Tag: INOC

INOC confident of Congress Victory in Punjab

Staff ReporterPolitics 0

Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA met with some senior Congress Party Leaders in New Delhi to debrief on his efforts to energize the various Party candidates in their respective election bid in Punjab.  As per a report from the INOC office, Gilzian spent almost two months in accompanying the party leader Capt. Amarinder Singh in some of his campaign swings throughout Punjab as well as spent considerable time to help his brother Sangat Singh Gilzian who was running from the Tanda District for an MLA seat in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections.

Mohinder Singh Gilzian visited Shri Anand Sharma, a member of the Raj Sabha followed by visits to Shri K. Raju (Chief ST/SC wing of AICC) and Shri Oscar Fernandes (AICC General Secretary).  He informed them that the Congress party expectations of victory were very high and the party apparatus was very much in top gear throughout the campaign period.  He was very encouraged and pleased with the great response they received from the voters who recalled the great advancement in education, employment, industries and infrastructure by Congress Party under the leadership of Capt. Amarinder Singh. Voters desperately wanted a change from the present regime, and they were very happy that the Congress Party offered an excellent option.   The great achievements of Capt. Amarinder Singh was strong and glorious testimony as to his capability, experience and integrity in their favor. He received solid endorsements from voters that the fielded candidates had brilliant credentials.

George Abraham, Chairman and Harbachan Singh, Secretary General of INOC, USA noted that the President’s efforts were augmented by the visit of Tejinder Singh Gill Sr. Vice President who also visited Punjab in the last few days of the campaign.  He too traveled to several areas of Punjab and lent his support to Congress party candidates to boost their victory.  Tejinder Singh Gill stated that the voters appreciated his traveling from New York to give them confidence and reassurance that better days are yet to come under the Congress Party administration.

INOC, USA had been actively helping in all legitimate ways to support the Congress Party initiative in Punjab. The election results are scheduled to be released on March 11, 2017.  The mood is indeed upbeat in the Congress Party camp.

Photo attached.

INOC, USA President with AICC spokesperson and Deputy Chairman of Foreign Affairs and MP Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma, AICC Secretary Oscar Fernandez and AICC SC/ST Chief of AICC section K. Raju

INOC, USA condemns senseless killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, an Indian Techie.

Staff ReporterUncategorized 0

“Any Senseless killing is deplorable and has no place in a civilized society”, said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA, “we strongly condemn this heinous act against an innocent victim and call upon the authorities to prevent any copycat action” he added. Mr. Abraham was referring to the recent shooting death of an Indian techie in Olathe, Kansas for no apparent reason other than bigotry and racism. INOC, USA, a secular organization dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights and pluralism believes that communal and racist remarks must be avoided in order not to spark any disruption of peaceful co-existence amongst the various communities in the USA.

Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA sympathized with the family and offered condolences to the grieved friends and relatives and appealed that assistance is given to Ms. Sunayana Dumla, the widow of the deceased victim.

Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General of INOC, USA condemned the merciless killing and stressed the critical importance of calm and cool heads to prevail especially now when the world was experiencing some difficult moments, and any harm befalling on victims especially based on racial bias or divide must be strenuously avoided.  It is incumbent on all, especially leaders, to refrain from any act or utterance which could lead to irrational and irresponsible acts of disturbance in the diverse communities we live in.   As it is, building cohesiveness and mutual trust is already a challenging process between the various peoples and that harm directed against any one community is harm inflicted on all the communities.  While it is paramount that the perpetrator be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for this vicious crime, it is equally important that leaders and enforcement authorities take steps to restore confidence and reassurance in the community since many feel that the climate of hostility towards foreigners in U.S. is beginning to erode their sense of security.

Harbachan Singh applauded the community at large for raising funds and rallying around the bereaved families and holding their hand at this hour of grief.  The support of the Indian government is also very much appreciated.

INOC, USA expresses serious concern over USCIRF report on India’s deteriorating religious freedom

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

 

Indian National Overseas Congress, USA expressed serious concern over the recently issued annual report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a powerful freedom body that exercises considerable influence on the US Senate and Administration, which cited that religious tolerance has deteriorated and  religious freedom violations have increased in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime. “It is unfortunate that the last two years have witnessed a steady deterioration of religious freedom and human rights in India especially that of the minorities and the current administration cannot shirk their responsibility in that regard,” said George Abraham, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA.

According to the recently released report, India faces serious challenges to both its pluralistic traditions and its religious minorities. “Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Jains generally are fearful of what the future portends. Dalits also are increasingly being attacked and harassed”.

It further urged the Indian government to immediately lift its sanctions against non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are working for the welfare of the minorities in India. It also pointed out that FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) is increasingly being used as a tool to shut down foreign-funded minority NGOs.

In an unusually sharp criticism of the Modi Administration, the USCIRF wants the US administration to identify and act against “Hindutva groups that raise funds from US citizens and support hate campaigns in India”, adding “such groups should be banned from operating in the US if they are found to spread hatred against religious minorities in India.”

INOC, USA urges the growing Indian community in the United States to refrain from funding these organizations that promote hatred and bigotry against the minorities in India. More than ever, as minorities in the United States,  it is incumbent upon us to uphold the democratic and pluralistic values that are a hallmark of this country and it is in our own ‘vested interests’ to see that those values preserved and protected.

INOC, USA vows full support to Captain Amarinder Singh and the Congress Party in Punjab elections

Staff ReporterIndia, Politics 0

New York: At an annual meeting comprising over forty  members held on December 30, 2016, at Sohna Punjab Restaurant in Queens, New York,  the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA unanimously adopted several important resolutions and other measures which would not only bring up to date its by-laws, rules, and procedures but also emboldened the hands of its leadership.  The promotion of several of its officers within the ranks and recruited from outside, including youth, is expected to bring new dynamism, energy and success to the Organization in the near future. This move, which was long awaited, has immediately invigorated everyone especially in the face of upcoming Punjab State elections expected to take place at the beginning of February 2017.

Recounting the accomplishments of INOC, USA, the Secretary-General, Mr. Harbachan Singh applauded the effort of all the leaders and its rank and file.   Playing a major role in hosting the visit of Capt. Amarinder Singh to New York was no small matter.  The words of praise and admiration received from the Captain made so many of his supporters happy, validated and inspired.  Similar recognition by visiting Congress leaders such as Hon. Sushilkumar Shinde during 2016 had the same positive effect of uplifting their mood and resolve.

In announcing the promotions, Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA said that former President of Punjab Chapter, Mr. Tejinder Singh Gill was promoted to the rank of Sr. Vice President and in his place, Mr. Satish Sharma was designated as Chairman and Mr. Jasvir Singh Nawanshahr was designated as the Punjab Chapter President.  Mr. John Joseph, Ms. Malini Shah, Dr. Dayan Naik and Mr. Jagjeet Singh were each promoted to the rank as Vice Presidents.  Mr. Neil Trevidi. Mr. Prasad Kambhampaty and Ms. Megha Mehta were each promoted to the rank of Joint Secretary.  Mr. Koshy Oommen and Ms. Gunjan Rastogi were designated as an executive members of the National Council. Ms. Jaya Sundaram was designated Acting President of Tamil Nadu Chapter, Ms. Leela Maret was designated as Chairperson Women’s Forum and Mr. Sawaran Singh was designated as Chairman of Disciplinary Committee.  Mr. Girish Vidya was nominated to be a member of the Advisory Council together with Mr. Krishnan Arora.   No changes were made to the positions of other officials.  Both Mr. George Abraham, Chairman and Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA congratulated those who received the promotions and wished them good luck.  Mr. Harbachan Singh stated that the decisions were reached after very careful review and that the candidates promoted were of high caliber and enjoyed respect in the society.

Two resolutions were also passed at this meeting viz: one to demonstrate INOC, USAs unflagging support and admiration of Captain Amarinder Singh as the most outstanding leader of the Punjab Congress Committee and vowed its full support to him and his designated candidates in the upcoming State elections in Punjab.

Secondly, INOC, USA deplored the format and unconventional manner the demonetarization  scheme was introduced which has not resulted in any significant results but instead has nevertheless caused untold misery and suffering to the masses of people in whole of India including reported deaths in the vicinity of hundreds and is continuing to have detrimental effects on the people.

INOC, USA rallies to strongly support the efforts of the Punjab Congress Party in the upcoming State Elections

Staff ReporterPolitics 0

New York: On October 30, 2016, on the auspicious day of Diwali and “BandiChoodh” at New York a very important large gathering of leaders and supporters of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA unanimously declared their full and unequivocal support for the Punjab Congress Party in the State Elections. All the burning issues of concern were emphasized.

Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA welcomed the members and participants and assured all present that Punjab Congress Party was flying high and that the Punjab Congress Party President Capt. Amrinder Singh and his team were working in full force and top gear. This was amply evident from the great confidence and cooperation that they were receiving from all the party members all over Punjab. This confidence is vital. Also, he reminded, at this time the value of lands in Punjab is decreasing, and things, in general, are getting from bad to worse. He added that Capt. Amrinder Singh is following a very strict rule that he had made that only one seat shall be given to a family and the people are content with this ruling.

Mr. George Abraham, Chairman of INOC, USA explained at length the virtues of the Congress Party which was established by great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel. He explained how the party worked so hard for the people in the past and made so much of progress for the country. He appealed everyone to unite and assist the Punjab Congress Party individually or collectively with their friends and family back home. The Punjab State elections are expected to take place in February 2017.

Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General of Indian National Overseas Congress, USA narrated a litany of issues troubling the State of Punjab and explained how the present government was derelict in not attending or inadequately attending to them. Corruption, drugs, and unemployment were listed high on the list of deep concerns and fear of hooliganism was affecting the security level of the people. In the villages, the number of suicides was increasing and Punjab being a border state with Pakistan, was made to bear colossal damages and sufferings, as well as the residents, were being uprooted and displaced from their homes for indefinite periods. A worrisome fact was that Punjab was slowly buried under huge state debt. Lethargic government bureaucracy was using antiquated laws and procedures so much so that many Non-resident Indians were not willing to invest in Punjab and that some foreign companies were also closing down and moving out causing unemployment problems.

The YSL river water issue was also not solved properly. He strongly believed that only the Congress Party under Capt. Amrinder Singh can solve such problems well and that the Capt. has a track record to prove it. His new Congress Manifesto is full of descriptions of programs to successfully deal with each such problem.

Mr. Tejinder Singh Gill, President of the Punjab Chapter, appealed everyone to make sure they contact each member and friend back home in Punjab and advise them on the virtues and how good the Congress Party was and how good it was in solving the concerns and issues that were weighing heavily on the progress of Punjab. He assured them that if each member of their family could do so the same thing, the Punjab Congress Party will most certainly win. He also noted that human rights issues also needed to be addressed which Capt. Amrinder Singh could handle exceedingly well.

Mr. Jasvir Singh emphasized the importance of wrestling strongly with drug issues. He said that the youth in Punjab, in particular, had become victims of drugs which has affected the social fabric of the society. He advised everyone to set aside some of their valuable time to pay attention to needs of the state of Punjab and its people.

To be noted that while these and other speeches were going on, they were interrupted by a loud burst of slogans of support such as “Nashahatao, Captain Laeao” and, “Capt Leao, Punjab bachao”. The crowd seemed duly enthusiastic highly fired up and totally ready to act.

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