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FIIDS celebrates strength of US India democracies
This event marked a significant moment in bringing together Bay Area leaders to celebrate the vibrant democracies of the United States and India.
FIIDS addresses key issues impacting the Indian diaspora community. / Facebook/FIIDS, Courtesy Photo
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) hosted a gathering earlier this week at FalconX in Milpitas to celebrate the resilience of the democracies of the United States and India.
The event, titled “Celebrating the Resiliency of Democracies,” brought together over 30 elected officials, including two state assembly members, three county supervisors, three mayors, and numerous council members and commissioners as well members from the diaspora.
The event featured speeches from prominent figures, including Dr. Srikar Reddy, Consul General of India; Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano; Assemblymember Evan Low and Alex Lee; Santa Clara Supervisor Otto Lee; Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert; Supervisor Elisa Marquez; Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor; and Fremont Mayor Lily Mei.
Dr. Srikar Reddy emphasized the growing partnership between the two countries, stating, "The US-India partnership is going to be the century-defining partnership, and the shared value of democracy is instrumental in that." He also praised FIIDS for the timely celebration, noting the significance of both democracies holding elections in the same year for the first time in two decades.
The event featured speeches from prominent figures. / Courtesy Photo/FIIDSMayor Carmen Montano welcomed the leaders, expressing her pleasure in attending the celebration and highlighting the resilience of the democracies of the US and India. California Assemblymember Alex Lee commended FIIDS for its advocacy on Indian diaspora-related policy issues and acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora to California.
Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert recognized the cultural and economic contributions of the Indian community, while Fremont Mayor Lily Mei called for increased Indian diaspora participation in US electoral politics. Supervisor Elisa Marquez emphasized the importance of diversity in civic leadership, and Supervisor Otto Lee discussed the partnership between the largest and longest-standing democracies.
The gathering concluded with the presentation of proclamations and appreciation certificates to FIIDS for its impactful work. / Courtesy Photo/FIIDS
The event also included a panel discussion hosted by FIIDS director for Political Liaison Yogi Chugh, featuring Joe Johal, chairman of APAPA; Ajay Jain Bhatoria, a commissioner on the Presidential Advisory Committee on Pacific Islanders; and FIIDS chief of policy and strategy Khanderao Kand. The panel highlighted the importance of outreach across diverse communities and the need for active Indian diaspora participation in US politics.
The gathering concluded with the presentation of proclamations and appreciation certificates to FIIDS for its impactful work. The organization announced that it had placed four interns in the House of Representatives offices on Capitol Hill and shared details about its new office in Washington, DC, staffed by a full-time policy analyst, Devashri Khadke.
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) is an organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the Indian diaspora. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, FIIDS addresses key issues impacting the community and strives to create lasting change.
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