The Indian Overseas Congress USA, formally launched a Michigan chapter in Farmington Hills MI recently.
While launching the Michigan Chapter June 26, 2026, IOC-USA also announced the appointment of presidents for seven new chapters across the United States at a ceremony held at St. Toma Hall in Farmington Hills, a press release from the organization said.
The event, attended by nearly 700 members of the Indian-American community, community leaders, professionals and supporters from Michigan and neighboring states, “marked one of the most significant organizational expansion initiatives undertaken by IOC USA in recent years,” organizers said.
The highlight of the evening was the virtual keynote address by IOC Global Chairman Sam Pitroda, who joined the gathering from Iceland.
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Congratulating the newly constituted Michigan Chapter and welcoming its President Sridhar Patel and his office bearers, Pitroda expressed confidence that the new leadership would strengthen the organization and inspire greater participation among the Indian diaspora.
He called on overseas Indians to remain committed to democratic ideals, and emphasized the importance of democracy, unity, liberty, and constitutional values in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.
“The Michigan Chapter will strengthen our organization and inspire greater participation among the Indian diaspora,” Pitroda is quoted saying in the press release.
“Our responsibility is to strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive leadership, and reinforce the enduring ties between India and the global Indian community through public service and civic engagement,” he said.
Pitroda further encouraged the newly appointed office bearers to lead with commitment, integrity and humility while remaining closely connected with their communities.
He said the Indian Overseas Congress has an important role in promoting democratic participation, encouraging inclusive dialogue, and serving society. Wishing the newly appointed leaders success in their responsibilities, he expressed confidence that they would make a meaningful contribution to the continued growth of the organization.
The program was presided over by President of Indian Overseas Congress USA Mohinder Singh Gilzian. Attendees included Patel Ramesh Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, George Abraham, Vice Chairman of IOC USA, Baldev Randhawa, Vice President, John Joseph, Secretary General IOC USA, Pradeep Samala, Working President (North-East Region), Dr. Joshua JayaSingh, National Treasurer, and several national and regional office bearers.
Addressing the gathering, Gilzian described the Congress as “not merely a political party, but a global movement rooted in the ideals of democracy, justice and public service.” He announced the organization’s ambitious goal of developing 100 strong leaders across the United States by December 2026 under Pitroda’s guidance.
Describing the simultaneous launch of seven new IOC USA chapters as a significant milestone, Gilzian said the expansion would strengthen the organization nationwide while bringing together members of the Indian diaspora around the shared values of democracy, secularism and inclusive leadership. He urged the newly appointed office bearers to work collectively, expand grassroots outreach and remain committed to community service.
A major highlight of the evening was the appointment of new chapter presidents across the United States. Apart from Sridhar Patel, other appointments included Rupinder Sahoke (Indiana), Vidyasagar Vangala (North Carolina), Dheeraj Gahtori (Colorado), Ilyas Mohammed (Houston), Rayadas (Roy) Manthena (Vermont), Rupal Rajendra Shirpurkar (Maharashtra Chapter), as well as Joseph John Joseph as Secretary General of IOC USA.
The appointment letters, signed by IOC USA President Mohinder Singh Gilzian, took immediate effect for a two-year term under the IOC USA Bylaws and provide for a six-month performance review.
Patel Ramesh Reddy highlighted the Telangana Government’s welfare, development and tourism initiatives and congratulated the newly appointed chapter presidents.
The program also featured addresses by George Abraham, Pradeep Samala, Sharath Chandra Vemuganti, and other senior leaders.
Michigan Chapter Event Team:
Event Organizing Team: Sridhar Patel, Vinod Kukunoor, Venkat Bollavaram, Devanand Ale, Mathew Varughese, Venkat Natala, Anil Kurapati, Shanthan Kancherla, Yogesh Duraisamy, Yogesh Kollu, Chandan Reddy Mali, Ravi BommaReddy, Arha BommaReddy, Padma Patel, Mounika Kancherla, Vinodha Nalamolu, Srinivas Bandi.
MC: Srilatha Peri, Krishna Chellemella.
Cultural: Suseela Vathyam, Kalyani Matripragada, Kranthi Bhagirthi, Pooja Cherukuri, Usha Kompella, Gouthami Polina.
Kerala Music Team (Chanda Mela): Boby Thomas Alappatt.
Publicity: www.MIIndia.com.
Media: Sridhar Chillara, Prasantha Yelagani, Sai Srikar.
DJ: Srinivasa Raju Denuvakonda.