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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS June 27, 2025 IADA India Day Celebrations In Virginia Highlight US-India Partnership And Diaspora Contributions V ijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized the United States’ immense potential for “innovation and entrepreneurship” and noted that India is complementing this strength by contrib- uting world-class talent, which is now vis- ible across major American corporations. Speaking on June 14, 2025, at the India Day celebrations hosted by the Indian American Diaspora Association (IADA) at the SV Lotus Temple in Fairfax, Virginia, Chauthaiwale addressed the topic of the “U.S.-India Comprehensive Strategic Part- nership.” He recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly referred to Indian Americans as “official ambassa- dors” of India. Among several areas, Chauthaiwale highlighted India’s remarkable strides in building Digital Public Infrastructure over the past decade under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He explained how this technology is being shared with develop- ing countries, particularly in the Global South, earning India recognition as a “Vishwamitra” – a friend of the world – for its commitment to global brotherhood and cooperation. Praising the “dedication and commit- ment” of the Indian diaspora in strength- ening the U.S.-India partnership, he remarked, “Every time I come to U.S. and meet the Indian American community, I find the new energy and new reasons to celebrate the Indian American friend- ship.” He also acknowledged the signifi- cant progress and prosperity the Indian American community has achieved. Reflecting on the community’s long history in the U.S., Chairman of Sikhs of America, USA, Jesse Singh, noted that Indian migration dates back over 120 years, with early Sikh farmers settling in California’s Central Valley. Despite facing discrimination and exclusionary immigra- tion laws in 1914 and 1924, they perse- vered. He also highlighted the impact of the 1965 Immigration Act, which allowed Indian professionals such as engineers, doctors, and scientists to immigrate and build a diaspora that, in his words, “has no parallel.” He also credited the diaspora for playing a key role in facilitating the U.S.- India Civil Nuclear Agreement. Calling for unity, Singh cautioned against divisive narratives on social media and addressed misconceptions about the Sikh community’s patriotism. “I’m here to assure you that every Sikh stands with India, and we have to stay united,” he affirmed. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh expressed satisfaction with younger generations for preserving Indian culture and heritage. He commended IADA for its efforts in empowering the second gen- eration and supporting Indian American By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald OFBJP-USA Hosts National Convention 2025 In Virginia, Highlights Role Of Diaspora In Strengthening US-India Ties T he Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP-USA) held its three-day National Convention 2025 from June 13–15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manassas, Virginia. Approximately 170 delegates represent- ing 22 chapters from across the United States participated in the convention. During the event, three additional chap- ters were launched, bringing the total to 25. The convention featured sessions fo- cused on advocacy, community outreach, social media engagement, countering media narratives, chapter presentations, and open forums for delegates. “The Convention was organized after a gap of eight years. It provided an opportu- nity to interact with volunteers in person, in addition to deliberate and brainstorm on fostering US-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Indian diaspora causes,” President of OFBJP-USA, Adapa Prasad told South Asian Herald. The inaugural session on June 14 began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of the recent Air India accident and the Pahalgam terror attack, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. A special video message from BJP President JP Nadda was played for attendees. Senior BJP leaders from New Delhi, India, includ- ing Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the BJP Foreign Affairs Department, and members Ashwin Johar and Nakul Bhardwaj, were present and addressed the gathering. Chauthaiwale told South Asian Herald, “OFBJP-USA is a community organiza- tion of supporters and well-wishers of BJP. We are a strong proponent of robust bilateral relations between India and US at all levels. And these volunteers will do whatever is required to dispel the doubts about India and foster strong relationship between the two countries.” He said the national convention was aimed at outlining future strategies to pro- mote a positive image of India, BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and to further strengthen US-India relations. He emphasized the influential role of the Indian diaspora, stating, “They are very prosperous, well-educated, and well respected among the American commu- nities. Therefore, we consider the diaspora as our big asset. Prime Minister Modi actually calls Indian diaspora as India’s informal Ambassadors. We want to foster better relations between India and US by leveraging the strength of the diaspora.” Johar told South Asian Herald, “Con- ventions like these serve the community both in India and the US,” adding that OFBJP-USA, as the official overseas arm of the world’s largest political party, works to unify the community and reinforce US- India ties. Johar added that OFBJP-USA is actively engaged in building consensus among lawmakers, policymakers, political enti- ties, and the Indian American community by presenting an accurate perspective of the BJP’s mission and values. Prominent Indian American Physician and community leader, Dr. Bharat Barai remarked that the convention served as a valuable platform for BJP volunteers to share their views and enhance their efforts. “BJP has done phenomenal work for the benefit of the people of India. Under Prime Minister Modi, India has made tremendous progress – it has become the fourth-largest economy and advanced across multiple sectors,” he told South Asian Herald. “BJP is a nationalist party which stands for the benefit of all people. The logo that is used ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ [with all, development for all, with everyone’s trust, and with everyone’s effort] is a testament to that,” Dr. Barai added. “So, it’s a party of the people, and we in the US are trying to inform that message to our colleagues, our friends, our family members, and fel- low Americans.” Commenting on the recent visit of the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delega- tion, Dr. Barai noted, “I think they did a good job, and it was a good idea to include members of opposition parties.” Padma Shri Awardee, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, reflecting on the organization’s origins, told South Asian Herald, “I have been affiliated with the OFBJP-USA since its inception. During late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visits to the United Na- tions in NewYork, I, along with founders Dr. Mukund Modi, Mahesh Mehta, and others, organized community receptions to galvanize local support for BJP.” Commending the Indian diaspora’s influence, Dr. Parikh added, “I think they have actually a big role to play in US-India relations.” -(Used under special arrangement with SAH) PHOTOS:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH From left, Gaurav Patwardhan, Ashwin Johar, Kanwaljit Singh Soni, Vijay Chauthaiwale, Dr. Bharat Barai, Adapa Prasad, and Prabhjot Singh Batra on June 14, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manassas, Virginia. Dr. Sudhir Parikh being honored by Ashwin Johar, Vijay Chauthaiwale, and Adapa Prasad on June 14, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manassas, Virginia. By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald - Continued On Page 6