Las Vegas: The Independence Day celebration of the Global Indian Council was held on August 26, 2023, CST at 9:00 AM on a Zoom platform comprising leaders from across the world. It was a great meeting with lasting excitement of Chandrayaan 3 victory that took place during the time frame just after the 76th Independence Day celebration. Global Indian Council President PC Mathew presided over the meeting and Global General Secretary delivered a detailed welcome speech. Dr. Gopinath Muthukad as the Chief Guest and Dr. Jija Madhavan Hari Singh IPS, Rtd. (Global Goodwill Ambassador of GIC) graced the event with their valuable presence.
“Conquering the Moon Mirrors Our Journey as a Nation Marked by Determination, Challenges, Perseverance, and the Pursuit of Excellence” the Public Relations Officer Adv. Seema Balasubramanyam (Australia) stated with emphasis. The meeting began with the American National Anthem followed by the Indian National Anthem by Kumari Krystal Shajan (New York) and popular TV Serial singers Aditi & Ananya from Kerala.
Global Treasurer Dr. Tara Shajan and Preethy Pinadath (Secretary Austin Chapter) along with Ms. Neha Biju from the London, Ontario chapter of Canada took control of the entire meeting professionally.
Chief guest Dr. Gopinathan Mudukad addressed the gathering as the audience was waiting to hear from the world-famous Magician who turned into a Philanthropist. He expressed his happiness and endorsed the achievement of the Chandrayaan 3 mission and the achievement of India from its independence in 1947. He prolonged his speech stating that Independence is complete in its entirety when all the humans around are also independent in all aspects. He mentioned the differently abled population of India who are still not recognized by the world community. The social stigma about disability has to go away and society should accept them without bias. A considerable percentage of India’s population has some kind of disability which is unnoticed by many. Children should be educated to accept this invisible majority. He announced the opening of the “Different Arts Center” at Thiruvananthapuram on August 27, 2023, wherein 300 differently abled children are enrolled. The Center is intended for training in ‘Independent Living Skills’ for differently abled children. Dr. Muthukad in his concluding words, appreciated Global Indian Council for its vision and missions.
Global Goodwill Ambassador of GIC, Jija Madavan Hari Singh IPS, former DGP of Karnataka on her Independence Massage emphasized that it is an honor to come before the GIC community. She continued in her detailed and eloquent message “I am deeply humbled to address this diverse and illustrious gathering that represents the spirit of India spanning across the globe. Today, we come together in excitement, not only to celebrate our cherished Independence Day but also to commemorate a remarkable milestone in our nation’s history “Chandrayaan 3″, the Indian Moon Mission. As we unfurl the tricolor flag of India, we are reminded of the sacrifices, struggles, and indomitable spirit that culminated in our independence on August 15, 1947. It was a day when India’s long-suppressed voice found its resonance, echoing across the world. We honor the visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and countless others who led us on this incredible journey to freedom. Our celebrations today go beyond the boundaries of our nation. Our global Indian community is connected not only by our heritage but also by our aspirations for a better future. Just as our forefathers dreamt of an independent India, our scientists and engineers at ISRO dared to dream of reaching the lunar surface. And they achieved it! India’s historic journey to the moon is a testament to our unwavering commitment to be global! Con💕gratulations to ISRO for reaching new heights in space exploration! Not many of you know that I started my career as a journalist-editor in the SLV-3 project and had even met Vikram Sarabhai once. Today I am proud to be part of the ISRO story!💕Chandrayaan-3, with its orbiter, lander, and rover, at a frugal cost of only 75 million dollars, which is much lower than what other countries have spent on missions, and less than half the cost of even a Hollywood movie, as Tom Kolath, of GIC red carpet would vouch for! eg, Interstellar cost $165 m, Mission Impossible- 7 was $291m!🙏This demonstrated India’s unique scientific and technological prowess for inventions at miraculously low costs, seen in other fields too, perhaps commonly labeled as “jugad”. This also symbolized our unwavering determination to push boundaries, explore the unknown, and contribute to humanity’s understanding of Science & cosmos. As we celebrate our nation’s moon mission, we also celebrate that indomitable spirit of inquiry and innovation that defines us as Indians. Our journey to the moon mirrors our journey as a nation marked by challenges, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Just as our freedom fighters did not waver in their commitment to a free India, our scientists did not falter in their quest for lunar conquest. They teach us that with determination, the sky is not the limit! Today, let us pledge to carry forward this same spirit of innovation. Let us remember that as global Indians, we are not bound by borders; we are bound by our shared values and aspirations. We have the power to make a positive impact on the world, just as India’s moon mission has!💕In conclusion, as we celebrate India’s Independence Day and the remarkable Chandrayaan-3, let us remember that our heritage is a source of strength, our diversity is a source of unity, and our dreams are a source of inspiration. Together, as a global Indian community, we can continue to reach for the stars and achieve greatness.”
Dr. Tara Shajan introduced Chief Guest Dr. Gopinath Muthukad while Komal Khatri introduced Dr. Jija Madavan Hari Singh IPS. Adv. Yamini Rajesh introduced the singers Aditi and Ananya who entertained the audience with beautiful songs.
Global Cabinet Members, Center of Excellence Chairs, Co-Chairs, Brand Ambassadors, and Chapter Representatives spoke words of exaltation and appreciation for Chandrayaan 3 victory.
Global VP Prof. Joy Pallattumadom, Associate Secretary Adv. Yamini Rajesh, Media Chair Dr. Mathew Joys, Associate Treasurer Tom George Kolath, etc. highlighted India’s achievements from the day of Independence on August 15, 1947, and expressed their overwhelming happiness about the success of Chandrayaan 3 and the Celebration of Independence Day.
African Chapter President Dr. Mohan Lumba, NY Chapter President Dr. Anil Paulose, Kallikkad Babu Brand Ambassador and Rep from Thiruvananthapuram (South Kerala Chapter), Dr. Deepa Mohandas (Canada), Women’s Empowerment Chair Sosamma Andrews,Dr. Alice Mathew,
Chairman of Health & Wellness Dr. Jacob Eapen and Co-Chairperson Mrs. Usha George, Cinema & Visual media Red Carpet: Komal Khatri, Sunil Hali, Trilok Malik, Vani Madula, Global Business CoE Co-Chairperson Elizabeth Paulose, Arts & Culture: Minku Buttar talked to the audience in brief their appreciation of India’s great achievement of Chandrayaan 3 victory.
Brand Ambassadors Santy Mathew, Supreme Court of India Adv. Jose Abraham, Chairman of Marginalized CoE Dr. Narayan Kutty, Adv. Susan Mathew, Shivkumar, and many delegates were attendees of the celebration.
Pravasi Conclave Director Board Member and one of the Senior Community leaders from the USA, Alex Koshy Vilanilam expressed congratulations and wishes for the Global Indian Council and its mission.
Global Associate Treasurer Tom George Kolath delivered the formal vote of thanks expressing his overwhelming emotion to the Chief Guests, the main speaker, and the global leadership of GIC. He emphasized his gratitude on behalf of GIC to every participant for their time and effort to make the event a grand success.
