NYINPAC holds first Legislative Brunch event on Long Island, NY

NYINPAC Executive Board.

Indian Political Action Committee (NYINPAC), a newly formed NRI group, held its first Legislative Brunch event early last month at the Sterling Hall in Bethpage on Long Island, NY. The historic event was attended by 20 New York state and local elected officials from both the Democratic and Republican parties and over 225 Indian American community members and leaders.

Dr. Harshad Bhatt explained the importance of NYINPAC and appealed to all to join hands. He said in his remarks: "NYINPAC is the first of the organization with a goal to achieve our political dreams.

"We have succeeded in major fields and our children are excelling in the schools and colleges. However we must not stop here, we must unite and move forward to conquer the next battle of the political process of our adopted land. We must march together on this road to success and make our voices heard," said Raj Mehta, while explaining the success of the Indian American community in the United States, (formed the core of the important event) underscoring the "coming of age" of the NRIs in New York.

Among the elected state officials, who had attended the event included, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, New York State Assembly members Michelle Schimel, Rob Walker, Joseph Saladino, Ellen Young and David McDonough, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Supervisor of Town of North Hempstead Jon Kaiman, Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Peter Schmitt, Nassau County Legislators Wayne Wink and Judy Bosowrth, New York City Councilman John Lieu, Councilman Tony Santino from Town of Hempstead, Rocco Ianarelli and Leslie Gross of the Town of North Hempstead and Bobby Kumar, Chairman of the Nassau County Independence Party.

Raj Mehta with Tom Suozzi.

Dignitaries and community leaders were recognized by Girish Patel and Media recognition was done by Virendra Patel Mark Schimel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Infosys International explained various features of the web site in detail. He specifically pointed to the Elected Officials corner section where an Elected Official will be able to show what they have done for the Indian Community. He said that the web site is State of Art and has wealth of information which can benefit Indian Community a lot including Immigration forum, a general forum and a political forum. He appealed to the community to visit www.nyinpac.com and get involved.

A number of elected officials where introduced by Executive Board Members Hiten Shah, Virendra Patel, Girish Patel, Khandu Patel, Dr. Harshad Bhatt and Jitendra Patel. Elected Officials then took the podium to give their remarks. New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said in his remarks "The Indian Community has quickly grown to become a very valuable asset to New York State, making important contributions to all aspects of our society. NYINPAC will allow the Community to speak with one voice, to address concerns and show support for issues that affect Indian Americans. I am honored to be a part of this organization’s inaugural event and wish NYINPAC much success."

New York State Member of the Assembly Michelle Schimel said "I was proud to participate in the inaugural event of NYINPAC. The Indian-American community must be part of the dialogue to meet the challenges of the day: healthcare, funding quality education, jobs creation, environmental protection, and public safety. I hope you always enjoy the hope and possibilities you felt when you first arrived on American shores."

Attendees at the function.

Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said : "The Indian American community has made significant contributions to Nassau County in business, education and culture. I am confident that NYINPAC will appropriately coordinate efforts from within the whole community to address the issues affecting Indian Americans in Nassau County and elsewhere. I will do whatever I can to help the Indian-American community and wish NYINPAC much success."

Nassau County Minority Leader Peter J. Schmitt said in his remarks "Within a democracy, every group and individual has a responsibility to participate. I am gratified to have seen the Indian community so engrossed in our American process. Our Country can only survive if all voices are heard" Town of Hempstead Councilman Tony Santino said in his remarks "I am truly excited about the formation of NYINPAC. This is a great opportunity for Indian-Americans to unite for effective participation in the political and governmental affairs of our nation, state and local community. I look forward to working with NYINPAC on the many important issues of concern to Long Island’s growing Indian-American community. I am certain that NYINPAC’s dynamic leadership will get results for community members."

Westchester Indian community leader Babu Thomas was very thrilled and encouraged with the formation of NYINPAC. He said "I am very happy that I attended this event – it was fabulous and there was lots of energy everywhere. I will be very anxious to get the Westchester chapter of NYINPAC started." Finally, Raj L. Prasad, Executive Board Member, while delivering the vote of thanks, said, "the general feeling of the NRI community members was that we are matured and ready for this type of organization and they felt satisfied with the program and were encouraged to join hands to move the organization forward".

The New York Indian Political Action Committee is a bipartisan group that provides support to public officials who support issues that are important to the Indian American Community, with the goal to encourage and provide a forum for Indian Americans to actively participate in the American governing and electoral process, to consolidate individual contributions to create influence and structure the efforts of the Indian American community, to support and promote the election of candidates for Public office, regardless of party affiliation, who have an understanding of and support the needs and issues of the Indian American community to support and advance legislation that affects the concerns of the Indian American community, please register and get involved by going on our web site at www.nyinpac.com

-By Yogesh Karikurve