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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS April 11, 2025 IAICC Event Explores How AI Is Transforming Federal Government Operations and National Security T he Indian American International Chamber of Commerce (IAICC) held an event titled “The Impact of AI on Federal Government Op- erations,” on March 27, 2025. The gather- ing, held at the Intelligent Office in Tysons Corner, brought together thought leaders, government officials, and industry trail- blazers to examine, discuss, and showcase how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workings of the federal government. Former Chief Technology Officer, US Office of Personnel Management, Al Himler, emphasized the need for AI systems to communicate seamlessly with one another while ensuring data collec- tion remains intelligent and relevant. He highlighted the importance of obtaining accurate samples to achieve optimal solu- tions across federal and defense sectors, according to a statement from IAICC. Director of Technology Industrial Base Assessment, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Bethany Harrington, delved into the perception of AI as either a tool or a teammate. She raised thought-provoking questions about accountability, stating that if AI is merely a tool, errors can be attributed to its design. However, ac- cording to Harrington, if AI is viewed as a teammate, the dynamics of responsibility change significantly. Senior Advisor to the Chief Technol- ogy Officer, Central Intelligence Agency, Michelle Lewis, discussed the power of AI in automating processes to free analysts for higher-order strategic analysis. She emphasized AI’s ability to bridge ana- lytical gaps where human intuition and traditional tools might fall short. -(Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald) By South Asian Herald Staff US Congress Honors Dr. Sampat Shivangi’s Life And Legacy In A Special Capitol Hill Tribute “A Congressional Salute,” a special event honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a prominent Indian American physician and community leader from Jackson, Mississippi, was held on Capitol Hill inWashington D.C., on March 26, 2025. Dr. Shivangi passed away on February 10, 2025. U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Roger Wicker (MS) and Representatives Michael Guest (MS-3), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13), paid tribute to Dr. Shivangi’s enduring legacy. Indian American community leaders such as President of the American As- sociation of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr. Satheesh Kathula; Chairman of the American Hindu Coalition (AHC) Shekhar Tiwari; Chairman and CEO of TV Asia Group, H.R. Shah; President of US-India Security Council, Ramesh Kapur along with Dr. Shivangi’s friends and family. President of American Multi Ethnic Coalition, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, who emceed the event, described Dr. Shivangi’s work as a “symphony of service resonating in both the Senate halls of America and the humble lanes of Karnataka.” He highlighted Dr. Shivangi’s pivotal role through a special resolution in ensuring Indian Ameri- cans were officially recognized as a distinct identity in the U.S. Senate. He also underscored Dr. Shivangi’s legacy in India, including the recent inauguration of a 300-bed cancer hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka, named in his honor by Indian President Droupadi Murmu on January 3rd. Dr. Shivangi’s wife, Udaya Shivangi, reflected on his life’s work and the values he embodied. “He was more than a physician, philosopher, and leader…” she said. “His dream did not end with him. It lives on. I will carry forward his mission through education, philanthropy, and strengthening U.S.-India ties.” To recognize his leadership and contributions, Dr. Sampat Shivangi Legacy Awards were presented to Sena- torWicker and Representative Guest. SenatorWicker described Dr. Shivangi as “the Ameri- can dream,” and “the new face of our multiculturalism.” He praised his lifelong advocacy for mental health and their shared journey as Republicans in Mississippi. SenatorWicker highlighted Dr. Shivangi’s lifelong dedi- cation to improving the lives of those with mental illness, often in the face of societal reluctance to recognize it as a treatable medical condition. Rep. Guest who was presented with the Legacy Award for his “dynamic leadership,” called it an honor to pay tribute to an “incredible individual.” He noted, Dr. Shivangi touched the lives of everyone here. His accom- plishments are too many to list. Reflecting on their conversations, Rep. Guest shared that Dr. Shivangi deeply loved his two daughters and was immensely proud of them. While passionate about politics, he always prioritized asking about family. He also adored his three grandchildren. To honor Dr. Shivangi’s contributions, Rep. Guest pre- sented his family with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in his memory, along with three copies of the Extension of Remarks entered into the Congressional Record. Rep. Krishnamoorthi described Dr. Shivangi as “one of the most helpful people in the community,” always advocating for those who could not do so themselves and championing causes that needed support on Capitol Hill. Rep. Shri Thanedar, who shared a hometown with Dr. Shivangi in Belgaum, praised his dedication to the com- munity, expressing pride in the lasting impact he made on countless lives. Dr. Kathula acknowledged Dr. Shivangi’s selfless service to AAPI. “There was no committee he didn’t serve on, and he was present at every convention and global health summit,” he said, calling his con- tributions truly memorable. Recalling their friendship, Dr. Kathula said, “He would call me, advise me, and even scold me when I was wrong. I learned a lot from him. He was like a father figure and a true role model.” AHC’s Tiwari fondly remembered Dr. Shivangi’s patience and his ability to explain complex topics with a warm smile. “He could talk for hours about India,” he said. The only time he saw Dr. Shivangi upset was during a discussion on Canada’s treat- ment of Indian diplomats and Indians, he added. President of the Indian American Business Coalition, Neil Khot, who hails from Dr. Shivangi’s hometown of Belgaum, highlighted Dr. Shivangi’s generosity and spirit of giving, citing the recent inauguration of a cancer hospital. He also recalled Mississippi’s tribute to Dr. Shivangi by naming a lane in his honor. Convenor of Tamils for Trump in Georgia, Part- hiban Shanmugam, announced the launch of the organization under the leadership of Dr. Udaya and Dr. Prabhakar. Dr. Shivangi’s older daughter, Priya S. Kurup, reflected on her father’s journey, recalling how his visits toWash- ington D.C. during her college years sparked his passion for politics. “At any given moment, we have two options, to step forward into growth or step back into safety,” she said. “My father always chose growth,” she noted adding from his humble beginnings in a small town to becoming a physician, serving on the Mississippi Board of Mental Health, and inaugurating a cancer hospital, his legacy was one of relentless progress. His younger daughter, Pooja S. Amin, emphasized his tireless efforts to improve healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities. She also highlighted his pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-India ties as a promi- nent advocate for the Indian American community. “May my father’s example be a guiding light for all of us, demonstrating to each of us that one person’s dedication to making the world a better place can indeed change the course of history,” she added. -(Used under special arrangementwith South Asian Herald) By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald Dr. Shivangi’s family with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on March 26, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Panelists during the IAICC’s event titled “The Impact of AI on Federal Government Operations,” on March 27, 2025, at Intelligent Office in Tysons Corner, Virginia. PHOTO:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH PHOTO: IAICC