New York: Rahul Gandhi addressed a gathering of around 4000 people at the Javits Center in New York on June 3. He has been on a six-day tour of the United States, having visited San Francisco, Washington D.C, he attended this grand finale by meeting an enthusiastic crowd who received him with thunderous applause. A two minutes of silence was also observed and tributes were paid to those who died in the train mishap in Odisha, India.
“We need to build a modern India with love and affection, not with anger and hatred. Currently, there is a fight going on in our country: a fight between two ideologies. One we represent, and the other is represented by the BJP,” he said.
George Abraham, the Vice-Chairman of the IOCUSA, opened the meeting by lauding Rahul Gandhi as a profile in courage. “When others remain silent, he is willing to stick his neck out despite threats or intimidation even at the cost of his esteemed positions or even his own dwelling. He is indeed a ray of hope for all of us who are yearning for peace and harmony for our motherland,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi in his address attacked the BJP and accused them of being incapable of looking at the future. “They are driving the ‘car of India’ and looking in the rear-view mirror. They will always find someone else to blame,” he said.
Gandhi alleged a full-scale attack on the democratic structure and institutions in India, including the judiciary and the media. “Modern India cannot exist without its constitution and democracy,” he said.
Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA, praised Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Sam Pitroda, the global chairman, spoke about the need to awaken and work with vigilance for a better future for India. “IOC is in 30 countries now. We will continue to talk to the global community despite the misinformation, propaganda, and lies emanating from the other side,” Pitroda said.
Pradeep Samala, the General Convener of the meeting, thanked Rahul Gandhi along with all the dignitaries who were present on the dais. A grand reception was accorded to Rahul Gandhi on June 3 at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing meadow in Queens.
Congress leaders from India namely Deependar Hooda, Mani Shankar Iyer, Neelima Kota, Alka Lamba were also present. Dilip Chouhan, the Deputy Commissioner of New York City, also addressed the event.
IOC leaders John Joseph, Phuman Singh, Leela Maret, Thomas Mathew, Rajeshwar Reddy, Ram Gadula, Peter Kothari, Harkesh Thakur, Amar Singh Gulshan, Gurpeet Singh, Kulraj Grewal, Baljinder Singh Kundu, Gurmeet Singh Gill, Gurmit Singh Buttar, Rajinder Dichpally, Nikhil Thagadur, Pawan Darsi, Kawaljit Kaur and Sandeep Vangala, Sharath Chandra Vemuguti, were present on the dais while Sophia Sharma, the General Secretary of IOCUSA, was the Emceed the meeting.
