India Association of Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct.12.2009: October 12th is a significant day for the New World since on this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. New York declared this day, the Columbus day, as a holiday in 1909 and the Governor of New York led huge parade on October 12, 1909, to commemorate Columbus’s historic arrival on American soil. Exactly one hundred years later, this day turned out to be an extra special one for the Indians living in Indianapolis as well, since one of their favorite leaders of Modern India, Mrs. Daggubati Purandareswari, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resources Development, Government of India, arrived here and through her eloquent address, she shared her wisdom and her thoughts and views on the state of Modern India and inspired the audience with her messages.

Although it was a week day and the weather was a bit uncomfortable, many Indians and several state officials and dignitaries attended the event with enthusiasm and a great anticipation to listen to the speech of the gifted orator, Smt. Purandareswari. Mr. Raju Chinthala, Secretary of Board of Trustees, India Association of Indianapolis (IAI), initiated the event by welcoming the distinguished chief guest, Smt. Puradareswari, official representatives from the state of Indiana, the leaders and members of several Indian associations of Indiana and the audience. A serene and solemn atmosphere then pervaded the atmosphere when the audience sang in unison the national anthems of USA and India. Dr. Sujata Pammi and master Raja Reddy then rendered the prayer to Lord Ganesha. An apt and well choreographed Kathak dance item, Ganesha Vandana, was then beautifully presented by talented Swathi Sridhar that thoroughly entertained the audience.

The event was co-hosted by IAI and other Indian associations. Kanchana Ishwar, Board member of IAI, briefly spoke about the diverse community service activities of IAI such as hosting Soup Kitchen, winter clothing drive, visa services, seminars etc. Dr. Chandra Reddy Gavva, former President of American Telugu Association and founder of several medical facilities and institutes, applauded the many contributions and services of NRIs to India and requested the chief guest to talk about some critical issues faced by the society in India. Representatives from the state of Indiana, Scott Bowers, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary of the State of Indiana, and Maggie Lewis, City County Counselor, spoke about the rich diversity of Indianapolis and praised the cultural, technical and economical contributions of Indians in the state and elsewhere in the USA. Dr. Vijayapal Reddy, Chairman, Board of IAI, then introduced Smt. Purandareswari by highlighting her multiple talents, numerous achievements and her passion to help the society by voicing their issues in the parliament.

Amidst the non-stop applause from the audience, Smt. Purandareswari then started her impressive speech in which she honestly talked about various issues faced by people in India, programs implemented by the Government and her views on what needs to be done to make a difference. Quoting the messages of Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekanananda and Upanishads, she eloquently accentuated the great heritage of India and effectively conveyed her own message on everyone’s responsibility in the progress of the country. Based on the request from the audience, she focused on women’s issues in India such as deprivation of equality, their restriction to home and how modern technology such as sex determination adversely influenced women.

In many instances, she said, women are not aware of the programs available to help them and that efforts are currently underway for the education of women in all corners of the country. She mentioned about the self-employment schemes originally initiated by former Prime Minister, Sri P.V. Narasimha Rao, and that currently 8,00,000 women are benefited by this program in Andhra Pradesh alone. She questioned that how can a country like India progress when about half of its population i.e. women, is deprived of opportunities. She also emphasized the role of parents and communities in educating the children, especially those in remote areas of the country where facilities are scarce. She pointed out that although India’s primary agrarian sector is doing well, there is a tremendous need and opportunity to rapidly develop service sector.

India is transforming very fast, she said, but it is the involvement of its masses in the growth that can accelerate this pace. Answering questions following the speech, she advised the youth on the importance of commitment and dedication in achieving goals and called on them to get involved in learning about and contributing to the motherland. She shared her own experiences on how she got motivated to develop her leadership skills and has grown to the current position. It was an impressive moment for the audience when a student stood up and shared her happiness on being there to listen to Smt. Purandareswari’s speech and how she has been waiting the whole day for that moment. As a matter of fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that all of those present in that auditorium also came to listen to this gifted orator, a down-to-earth leader and a human being of great values.

The recent floods in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have devastated many areas, destroyed crops and caused loss of life. Smt. Purandareswari shared details about this calamity and called on the NRIs to come forward and contribute to help the victims. The program conlcluded with the vote of thanks by Sheila Aiyer, Vice Chairperson of IAI.