[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INDIANS IN AMERICA AND ITS 
                         PRESIDENT, RANJU BATRA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Association of 
Indians in America and its President, my good friend Ms. Ranju Batra, 
on the occasion of its 24th annual celebration of the festival of 
Diwali at the historic South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan.
  The theme of the Association's celebration this year, ``Non-Violence 
in Today's World,'' is more salient than ever. Most fittingly, it takes 
place on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. With more than a thousand 
attendees expected from all across the greater New York metropolitan 
region, this year's Diwali celebration will be a highlight of the year 
for AIA and its distinguished new President, Ms. Ranju Batra.
  Founded in 1967, the Association of Indians in America is the oldest 
association of Indians in America. The New York chapter includes 
members from across the tri-state region, and prides itself on its 
tradition of openness and respect for persons of all religious faiths. 
Its membership is a microcosm of the extraordinary diversity of the 
Indian community in the New York area, with all regions and religions 
of India represented, as well as a wide range of professions, 
backgrounds and occupations. AIA's New York chapter performs countless 
acts of public service and philanthropy, reflecting its motto, ``Indian 
Heritage and American commitment.''
  Diwali is a holiday that celebrates the victory of good over evil and 
awareness of one's inner light, the dispelling of ignorance, and the 
realization of knowledge of and insight. Through intriguing exhibits, 
stirring music and dance performances, fine cuisine, inspirational 
oratory from featured speakers, and a dazzling fireworks display over 
the East River, this year's festival is helping to educate New Yorkers 
about Diwali and its celebration by adherents of Hinduism, Jainism and 
Sikhism, and thereby promoting awareness and appreciation of South 
Asian culture and its amazing richness and diversity.
  I am proud to salute my good friend Ranju Batra on her election as 
President of AIA, a recognition by her peers in the Indian-American 
community of her leadership abilities and passion for serving others. 
In addition to AIA, which she has served as Cultural Chair for several 
years, Ranju Batra has demonstrated her commitment to numerous 
worthwhile charitable organizations, including the Hindu Center; Arya 
Samaj of Westchester County, New York; and Children's Hope. A loving 
wife to her husband, Ravi, and a caring mother to their children, she 
is deservedly a widely respected leader of the South Asian community in 
the nation's largest metropolitan area.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute 
to the Association of Indians in America and its President, Ms. Ranju 
Batra, for their extraordinary contributions to the civic life of our 
nation.

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