Houston Indians Celebrate I-Day by Honoring US Military Veterans

Congressman Al Green (at lectern) presented a Congressional Proclamation recognizing India’s Independence Day as dignitaries Jiten Agrawal (left), Consul General Anupam Ray, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales applaud with Congressional aides with Col. Raj Bhalla and TV Asia’s Manisha Gandhi.

Congressman Al Green (at lectern) presented a Congressional Proclamation recognizing India’s Independence Day as dignitaries Jiten Agrawal (left), Consul General Anupam Ray, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales applaud with Congressional aides with Col. Raj Bhalla and TV Asia’s Manisha Gandhi.

By Pramod Kulkarni

HOUSTON: The Indian community in Houston strengthened its ties with the mainstream American society by honoring US military veterans at a dinner on Tuesday, August 15 hosted by the Indian Consulate in recognition of India’s 71st Independence Day.
Many of the veterans attending the function at the home of CG Ray and his wife Dr. Amit Goldberg were members of the Lone Star Veterans Association.

Recognition of the veterans follows the honor bestowed upon Ian Grillot at the India House Gala in March 2017. Grillot had come to the aid of Indian Americans, who were shot in a racial incident in Kansas.

Speaking on behalf of the US minilary veterans was Kevin Doffing, Executive Director of the Lone Star Veterans Association (left), flanked by India House leaders Dr. Durga Agarwal, Jiten Agarwal and Rajinder Soni. Also on the podium was Hansa Didi, who served with the US Army Medical Corps for 26 years after coming to the US as a refugee from Kenya.

Speaking on behalf of the US minilary veterans was Kevin Doffing, Executive Director of the Lone Star Veterans Association, flanked by India House leaders Dr. Durga Agarwal, Jiten Agarwal and Rajinder Soni.

In welcoming the veterans and local dignitaries, CG Ray said, “Today, India celebrates its Independence Day. India and the US share many Democratic values. Of these values, I can’t think of anything more than the respect for its military veterans.”

“There is no other section of the American population that commands universal respect than the verterans,” Dr. Ray continued. “The ideals that the veterans represent, that of sacrifice, of fighting for a cause greater than yourself– these values are admired by both Americans and Indians. By recognizing the veterans, Indians here can say ‘thank you’ for the freedoms and liberties they enjoy here.”

Also on the podium was Hansa Didi, who served with the US Army Medical Corps for 26 years after coming to the US as a refugee from Kenya.

Hansa Didi, who served with the US Army Medical Corps for 26 years after coming to the US as a refugee from Kenya.

“I am honored that you are honoring our veterans, because they are truly the front line of Democracy,” said Congressman Al Green. Also in attendance were aides of Texas Senator John Cornyn and Congressional representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Pete Olson, Ted Poe and Kevin Brady.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales said that as a former Houston City Councilman, he recognized the importance of the Indo-American community and the contributions they make to Houston’s diversity.

UH Regent and India House leader Dr. Durga Agarwal recalled that the roots of India’s independence struggle go back to the emergence of the Ghadar party that was started in 1913 in San Francisco by a Sikh, Hindu and Muslim of Indian origin. “If it were not for the freedom struggle, I would not have been able to come here to the United States 49 years ago. I would have remained in a village where I was born and grew up.”

“I take this opportunity to thank all US veterans for their service to the nation,” said India House Ambassador Jiten Agarwal, who established links to the veterans. “All of you embody the Democratic values upon which America was founded 241 years ago. Most of you are silent heroes.”

Agarwal recalled the heroism of US Marine Captain Ravi Dharnidharka, who served in the battle for Fallujah, also happened to be at the Taj Hotel on 26/11/2008 when the hotel was attacked by LeT terrorists. Captain Dharnidharka is credited with saving the lives of 157 guests, who were trapped inside the hotel.

Kevin Doffing, Executive Director of the Lone Star Veterans Association, thanked the Indian community for recognizing the veterans and thanked the community leaders for their help in recruiting jobs for veterans and providing space for their upcoming Christman toy drive.

Also among the honored was Hansa Didi, a Brahma Kumari in the Houston community, who described to the gathering her story of military service.

“My parents were born in Porbandar, where Mahatma Gandhi was also born. I could not practice as a doctor in India as a foreigner, but travelled to Kenya as an intern. Two months afterward, I was called by these generals, my passport was cancelled and told that I woud be serving in the Kenyan army for two years.”

Hansa Didi sought refuge in the US Embassy in Nairobi. She was transported within six hours to the US and provided with a green card on refugee status.

Subsequently, Hansa Didi finished her medical studies at Creighton University in Nebraska. At that time, she came to the attention of the US Army for her scientific publications.

She eventually served in the Army Medical Corps for 26 years, but with the condition that she would not be asked to bear arms because of her belief in non-violence. “I congratulate all the veterans for what you’ve gone through. I never served on the battlefield, but I came to know many soldiers by providing medical treatment.”

Other military veterans who spoke were Col. Bajwa, a second-generation verteran, who has been serving in the US Army Reserves for more than 31 years and now with a brigade command. Col. Bajwa’s father served in the US Navy. Col. Raj Bhalla served in the Indian Army Medical Corps. “I served for 21 years and know what we all go through. We are all comrades in arms.”

The evening’s presentations concluded with the presentation of Congressional recognitions from the offices of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. and Rep. Ted Poe.