WASHINGTON DC: The Indo American Community Services (IACS) , an Illinois based no profit organization, hosted its first Leadership Reception on June 23 in Washington DC that was attended by members of the US Congress and professionals numbering 100.
The event celebrated the achievements of Indian Americans in Congress, provided an opportunity for members of all professions to connect with each other and build their network.
IACS is dedicated to empowering the South Asian community through a variety of events including diversity job fairs, woman’s conferences, leadership intern programs, professional and leadership networking, and entrepreneurial conferences.
The event was attended by Ed Royce, Chairman of the Foreign Service Committee who expressed his admiration for India. “We look forward to building the relationship between India and the United States and we thank the community here for the bridge that they help provide so that these two great democracies can work ever closer together for a common goal”
Illinois Congressman Bill Foster was also present and expressed his appreciation for the organization. “I am so pleased to be able to say how much we appreciate the Indo American Community Service that is growing rapidly in its success and its influence in Illinois as well as in DC. IACS is very valuable for opening the lines of communication between members of Congress”
Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly was impressed by the event and said, “I would love to have some interns in my office and be a role model to the young Indian Americans and maybe encourage some of them to run for office.”
Alaskan Senator Republican Dan Sullivan spoke to the group as a whole and said “What to me is so great about this event is raising new leaders in the Indo American community, and this community, as we can see, is definitely expanding politically. I’ve always been impressed by this community that is always ready to fill new roles and responsibilities in our great country.”
Congressman Danny Davis spoke about India being largest democracy in the world and Indians’ contributions here in United States and pledged to continue to support Indian American interns at his office.
Other notable guests included Balan Ayyer, the first Indian American Brigadier General in U.S. Air Force, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Ryan Panchadasaram, senior staff from the offices of Illinois Senator Mark Kirk’s, Congressman Menendez’s, U.S. Senator Blumenthal,
Congressman Mike Honda and other Congressional offices. Manu Bhardwaj, Senior advisor for Deputy Secretary of State and Vikrum Aiyer, Senior Advisor to the White House economic council and other Indian American corporate leaders and Entrepreneurs were also present.
President of IACS Sreenivas Katragadda said, “These intern programs are crucial in providing Indian American students a unique experience that can get them involved in the government. The Indian American Community has been expanding in the science and business fields and it is also important that we be active within the government as well and these internships give young people a great opportunity to do so.
IACS has worked with numerous members of Congress to involve Indian American students in intern programs at Congress to help them gain experience and inspire them to run for positions in future.
Starting in Chicago in 2010, IACS has been expanding rapidly. These past 5 years IACS has hosted events in Texas, New York, and New Jersey, and made its debut in Washington DC. Its nationwide coverage has helped the organization connect with more Indian Americans and serve people from all fields.
Neela Pandya
