Indian Overseas Congress, USA pays tributes to Pandit Nehru on his 132nd birth anniversary.

Indian Overseas Congress, USA paid their tributes to India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru in a meeting convened at the Santoor restaurant in Queens, New York, on his 132nd birth anniversary. November 14 is celebrated in India as Children's Day as a mark of respect to Nehru. IOCUSA was continuing its tradition of honoring his great legacy as the architect of modern India on the same day.

Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA, characterized Nehru administration after the hard-fought independence as a visionary one that laid an excellent foundation for an enduring democracy. His words and deeds inspire our generation to carry on with that vision of freedom and
fraternity.Mr. George Abraham, the vice-chairman, said, "What I admire most about him is his self-effacing service to India. He spent almost ten years of his life in prison, fighting for freedom and justice at a time when there was no assurance that it would happen in his lifetime. Among the founding fathers of modern India, Nehru alone had given serious thought to India's place in the global community. He was able to educate the Indian populace on external affairs even before independence".

Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General, highlighted the accomplishments of Nehru in establishing esteemed institutions such as IIT, IIMs, and AIMS and added that without his forward-looking vision, India would not have been in the place whereas it stands today. Mr. John Joseph, a Vice-President, lauded his commitment to secularism and equal justice that paved the way for integrating those provisions in the Constitution that became a bedrock for stability and
progress for the nation. The ongoing efforts by the current rulers to undermine his legacy will not succeed, he added.

Ms. Leela Maret, President of Kerala Chapter, lauded Nehru's concerns for the younger generations and attributed his policies as reasons for advancement in the educational and scientific fields contributing to the wellbeing of Indians everywhere, especially within the Diaspora. The meeting also expressed concerns about the ongoing campaign by the vested interests to erase his
legacy. It noted the torrents of criticism by BJP officials of Nehruvian policies, often vilifying and demonizing the former Prime Minister. It is sad to see that Nehru's name does not even find mentioned in the National Archive's exhibition on the 'Quit India' movement. The meeting also expressed hope that
Nehru will remain forever as a great icon in the hearts and minds of Indians everywhere, and efforts to tarnish his memory will be in futility.

Mrs. Usha George, President of IOCUSA NY women's forum, Mr. Gajendran Ganesan, President of Tamil Nadu Chapter, Murali Krish, General Secretary of Tamil Nadu Chapter, John Raj, Vice-President of TN Chapter, Milton D'souza, Sam Mannikarot, Secretary, Kerala Chapter also spoke. Mrs. Mary Philip and Mrs. Rachel David were also honored for their service in the Indian Army as
commissioned officers. The meeting saluted their selfless service to the nation, especially in a week as America honored its war heroes.