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AMERICANNewsline

12 DECEMBER 29, 2023

IAPAC showcases the Power of Global Community

and Cultural Unity at Eternal Gandhi Museum

Video messages from U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and State Senator

John Whitmire highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusivity

IAPAC board members with Elected officials:
Samia Ahsan, a Board member From left- Jay Guerrero representing Senator John Cornyn. Mayor Sylvestor Turner, Honor- Shero Mukhtiar,
of IAPAC and the event chair, extends a ary Consul General Marty McVey of Bangladesh, US Congressman Al Green, Texas State a Board member of IAPAC, expresses grati-
warm welcome to all attendees Representative John Rosenthal and US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee tude in the vote of thanks

OUR BUREAU The event commenced with an hi’s acts of non-violence and kindness, IAPAC’s efforts in bringing commu-
enriching mix of networking, appetiz- sparking an engaging Q&A session nities together.
Houston, TX
ers, and guided tours of the Eternal that resonated with the audience. Swapnil Gupte from the Vedan-
n a festive culmination of the Gandhi Museum, graciously offered Mayor Sylvester Turner, Con- ta Institute conducted a universal
year, the Indian American Polit- by its founders Manish Wani and Atul gresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and prayer followed by lunch catered by
Iical Action Committee (IAPAC) Kothari. This venue, dedicated to Ma- Congressman Al Green, and many the Biryani Factory with a delightful
of Greater Houston celebrated their hatma Gandhi’s life and teachings, as other elected officials graced the spread for attendees. Sheroo Mukh-
annual Luncheon themed “Gratitude well as other influential figures such as event with their presence. Mayor tiar, IAPAC Board member, extend-
with global cultures and religions” at Caesar Chavez and Nelson Mandela, Turner pondered the challenge of be- ed heartfelt thanks to all, including
the newly inaugurated Eternal Gand- provided the perfect setting for the an- ing both diverse and inclusive simulta- elected officials, guests, volunteers,
hi Museum on December 2nd, 2023. nual gathering, symbolizing principles neously, emphasizing the continuous board members, and the dedicated
of non-violence and positive change. effort required. Congresswoman Lee staff of the Gandhi Museum, for their
Attended by over 125 The official program opened with echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s call for invaluable contributions to the suc-
guests, the event became a powerful rendition of the USA and non-violence, urging against silenc- cess of the event.
As the event concluded, the re-
India’s National Anthems by Sharan
ing such voices. Congressman Green
a harmonious blend of Thind from the Kinder, HPVCA. delivered a powerful message on the sounding message was clear – every
cultural appreciation and Samia Ahsan, IAPAC board mem- courage needed to stand for peace, voice matters, and collectively, posi-
reflection. Distinguished ber and event chair, extended a warm even if you stand alone. Marty McVey, tive change is achievable. The journey
welcome to all attendees and support-
of change begins with you, the indi-
honorary consul general of Bangla-
attendees included leaders ers. Dr. Roopa Gir, IAPAC President, desh, conveyed a powerful message of vidual. The IAPAC Luncheon stands
from diverse Indian American introduced Manish Wani, who shed peace and fostering unity on behalf of as a testament to the transformative
organizations, faith- light on the significance of the Eter- the global community. power of community, cultural under-
Video messages from U.S. Rep-
based groups, business nal Gandhi Museum. The keynote resentative Raja Krishnamoorthi and standing, and the shared pursuit of a
brighter future.
speaker, Rajmohan Gandhi, Ma-
communities, and global hatma Gandhi’s grandson, delivered State Senator John Whitmire high- IAPAC, a non-partisan organiza-
representatives, including insightful reflections on gratitude as lighted the importance of diversity tion, serves as an incubator for aspiring
members of the Consular “the key to sanity” in turbulent times. and inclusivity. U.S. Senator John public servants and a hub for foster-
He challenged the audience with the
ing political discourse, amplifying the
Cornyn and State Senator Joan Huff-
Corps of Houston. question, “What can we do?” and man, represented by their delegates, voices of over 200,000 Indian Amer-
shared examples of Mahatma Gand- expressed deep appreciation for icans in the Greater Houston area.

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