Page 31 - The Indian EYE 091826

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | The Indian Eye 31

SEPTEMBER 11:

Remembering Tragedy,

Recalling a Timeless

Message of Unity

IAPAC reflects on the 25th anniversary

of 9/11 and Swami Vivekananda’s enduring
call for tolerance, mutual respect and unity

OUR BUREAU
HOUSTON, TX
s America marks 25 years since
the terrorist attacks of Septem-
Aber 11, 2001, the Indian Amer-
ican Public Affairs Council (IAPAC)
joins the nation in remembering the
thousands of innocent lives lost and
honoring the courage, sacrifice and
resilience that followed.
September 11 is a solemn remind-
er of the devastating consequences
of hatred and extremism. For Indian
Americans, the date also carries anoth-
er profound historical significance.
On September 11, 1893, Swami
Vivekananda stood before the World’s tions remains essential to a strong and
Parliament of Religions in Chicago and diverse nation.
began his historic address with the words, That reflection takes on additional
“Sisters and Brothers of America.” Rep- meaning in 2026 as the United States
resenting India and Hinduism, he deliv- commemorates the 250th anniversary
ered a powerful appeal for religious tol- of American independence. It is an
erance and mutual respect and warned opportunity not only to celebrate our
against sectarianism and fanaticism. nation’s history, but also to reaffirm the
In his closing words, Vivekananda ideals of liberty and equality and our
expressed a hope that still resonates to- continuing responsibility to strengthen
day: “I fervently hope that the bell that the bonds that unite us.
tolled this morning in honor of this For IAPAC, whose mission in-
convention may be the death-knell of cludes civic engagement and building
all fanaticism, of all persecutions with bridges across Greater Houston’s di-
the sword or with the pen.” verse communities, these lessons are
More than 130 years later, his central to our work.
message remains strikingly relevant. On this September 11, we remem-
The two September 11s are sepa- ber those whose lives were lost, honor
rated by 108 years and vastly different the first responders and all those who
circumstances. One brought to Ameri- acted with extraordinary courage,
ca a message of understanding among stand with the families who continue to
people of different faiths. The other carry that loss, and reflect on a message
demonstrated, with devastating human spoken in Chicago more than a century
consequences, where hatred, extrem- ago that continues to speak to our time.
ism and intolerance can lead. The Indian American Public Af-
Remembering both gives Septem- fairs Council (IAPAC) is a nonpar-
ber 11 a special resonance for Indian tisan, secular 501(c)(3) organization
Americans while offering a message advancing civic education and engage-
for all Americans: our differences need ment, leadership and empowerment,
not divide us. Building bridges across and connections across Greater Hous-
communities, cultures and faith tradi- ton’s diverse communities.

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