Long Island, New York | The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) USA successfully convened a high-level national meeting, bringing together senior leadership and members from across the United States. Participants traveled from multiple states and regions, reflecting the organization’s growing momentum, unity, and collective commitment.
The meeting was inaugurated by Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of IOC USA, who welcomed attendees and expressed deep appreciation for their dedication and continued efforts. A moment of silence was observed in memory of the late Harbachan Singh, honoring his contributions and legacy.
Leaders representing chapters from Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, as well as Indiana, California, Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., Michigan, and Illinois addressed the gathering. They emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization, organizational discipline, and coordinated strategic action. Particular focus was placed on upcoming electoral efforts, including the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, with a strong call for unified, ground-level engagement.
In his keynote remarks, Mohinder Singh Gilzian described the moment as pivotal:“This is a defining time that demands unity, discipline, and decisive action. IOC has grown into a strong and vibrant force across the United States. It is now our collective responsibility to expand further, strengthen our structures, and actively contribute to safeguarding democratic values. The energy and commitment shown by members here today is a powerful reflection of the path ahead.”
George Abraham, the Vice-Chairman, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the organization’s evolution:“What began as an idea has today evolved into a global movement spanning 32 countries. IOC USA has been a trailblazer, setting standards and leading from the front. The commitment shown by members traveling from across the country is a testament to the strength of this movement. The time now is to build on this momentum and take it to the next level nationally.”
Pradeep Samala, Working President, emphasized the need to expand the national team, strengthen leadership structures, and enhance coordination across all chapters. He outlined a strategic vision to grow both national and state-level chapters across the United States, with a focus on sustained community outreach and membership expansion.
Sam Pitroda, Global Chairman, addressed the gathering via Zoom, delivering a message of urgency and resolve:“We are at a critical juncture where the values of democracy, freedom, unity, and diversity must be actively defended and strengthened. While challenges continue to grow globally and in India, it is our collective responsibility to rise above divisions and work toward inclusive progress.”
He commended IOC USA’s expansion and called for stronger leadership development across key regions, urging members to move beyond discussion toward execution, outreach, and meaningful engagement with diverse communities.
Senior leadership reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to democracy, freedom, unity, and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of engaging diverse communities and promoting social harmony during a time of global and national challenges.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a resolution expressing gratitude to President Mohinder Singh Gilzian for his dynamic leadership and tireless service to the organization.
The meeting saw participation from a wide cross-section of IOC USA leadership, including:
• John Joseph – Vice President
• Baldev Randhawa – Vice President
• Leela Maret – Chairperson, Women’s Cell
• Joshua Jayasingh – Treasurer
• Gurmeet Singh Gill – President, Punjab Chapter
• Amar Singh Gulshan – President, Haryana Chapter
• Sharath – General Secretary
• Sophia Sharma – General Secretary
• Sandeep Vangala – General Secretary
• Ajay Goud – Chairman, Membership Committee
• Gurinderpal Singh – General Secretary, Punjab Chapter
• Rajeshwar Reddy – President, Telangana Chapter
• Phuman Singh – Chairman, Punjab Chapter
• Rajeev Mohan – General Secretary
• Gurpreet Singh Sabi – Chairman, Haryana Chapter
• Choudhary Pratap Singh – President, Maryland Chapter
• Pavan Darsi – Chairman, Andhra Chapter
• Srinivas Bhimneni – President, Andhra Chapter
• Johnson Myalil – President, DC Chapter
• Nikhil Thagadur – Former Chairman, Membership Committee
• Imran Pasha – President, New York Chapter
• Minaj Khan – Secretary, IOC USA
• Jaswinder Singh Kang – Secretary, IOC USA
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency, as members collectively reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the organization, expanding its reach, and working cohesively to advance the shared vision of democratic progress and inclusive growth.
