Page 32 - The Indian EYE 081922

The Indian Eye
NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 19, 2022 32

IAPAC’s Non-Partisan Reception to Build Bridges

Between Elected Officials and the Indian American

Community has a great turnout

IAPAC further establishes its unique niche for non-partisanship among Indian Americans

OUR BUREAU
Houston, TX
he Indian American Political
Action Committee of Greater
THouston (IAPAC) hosted the
first non-partisan reception for over
25 elected officials and over 130 mem-
bers of the Indian American com-
munity at India House on August 4.
The event ‘Meet Your Elected
Officials’ reflected IAPAC’s unique-
ness of being the only non-partisan
political voice for Indian Americans
in the Greater Houston region. The
event hosted officials currently serv-
ing in office from both the Republi-
can and Democrat political parties.
Additionally, multiple Indian Amer-
icans representing both regional and
religious groups as well as profession-
al organizations were present. At-
tendees had the opportunity to meet
the officials who impact them the
most: those serving in local offices.
IAPAC Board Member and
Event Chair Vivek Menon kicked
off the event with a quote by Rabin-
dranath Tagore about service, setting
the tone for the evening and how we
need to focus more on our common-
alities than our differences.
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
further cemented that idea with her
speech about the work she’s been do-
ing across party lines to better serve
the community. Speaking about
diversity, she said, “This is a place
where we welcome people, we wel- by IAPAC spotlighting the important IAPAC from its early days known as Anand, the immediate past present,
come ideas and we come together to relationships that have been built “Association of Indian Americans” Roopa said, “He has been an inspira-
solve problems and instead of see- over many years. in 1984 to present-day, IAPAC Presi- tion to me and all of us and has pro-
ing those problems as obstacles, we Fort Bend County Judge K.P. dent Dr. Roopa Gir said, “The prog- vided exemplary leadership in many
see them as opportunities and that’s George and County Court at Law ress we have made over these past ways, including his creativity bringing
what tonight represents, and this en- No. 3 Judge Juli Matthew were just two and half decades is nothing short in new blood into IAPAC.
gagement has to happen all the time two of the Indian American dis- of exemplary, with many aspirants In closing, IAPAC Vice Presi-
not only at the ballot.” tinguished speakers at the event. from the community today in dent Gaurav Jhaveri thanked our
Senator John Cornyn’s Office Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo elected offices”. She made a sponsors and volunteers, and an-
was represented by Jay Guerrero, sent a video message congratulating call for more involvement from the nounced upcoming events for IAPAC
who highlighted the continuous rela- IAPAC and the importance of such community, especially from youth, as including the WE@IAPAC women’s
tionship Sen. Cornyn’s office has had organizations. Harris County Sheriff they are the future of the country. empowerment initiative in October,
with the Indian community, creating Ed Gonzalez and Dist. 27 Repre- Roopa recognized the founders and a Thanksgiving lunch that brings
the first Senate India Caucus, and sentative Ron Reynolds also spoke and made special mention of San- together global ethnic and religious
traveling to India last year with a del- about collaboration among the vari- jay Ram, Chairman of the METRO communities and their elected offi-
egation focused on strengthening the ous levels of government and politi- Board of Directors, who was also a cials. Gaurav concluded by announc-
alliance of the two nations. Guerrero cal parties. board member and former president ing that the IAPAC Gala will be held
emphasized the need for such events While connecting the history of of IAPAC. Reflecting on Ramesh in Spring 2023.

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