USA (Commonwealth Union)_ The Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland hosted the launch of the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), a newly established non-governmental organization. The AIAM serves as a significant initiative, uniting and advocating for the welfare of the minority communities within the Indian American diaspora in the United States. The inauguration ceremony honored Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in absentia with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment. The award, presented jointly by Washington Adventist University and AIAM, acknowledged PM Modi’s steadfast commitment to inclusive development and minority welfare, both within India and globally.
Also read: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Speaks Out Against Hindu Persecution in Bangladesh
AIAM appointed renowned Sikh philanthropist Jasdip Singh as its founder and chairman. A diverse seven-member Board of Directors, representing various Indian minority communities, supports him. Among the board members are Baljinder Singh and Dr. Sukhpal Dhanoa (Sikhs), Pawan Bezwada and Elisha Pulivarti (Christians), Dipak Thakker (Hindu), Juned Qazi (Muslim), and Nissim Reuben (Indian Jewish). In his address, AIAM Chairman Jasdip Singh highlighted the organization’s role in furthering PM Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) by 2047. Singh lauded the Prime Minister’s inclusive approach, emphasizing that under his leadership, India has made significant strides in ensuring equal opportunities for citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, or background. Singh stressed that AIAM will work tirelessly to advance the welfare of Indian American minorities and strengthen the community’s contribution to the multicultural fabric of the United States.
Also read: Over 150 Killed in Sectarian Clashes in Pakistan’s Kurram
Additionally, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament and convener of the Indian Minorities Federation, also commended PM Modi’s leadership. He underscored the impact of Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together, For All, Development for All) policy, which he said has eliminated the culture of appeasement in India and fostered an atmosphere of communal harmony. Sandhu asserted that Modi’s government has created equal opportunities for all citizens, which has resulted in India’s overall transformation. Members of India’s minority communities in the US expressed their appreciation for PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to secularism, constitutional integrity, and global recognition for India. They strongly condemned attempts to sow division through communal rhetoric, affirming that India’s minorities now reject false narratives intended to undermine national unity and progress.
Also read: Gautam Adani’s billion-dollar empire is under scrutiny amid new allegations!
The AIAM is set to play a crucial role in promoting unity among Indian Americans and ensuring their voices are heard in the larger societal discourse. The event saw participation from key dignitaries, including Congressmen, US administration officials, renowned academicians, and industry leaders, all of whom came together to celebrate the launch of this important initiative. Among the notable attendees were David J. Byrd, former National Director for the US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency; Dr. Sukhpal Singh Dhanoa, White House Correspondent; Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament in India’s Rajya Sabha; and Dr. Cheryl Harris Kisunzu, Provost of Washington Adventist University. Dr. Kisunzu also presented a research paper at the event, exploring the transformation of minorities in India over the past decade.
Additionally, two high-level panel discussions were held, focusing on critical issues such as “Leadership Inclusivity Bridging Communities through Policies and Governance” and “Transforming Lives through Education and Empowering Minority Communities.” These discussions delved into the challenges surrounding Indian-American minority welfare, inclusive governance, and the role of education in uplifting minority groups. In a broader context, US administration officials and members of the Indian diaspora praised the growing camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and President-elect Donald Trump. They expressed confidence that the Indo-US bilateral ties would reach new heights under their leadership, promising an era of global peace, progress, and prosperity for all nations.
