Let’s make a bonfire of our negativity and
bring a color of positivity in our lives and
in the lives of all who surround us
in this adopted country of ours.
Wishing you heath, wealth and happiness on
this Holi as you strive to become and remain
an integral part of American milieu.
Happy Holi!
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Sunday February 25th 2018
Honoring Congressman Charlie Dent
for his unwavering support and friendship of over 25 Years to Lehigh Valley Indian-Americans
Dear Esteemed Members of Our Community:
In the early nineties, recognizing the importance of becoming an integral part of the local fabric and building political power for our community, we made a conscious decision to change the course of our organization based on an ideological commitment that goes beyond the intent to live and work in the United States – become a part of the local fabric.
From its primary focus to service its own community — the association founded in 1972 as India Association of the Lehigh Valley (IALV), in 1996 adopted a new name Indian-American Association of Lehigh Valley (IAALV) — to one of interaction with other ethnic and non-ethnic organizations, elected officials local, state and federal and the media in the Lehigh Valley. Thus, we began engaging elected officials in our events with fairly good success.
On Sunday, February 25th, 2018, IAALV Officers on behalf of the Lehigh Valley Indian-Americans thanked the Congressman for his friendship and support over the years and presented a plaque as a token of appreciation for the enriching engagement our small community had enjoyed and the attention to issues related to our community from his office.
Indian-American Association of Lehigh Valley (IAALV) is here because hundreds of our community volunteered to be officers over the years. Because of their hard work, today IAALV enjoys a special place in the Lehigh Valley. Through their efforts a lot more people in our Lehigh Valley know about India and the aspirations of Indian-Americans but are also aware of the way we serve our broader community.
I have been a part of IAALV since 1989 and have played many a role (along with many able leaders) in the organization with the conviction that while it is important for us to maintain our heritage it is equally important to be part of the local fabric. Our country and the Lehigh Valley are going through some trying times as evidenced by the daily news. Long and well established principles inscribed on the Statue of Liberty are questioned again and again in the context of immigrants and the role they/we play. It is important that we maintain the momentum of the past to ensure our children and future generations have even better opportunities than we have enjoyed in this adopted country of ours. It is in that context I bring to your attention the need for and the success of Indian-American Political Action Committee (IPAC) – a PAC supporting the Indian-American community.
Before I step back from the public scene – which could be soon due to my age, health and familial reasons — I would like to ensure that IPAC which was reestablished in 2017 (originally established in 1994) as an independent entity is fully functional and rejuvenated with support of all Indian-American of Lehigh Valley. The new officers of IPAC are working diligently to meet this prime importance to the LV Indian-American community.
With Hon. Congressman Charlie Dent’s decision of not seeking reelection, our community is losing a great friend of over 25 years and we are now faced with a challenge to find, campaign and support a candidate that shall remain a friend.
Folks, our future depends on how well we become and remain an integral part of American milieu. Else, I am afraid we will continue to struggle with ‘Indophobia’ which we have a tendency to disbelieve because of our own ideological defenses that it is nothing to do with us Indians as we want to strongly believe that ‘Indophilia’ still exists in the country we so lovingly adopted.
All the best as we forge ahead strengthening community ties, grassroots organizing, and creating diverse alliances both internal and external by strengthening alliances that IAALV has already in place and continuing to seek new ones.
God Bless Us All!
– Ashim Bhowmick
PS: Here are some pictures of the event.
