Religious leaders from different faiths gathered at Koshy Thomas campaign headquarters on Saturday, May 8 at 260th and Hillside Ave, Queens, N.Y., where he is running for the New York City Council (District 23), to offer prayers for the victims of the pandemic that is ravaging India and for the healing of the nation. Speakers, one after another, highlighted the grave situation India is facing and encouraged participants to pray for the country while extending a helping hand with medical supplies and financial resources.
Those who participated in the prayer include Guru jiGarud Gopal Prabhu, Father John Thomas of Jackson Heights Orthodox Church, Imam Muhammad Waliullah of Hillside Islamic Center, Ashok Vyas of ITV, Hemanth Shah of FBIMA, Suhag Mehta of Ganesh Utsav, Kripal Singh, VirendraVora, Paul Karukapally, Ashok Vora, Philipose Philip, V.M. Chacko, Varghese Abraham, Mercedes Buchanan and George Abraham of IOCUSA.
“We are growing in numbers and influence, and we need a voice in the NYC council,” said New York State Senator Kevin Thomas inaugurating a fundraising event at Cotillion restaurant in Jericho, Long Island, New York. “At the end of the day, we need someone who has ties to the community, that has organized events, who has given back to the community, and has a good heart. And we need someone who can empathize with the community when there is sorrow or joy, whom we can put our burden on the strong shoulders. The city council is a tough and complicated place. If you do not have someone who is well prepared to take up the responsibility, we will be at a loss. Koshy is the right candidate. He wants to represent you. So on election day, make sure that he gets your vote, and there should be volunteers calling people to go and vote,” Mr. Thomas added.
The fundraising was attended by many community leaders who expressed their support for the candidacy of Koshy Thomas. Mr. Ashok Vora, a businessman from District 23, applauded Koshy to focus on the needs of the local businesses in the community, especially during these Covid times. “Koshy has the courage to stand up for the community, and next time when we gather, we would be celebrating his election as the NYC council member,” Mr. Vora added. He requested the participants to come forward and help Koshy Thomas as he has a great chance to win this coming election.
Kamalesh Mehta, Businessman and publisher of South Asian times, characterized Koshy as a polite person but a persistent person who can get things done. He promised his full support and wished him all the success. DilipChouhan, a community leader, lauded Koshy’s work as one of the architects of the India Day Parade and urged our community to go out and vote to elect him as the next city councilman. Mr. Vimal Goyal, a community leader and activist said he was excited about to hear that Koshy was running. “He is the only one in our community who can win in this election and our community has to come together and support him”. He added.
George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, pointed out the significance of this race and asked the community to pool our resources and manpower to create history in electing the first Asian Indian to the NYC Council. George Parampil spoke about encouraging Koshy Thomas to run for the District and emphasized the need for a “go-to” person in this complex environment. Dr. Anna George, Educator and Medical professional talked about the need to have a person representing us to tap the resources needed to be a thriving community. Dencil George spoke about many politicians making empty promises but pointed out that Koshy Thomas, would make a difference in our community. Regi Kurian, President of the Kerala Cultural Association of North America, promised his support for the candidacy of Koshy Thomas. Dr. Thomas Mathew, former President of AKMG, thanked Koshy for his community activities and offered his help as well.
Rev. John Thomas, Rev. John Melapuram, V.M. Chacko, Varghese Abraham, Mary Philip, Neal Koshy, Paul Chulliyil, Hema Virani, Lona Abraham, and Zach Mathai spoke in support of Koshy Thomas. Ajit Abraham and Biju Chacko were the EMCEEs. For further information: Please contact at 347-867-1200
