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IOC USA Expands Footprint, Launches Connecticut Chapter Under Kamal Swamy

By Deepak Arora

CONNECTI-CUT (USA), Aug. 30: The Indian Overseas Congress USA has strengthened its political and community presence in the Northeast with the launch of its Connecticut Chapter, led by Kamal Swamy, as the organization moves to expand its grassroots network among Indian Americans.

The new chapter was formally inaugurated in Connecticut in the presence of senior IOC USA leaders, community members and supporters. The launch marks another step in the organization's nationwide expansion under President Mohinder Singh Gilzian.

The Connecticut unit is expected to focus on bringing more Indian Americans into the organization, encouraging community participation and developing new leadership, with a particular emphasis on expanding the role of women and younger members.

Among those attending the ceremony were IOC USA Vice Chairman George Abraham, Northeast Zone Working President Pradeep Samla, Vice President Baldev Randhawa, Uttar Pradesh Chapter President Prof. Rajvir Singh, Vermont Chapter President Roydas Manthena and Dr. Yogesh Dayma of the IOC Boston Chapter.

Connecticut Chapter leaders and members, including Kamal Swamy, Amar Naalla and Vamshi Mittapalli, also took part in the event.

Addressing the gathering, Addanki Dayakar, Telangana Government Whip and Member of the Legislative Council, congratulated Swamy and his team on establishing the new chapter.

“The formation of the Connecticut Chapter is an important beginning for the Indian Overseas Congress in Connecticut. It provides an opportunity to bring members of the Indian community together, encourage participation, and create a strong platform for community engagement,” Dayakar said.

He urged the Connecticut team to build an inclusive organization that brings together Indians from different backgrounds and generations.

Swamy, who spearheaded the formation of the Connecticut Chapter, welcomed the national leadership and guests and described the inauguration as a fresh start for the organization in the state.

He stressed the need for an inclusive approach that brings different sections of the community together.

“No country can advance without including all sections of its people. Unity in diversity has always been the message of Rahul Gandhi Ji. We must all work together to strengthen this principle and achieve our goal of seeing him as the Prime Minister of India,” Swamy said.

Swamy also thanked Gilzian and the IOC USA leadership for their support in establishing the Connecticut chapter.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the appointment of Leela Maret as Chairperson of the Women's Forum of IOC USA.

Maret, a former president of the IOC Kerala Chapter, has held several positions within the organization and has been involved in its community outreach efforts.

Accepting the new responsibility, Maret said women's participation would be central to strengthening the organization.

“Women bring tremendous experience, ideas, and strength to our communities. I want to help create a space where women from different generations and backgrounds can come together, share their experiences, support one another, and take an active role in building our organization,” she said.

Maret said she would work with women across the United States to encourage greater participation in leadership and community activities.

Gilzian congratulated the Connecticut leadership and formally welcomed the new chapter into IOC USA's expanding network.

“The Indian Overseas Congress USA is growing, and this growth is the result of the dedication of our members, state leaders, national leaders, and the many people who are coming forward to participate. The Connecticut Chapter is another important step in strengthening our national organization,” Gilzian said.

He also welcomed Maret's appointment, stressing the need to bring more women into leadership positions and create opportunities for emerging leaders within the organization.

Abraham congratulated the Connecticut team and called for wider community participation. Samla welcomed the new chapter and stressed the importance of strengthening IOC USA's presence across the Northeast.

Randhawa also congratulated the Connecticut leadership and voiced his support for building an active and inclusive organization in the state.

The launch of the Connecticut Chapter, along with Maret's appointment, marks a new phase in IOC USA's efforts to broaden its organizational network and community engagement across the United States.

The Connecticut team said it would focus on expanding membership, increasing community participation, supporting women and emerging leaders, and strengthening ties among Indian Americans throughout the state.

The ceremony ended with congratulations to Swamy and his team, along with a commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive IOC USA presence in Connecticut.