INOC RED CARPET FOR SONIA GANDHI
NEW YORK (TIP): Indian National Overseas Congress will extend a red carpet welcome to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress and Chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance when she visits New York on October 1 and 2, said
INOC, USA President Dr. Surinder S. Malhotra at a press briefing on September 10. Dr. Surinder Malhotra said that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi is visiting New York to be present at the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday on October 2 which is being observed from this year as the International Non- Violence Day. India had long been demanding that birthday of the greatest apostle of non-violence in modern times be declared the International Non-Violence Day and the General Assembly this year accepted India’s demand. Being the first occasion, the event has generated much interest and a lot of importance is being attached to the celebrations. “Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has no other engagement aside from the civic reception INOC has planned in her honor on October 1 at Marriot Marquis”, disclosed Dr. Malhotra.
Asked about the number of people expected at the reception, Dr. Malhotra said that he expected 2000 guests to attend. He added that around 60 leading associations of Indian Americans were associated with the grand civic reception. There is no ticket to the reception. However, entry would be by invitation. Dr. Malhotra said that in view of the security check, the invitees would be advised to come to the venue latest by 5.30 P.M. so that they are through with security check in time to be able to be seated by 6.30 P.M. when the doors would be closed. He said a photo identity would be required for entry to the reception.
Asked about the proposed anti-Sonia demonstrations being planned by a few Hindu organizations, Dr. Malhotra remarked that America was a free and democratic country that gave all the right to protest and demonstrate. He added that INOC did not attach any importance to the proposed demonstrations. Present with him at the press briefing were functionaries of INOC and its various chapters-Shudh Jasuja, National Vice President, George Abraham,, National General Secretary, INOC Executive members Dr.J.S. Chandan and Mohinder Gilzian, Andhra Pradesh Chapter President and Secretary, Dr. Gaddam Reddy and Mahesh Saladi , Connecticut Chapter President Dr. Ram Sethi, Haryana Chapter President Master Sawaran Singh, Punjab Chapter Executive member Kamaljit, an INOC activist Nazma Sultan, and Congress activist from India, Deepak Malhotra.
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Later, Dr. Malhotra met with various Chapter functionaries at Indus Valley Restaurant where the plans for the civic reception to Mr. Sonia Gandhi were discussed in detail. Dr. Malhotra assigned them duties and exhorted them to ensure timely presence of all members associated with their chapters.
THE INDIAN PANORAMA COMMUNITY CALENDAR Friday, September 14, 2007 13
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