Category: IAALV Blogs

Acting As a Catalyst for Reversing the Current Environment of Intolerance into Acceptance!!

Dear Esteemed Members of Our Community:

There is genuine and valid concern about the discriminatory actions of some who have been emboldened by the current political atmosphere. They have always been among us, but had not expressed their views as openly as they do now. However, America is still very welcoming and most people are good Samaritans keeping the American promise and its greatness alive. One such example is Mr. Ian Grillot, a 24-year-old from Olathe, Kansas who took a bullet in Kansas fatality of an Indian-American.

It is our responsibility to report any discriminatory behavior to appropriate authorities, but it is also our duty to appreciate our friends, colleagues, neighbors, school mates and others who love and respect us – it does not matter what the apparent differences are between us.

We, Indian-Americans need to be the catalyst for this change – reversing the current environment of intolerance into acceptance – and must continue to be inclusive and open-minded and get to know people from all communities around us. We are a fortunate people because we originate in a country that exemplifies the true meaning of unity in diversity. Inherently we know how it is done. Now we need to demonstrate it here.

We will continue to discuss our concerns with the various government bodies so they are aware of our concerns and our contributions. To that effect, I am sharing letters that IAALV Board Member and Legal Counsel Deepak Sharma, Esq. has just sent to Hon. Congressman Charlie Dent and Hon. Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro regarding our concerns seeking a meeting and press conference.

Please ensure that our community members are aware of the actions IAALV has taken to make 7000 plus Lehigh Valley Americans of Indian Descent (irrespective of their affiliations) relevant and safe.

Let us all forge ahead together with a single unified voice as IAALV continually strives for the betterment of the community we serve, and the community at large.

Happy Navaratri, Easter, and Lailat al Miraj! May these Festivities Bring Us All Together Overcoming Bigotry, Intolerance and Hate thus Giving Us a Better Understanding of Our Shared Future and Making the World a Better Place to Live in Harmony!!

Please click on the following link to view the letters sent to our elected officials:

IAALV Letter to Congressman Dent (PDF)

IAALV Letter to Atty. General Shapiro (PDF)

 

Arun Kumar

IAALV President 2017

484-358-2335 (Mobile)

 

Ashim Bhowmick

IAALV Board Chair 2017-18

610-966-5057 (Home)

610-457-4205 (Mobile)

Happy Gandhi Jayanti!

On 2015 Bapu’s Birth Anniversary – An Important Message

BRIDGING RACE GAP THROUGH GOOD HUMAN RELATIONS ALTRUISTICALLY: An Undertaking That Is Self-Serving For Any Community!

 Dear Esteemed Members of our Community:

 Let us all choose to rise above our differences and live together – as citizens of this world.  We must promote good human relations where we live and bridge the gaps between people of different cultures, language, race, age, background and beliefs, so that all citizens may participate fully in the life. This applies not just in the Lehigh Valley, but the world we live in so we can leave future generations a world full of peace, acceptance and inclusiveness.

 I strongly believe, to leave a legacy of love and passion in the world, we must raise our future generations to belong to this adopted country of ours and to be able to succeed as global citizens (if we groom them that way and they so choose).

 Broadened horizons give a perspective that broadens the mind and creates visionaries out of ordinary people. Our children deserve the opportunity to be recognized not as belonging just to any one State of any one country but as individuals and communities that the world wants to welcome as their own no matter where they go geographically. We must have the ability to envision that our next generation will relate to themselves as Americans and as World Citizens of Indian Descent not the 36 states and union territories that their parents have migrated from to these United States. 

 These are simple ways we Indian-Americans can improve race relations in America for our current generation and the generations to come. A lot has been done and lot has to be done on race relations. This is particularly important in the context of what has been happening lately in the United States.

 Team IAALV is proud of the work put in towards our and the larger community and wants to see the work continue and keep getting better with each new committee. IAALV needs many good people with altruistic sentiments to join as it continues to represent ‘Composite India’ as an ‘UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION’ in the Lehigh Valley making 7000 plus Lehigh Valley Indian-Americans relevant.

 Let us elect a new executive committee that represents diverse India and choose members with different backgrounds, perspectives and skills and a strong interest in serving our community. Diversity will make the committee stronger and continually improve our association.

 Ashim Bhowmick

President – IAALV 2014-15

Winner of 2003 Allentown Human Relations Award

610-966-5057 (Home); 610-457-4205 (Mobile)