[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF GOPAL RAJU

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on April 10, Mr. Gopal 
Raju, a pioneer of Indian American Journalism, leader in his community, 
and founder of the publication India Abroad, News India-Times, and the 
Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA), passed away at 
the age of 80.
  Mr. Raju spent a lifetime supporting the Indian American community 
and promoting a stronger relationship between India and the United 
States. In particular, the Washington Leadership Program that was 
formed under the IACPA has allowed nearly two hundred Indian Americans 
to participate as interns on Capitol Hill--some of whom have even 
served in the office of the Second Congressional District of South 
Carolina.
  Additional achievements include launching the Indian American 
Foundation (IAF)--which raised millions of dollars for causes in 
India--and the India Abroad News Service that for over 20 years has 
been a vital channel for information sharing between the United States 
and India. Most recently, Mr. Raju was the editor and publisher of News 
India-Times, Gujarat Times, and Desi Talk.
  A man of passion and committed to the needs of his community and his 
people, Mr. Raju received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which is 
given to immigrants for their contributions to the United States, the 
2000 Asia Society's Leadership Award, the 2006 Taraknath Das Foundation 
award, and in 2007 he was recognized by India with the Pravasi 
Bharatiya Samman award.
  A memorial service for Mr. Gopal Raju was held on May 17th at the 
Maharaja Hall in Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey. It was 
organized by India Abroad and the South Asian Journalists Association.
  I was honored to have met this incredible individual. I know his 
humility and selfless contribution to the lives of the millions his 
programs and publications touched will be missed. My thoughts and 
prayers are with Mr. Raju's family and the entire Indian American 
community.

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