[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF GOPAL RAJU

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2008

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gopal Raju, a 
visionary who bridged the American and Indian communities through 
journalism and activism.
  Mr. Raju arrived in America from India in 1950. He sought to connect 
the Indian-American community with India. Mr. Raju launched the news 
weekly, India Abroad in 1970. He served as publisher for 31 years. Mr. 
Raju's journalistic reach spread to other media endeavors including 
Desi Talk, Gujarat Times, and News India-Times.
  Mr. Raju was active in philanthropic work for his home country. He 
started the Indian American Foundation to accelerate social and 
economic change in India. The foundation works to increase access to 
education, health care, and employment opportunities for Indians in 
India.
  Throughout Mr. Raju's life he sought to empower the Indian-American 
community. He founded the Indian American Center for Political 
Awareness (IACPA) in 1993. Mr. Raju built this organization to 
encourage participation in the political process. The IACPA developed 
the Washington Leadership Program, which gave university students the 
opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill and develop a broader 
understanding of public policy.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
celebrating the life of Gopal Raju. His legacy will continue to enrich 
the lives of many.

                          ____________________