– ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.
Devon-based Indo-American Center (IAC) celebrated its 23rd anniversary by hosting its 2014 benefit gala here at The Meadows Club Oct. 12. Keynote speaker at the banquet was Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Consul General of India in Chicago Dr. Ausaf Sayeed also spoke impromptu about his firsthand discovery of IAC’s constructive work. Proceedings were emceed by Lakshmi Menon from the Indo-American Heritage Museum. Ashraf Hashim, chair of banquet committee, conducted the live auction.
“One of the fastest growing immigrant communities, the South Asian immigrant population has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, making the work of IAC more important than ever,” said Governor Quinn in his message read out by Teresa Mah. Statements of support came from senators, legislators and city officials, who had been instrumental in releasing government grants.
IAC President Dr. Basanti Sen Banerjee began by quoting Swami Vivekananda that serving humanity is serving God. Having regretted the recent loss of two past IAC board members, she acknowledged all IAC supporters, including those not on the IAC board, singling out the installation of the long dreamed of elevator that now allows seniors to ascend to computer room.
Sunil Sanghvi, who had arranged for his close friend Shah’s participation, introduced the latter, his family and professional background, including his previous seven years with Gates Foundation. Already at age 35, Shah had 10,000 people reporting to him as an Undersecretary. He described him as fast and fearless in pushing through his agendas against opposition in Washington. His huge reforms to USAID have resulted in 30 percent of its grants now going directly to the countries concerned, their local institutions and businesses.
Shah started with a brief video of USAID’s initiatives, with voice overs from Bush then Obama. He recounted its initiatives in Haiti, Somalia and now against the Ebola crisis. With 100 million people pushed back below poverty line, such aid is a core part of U.S. foreign policy. Drawing on his recent trip to Nepal, he explained how USAID is identifying and funding promising local companies offering scalable innovations, e.g., in neonatal health care. America can help by providing enabling technology. Such demonstrable results have earned bipartisan support in Congress.
Spending time with Modi in Washington, Shah has realized the importance of leadership but also that leadership is not enough without empowering people.
New IAC Executive Director since June 2013 James Lemonides, himself a son of Greek immigrants, presented its free services through a video that introduced staff members, who spoke firsthand of their respective programs such as workforce development, ESL, seniors, public benefits, adult and computer literacy, civics and youth development. IAC serves immigrants from at least 26 countries regardless of ethnicity and confession.
Banerjee encouraged everyone to visit and see for themselves where their money is going. Sayeed recounted how he and his wife spent a half-day there interacting with beneficiaries, many from Central Asia and the Middle East, who praised the Indian community for reaching out to those beyond South Asia. One of his sons helped out there and plans to do more the next summer.