LONG BEACH: Several Indian American organizations congregated at the downtown Hilton Hotel ballroom here November 14 to welcome India's newest ambassador to the United States during her first Southern California visit as chief diplomatic representative. At a dinner reception hosted by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin and other community groups, Ambassador Nirupama Rao was treated to an evening that showcased the strong presence of Southern California's Indian Americans. Joining Rao at the reception was Nagesh Parthasarthi, the new Consul General in San Francisco, as well as Anaheim Pro Tem Harry Sidhu and Cypress councilman Prakash Narayan. During the many felicitations, the new ambassador was informed of the growth of Little India in Artesia, and the many philanthropic activities of Indian Americans in Southern California and beyond. "Southern California has been home to the Indian American community for (more than) 100 years. The first Indian U.S. congressman, Dalip Singh Saund, was elected from the Imperial Valley in (nearby) Riverside," GOPIO's Inder Singh explained to Rao. Sidhu stressed the significance of non-resident Indians pursuing public office to represent both the Indian American community and the population at large, in much the same way Saund did shortly after World War II. "At the end of the day, people recognize us for who we are. We have the brains, we have the talent to make a difference, to be in public office, to make policy in this country," he said. Narayan echoed Sidhu's sentiments, explaining to Rao how public service in the United States could be used as a tool to connect Indian Americans to others in Southern California and across the country. "We really can't win (an elected office) by relying upon just one group. We have to connect to the community. We're going to be living here (in the United States) long term, for generations. So we have to educate our kids, our families, to get connected with the community," he said. "That's the only way we can change the politics of this country." In response, Rao figuratively tipped her hat to the Southern California NRI community. "I am standing, in some senses, on hallowed ground, because so much of what the Indian community is today in this country is associated with all that you have done and achieved over the last century," she said. The former Indian Foreign Secretary commended the NRI community for adapting to their new homes abroad and urged everyone to heed Narayan's and Sidhu's words. "If you study the history of India, we have always adapted. We have this capacity to adjust, to adapt and to learn from the environment around us," she said. "We've also grown from other cultures, we've also learned from other civilizations, and that is really what makes India so great, so unique and so special." She added that the concept of coexisting with others struck a chord with her because "you spoke of what being Indian means." Prior to her visit, Rao had visited Houston to speak at Rice University and meet with the local Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. The ambassador had also previously met with Senators Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Mark Kirk of Illinois. Appointed in August to succeed Meera Shankar, the 60-year-old Rao is the 21st ambassador representing India in the United States. She also served as India's ambassador to China, Peru and Bolivia, in addition to other diplomatic posts in Sri Lanka and Russia. The official welcome reception included members from GOPIO, the National Federation of Indian American Associations, the India Association of Los Angeles, the Rajput Association of America, the Indian Muslim Association, and the newly created Indian Community of Southern California.
