At a gala event of Congress supporters on July 19, 2014 held by the Punjab Chapter of the INOC(I)USA, the visiting Congress leader Satvir Singh Pallijhikki of Punjab noted that some disenchanted Congressi deserters are now beginning to return “home” having lost their faith in the ruling BJP party even in this short span of time.

Some claim incompetence and inexperience while others are not comfortable with the trials and tribulations and the feeling of insecurity. When asked why they did not join other parties, he said their belief was that they were no better. Pallijhikki also emphasized on the strength of NRIs which he believes, can be unleashed to make a tremendous difference.

In a show of unity and cooperation, this large gathering of Punjabis converged at the Shahi Darbar Restaurent in Floral Park New York yesterday to hear firsthand on issues pertaining to trends recently developing in Punjab and to make an assessment of how and what action need be taken to address them. Drug addiction, unemployment, and rising costs of living continue to trouble many against the promises of the ruling party.

General Secretary Harbachan Singh, who was the Master of Ceremonies, opened the event with the thunderous rendition of the national anthems of both the USA and India being played under the shadow of large flags of USA and India forming the backdrop of the grand stage. The Reception Hall ran out of standing room when a large pouring of guests showed up resulting in the opening up of adjacent room to accommodate the overflow. Speaker after speaker expressed satisfaction and praise for the work of INOC(I) and wished it better luck for the future.

Chairman George Abraham exhorted those who have gathered there to remain steadfast in their commitment for a pluralist India that is committed to an inclusive agenda. He further said that the Diaspora has a great responsibility to be an earnest watchdog as the Congress party sits in the opposition in the next few years. He thanked the guest of honor for his commitment to the party and his contributions in the past several years. He welcomed Mr. Phuman Singh ji to the gathering and urged for further unity and purpose among its rank.

President Juned Qazi asked the gathering not to lose heart because of the loss in the last election but to come together to build the organization here in USA that will have a vital role to play in the years ahead.

Senior Vice-President Mohinder Singh Gilzian expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for his presence and expressed full confidence of the return of the Congress Party in power in Punjab in the next election. He praised Satvir Singh for the great work he has done in Punjab.

Mr. T.J. Gill, President of Punjab Chapter urged the gathering to engage in concrete actions to help alleviate poverty and help those back in India who are struggling for basic necessities rather than engage in empty rhetoric.

Before the guest speaker took the rostrum, Presdent Juned Qazi invited the Chief Guest and placed a shawl of honor upon Mr. Satvir Singh Pallijhikki and spouses of INOC Officials ( Mrs. Abraham, Mrs. Gill, Mrs. Gilzian, Mrs. Swaran Singh and Mrs. Sabina Ali ) presented him bouquets of flowers. Also Mr. Harbachan Singh presented the Chief guest and T. J. Gill with Citation Awards for their respective Outstanding Services issued at the behest of Karamjit Singh Dhaliwal by New York State Assemblyman Mike Miller who regretted for being unable to make the occasion.

Members of the Raja Sahib Sports Club of Nawanshahr also presented a plaque to honor Satvir Singh Pallijhikki.

Others who spoke included Zach Thomas, Karamjit Dhaliwal, Phuman Singh, Sawaran Singh, Harry Singh Bolla, Surat Singh Padda, Balwinder Singh Bajwa, Gurmit Singh, Attorney Anand Ahuja, Dr. Anurita Kapur, Krishna Arora, Harminder Singh, Tamil Nadu Chapter President John Joseph, Delhi Chapter Vice-president V. B. Sharma, Dr. V. Chakote of Karnataka Chapter, Kerala Chapter President R. Jayachandran and SecretaryU.A. Naseer.

A letter of appointment was also presented to Mr. R. Jayachandran and Mr. Thomas T. Oommen, newly appointed President and Chairman of the Kerala Chapter respectively.

Networking amongst guests and bonding of friendships prevailed throughout the event and the sense to work together in concert for the betterment of lives of the people both here and in India was undoubtedly clear and acknowledged by all. The function concluded with animated Bhangra dance enjoyment and songs by Reshem Singh Reshem who enthralled the audience.

Mr. Jasbir Singh Nawanshahr thanked everyone and attributed the grand success of the event to the excellent teamwork of INOC(I) and its Punjab Chapter President T.J. Gill.

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Mr. Harbachan Singh, General Secretary,

INOC (I), USA