The annual Indiaspora Gala, which has in the past celebrated the presidential inauguration, has been changed this year to feature an “Indiaspora 2017 Leadership Conference and Gala.”
The event will be held on January 3, 2017, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, DC.
The Gala will honour the “Fab Five” Indian Americans recently elected or re-elected to the U.S. Congress – Sen.-elect Kamala Harris, Rep. Ami Bera, and Reps.-elect Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi – as well as two Indian Americans named to senior positions in the incoming presidential administration: Governor Nikki Haley and Seema Verma.
Connected to India in an article on November 8 had predicted victory for the Fab Five. Please read: The Indians Are Coming: Sub-continental politicos are aiming higher in America
Coinciding with the swearing-in of the 115th Congress, the Gala is meant to showcase and celebrate the Indian American community’s progress with the theme – “From Success to Significance.”
The 2017 Leadership Conference & Gala will showcase elements of Indian culture, and also invite members of the new presidential administration.
Indiaspora Board member Shekar Narasimhan said, “The Indian-American community has come of age as it is an active participant in American civic life, and our ‘Leadership Conference and Gala’ will personify our move from success to significance.”
The daytime session of the event is planned as an intellectually stimulating conference including high-level keynote speakers and panelists discussing events of importance to the Indian American community, such as the future of US-India relations, Indian American success stories that break stereotypes, the increasing popularity of elements of Indian culture in the United States, and the political maturation of the Indian American community.
“Indian Americans make up 1% of the U.S. population, and now we celebrate that they represent 1% of the U.S. Congress,” said Indiaspora founder and Board member M R Rangaswami.
Michelin Star chef-inspired Indian cuisine, music and dancing will be part of the Gala festivities, according to a press release.
