Hundreds Indian Americans, including prominent community leaders representing a broad cross-section of the Indian American diaspora, gathered Tuesday evening, October 13, at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale in a show of support for Congressman Tom Suozzi’s re-election campaign.
According to a press release from organizers, the crowd numbered more than 500.
The evening featured live musical performances, the American and Indian national anthems, and remarks by community leaders, including Naveen Shah, Girish Patel, Dr. Purna Atluri, Gary Sikka, Satnam Prahar, Koshy Thomas, Dilip Nath, Dr. Neeta Jain and others.
Addressing the gathering, Suozzi expressed appreciation for the community’s friendship and support and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India-U.S. relations and addressing issues important to Indian Americans.
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Varinder Bhalla, Chairman of the Indian American Voters Forum, served as Master of Ceremonies and drew a historical parallel between Congressman Suozzi and the late Congressman Stephen J. Solarz, an influential advocate of strong India-U.S. relations.
Bhalla recalled that Solarz served nine terms in Congress, and said, “It took us 24 years to find another Congressman who shared Steve Solarz’s passion for India and the Indian American community,” referring to Suozzi’s election to Congress in 2016.
Bhalla also cited examples of congressional elections decided by remarkably narrow margins, and emphasized that every vote matters and warned against complacency in the November 3 election.
Girish Patel said about Suozzi, “He is a strong advocate for our community, a bridgebuilder, and someone who believes that when our community comes together, we can make a real difference.”
As Vice Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, Suozzi has advocated closer diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two democracies. Speakers highlighted his congressional engagement with India, support for Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras, assistance to religious workers facing immigration challenges, and advocacy for physicians and technology professionals.
Gary Sikka, President of the American Punjabi Society, highlighted Suozzi’s longstanding support for the Sikh community, recalling his role in helping establish a Sikh gurdwara in Glen Cove and his willingness to speak out against discrimination.
“Tom Suozzi is the kind of Congressman who remembers that politics is about people, not just policies. He listens, he shows up, and he doesn’t forget where he comes from”, said Shaker Nelanuthala.