 24. Chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee added that the US-India strategic partnership based on mutual values and commitment will continue under the Biden-Harris administration.
Referring to the COVID pandemic, he said, “We stand together, shoulder to shoulder” in combating the virus and the impact it has on humanity. Rep. Meeks of New York was introduced by Lal Motwani, Honorary Chairman of GOPIO-NY.
Beena Kothari, GOPIO-NY President, welcomed the participants from across the globe to the celebration.
Rep. Meeks pointed to the Bill passed with bipartisan support that would establish an exchange initiative between the USA and India to study the work and legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
In his address, Consul General Randhir Jaiswal said the Republic Day is a “time when we reflect on the past and the present and ways to go forward.” Referring to the health and economic challenges India and the world are facing today he expressed hope that the arrival of vaccines will help make a new beginning. Promising that India is on the way to providing vaccination to 300 million people in India, he spoke about New Delhi’s plans to supply vaccines to other countries, thus living India’s philosophy of “The whole world is one family.” He also looked forward to collaborating with the new Biden administration contributing to peace and stability around the world.
NY State Senator Kevin Thomas read out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, reminding all of the high ideals of unity and diversity, urging the nation to live up to the high ideals enshrined there.
NY State Representative Jenifer Rajkumar and businessman Vimal Goyal also spoke. Suhag Mehta gave a video presentation on India’s journey to becoming a Republic.
