Guwahati: An American non-governmental organisation, the Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), was launched on Friday at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured (in absentia) with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment. The award was jointly presented by Washington Adventist University and AIAM, recognising his efforts towards inclusive development and minority welfare.
The Association of Indian American Minorities has been formed to unite and promote the welfare of minority communities within the Indian American diaspora in the United States.
Renowned Sikh philanthropist Jasdip Singh has been named the Founder and Chairman of AIAM. He is joined by a seven-member Board of Directors representing various Indian minority communities. The board includes Baljinder Singh and Dr. Sukhpal Dhanoa (Sikhs), Pawan Bezwada and Elisha Pulivarti (Christians), Dipak Thakker (Hindu), Juned Qazi (Muslim), and Nissim Reuben (Indian Jewish).
Addressing the gathering, AIAM Chairman Jasdip Singh emphasised the organisation’s role in advancing PM Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has embraced an all-inclusive approach, ensuring equal opportunities for every citizen, irrespective of religion, caste, or sect,” he said.
Jewish Indian-American Nissin Reuben pointed to India’s legacy of interfaith harmony and praised the Prime Minister’s efforts in highlighting the nation’s historic ties with the Jewish community.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament and convener of the Indian Minorities Federation, highlighted India’s transformation under PM Modi. He lauded the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” approach, stating that it has eradicated the culture of appeasement and created an atmosphere of communal harmony and equal opportunity.
Members of the Indian minority diaspora praised PM Modi for upholding India’s constitutional commitment to secularism and fostering global recognition for the nation.
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AIAM is set to play a crucial role in fostering unity among Indian Americans and amplifying their contributions to the multicultural fabric of the United States.
