Elected and appointed Indian-American officials, as well as allies from Congress and throughout the country mingled with business leaders, think tank analysts and distinguished community members at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 19 at the first Indiaspora Inaugural Ball. “This is a culmination of the journey of the Indian-Americans,” said Indiaspora founder M.R. Rangaswami.
The Congress has for a long time acknowledged Rahul Gandhi as heir apparent and several party members had openly said that he is their leader. Which means his appointment on Saturday as the party’s vice president — a post just below that of Congress chief and Rahul’s mother Sonia — was in many ways just a matter of finding him a suitable title.
President Barack Obama took the official oath for his second term on Sunday at the White House in a small, private ceremony that set a more subdued tone compared to the historic start of his presidency four years ago. Gathered with his family in the Blue Room on the White House's ceremonial main floor, Obama put his hand on a family Bible and recited the 35-word oath that was read out loud by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts.
It’s the news some Congress leaders have waited for with bated breath. On Saturday, spokesman Janardhan Dwivedi announced the party’s decision to make Rahul Gandhi its vice-president. Pressure had been mounting on the “young emperor” from within the troubled party to take charge. For years, Gandhi had shown no inclination to do so.
President Barack Obama will take the oath of office for the third, fourth and final time this weekend during an inauguration celebration that kicks off his second term in a more muted tone than his historic swearing-in four years ago.
– CHICAGO Republican Congressman Aaron Schock of Illinois congratulated Narendra Modi for leading an impressive electoral victory and becoming chief minister of Gujarat for the third consecutive time. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives on Jan. 4, Schock described Modi as a leader who has pushed “a platform of economic prosperity for all” and has two terms of proven results behind him.
Veterinarian Raj Salwan was appointed to the Fremont City Council on Jan. 14 and will complete the remaining term of Bill Harrison, who was recently elected mayor, local newspapers reported. The term expires in November 2014. Salwan was appointed to the council on a 3-1 vote. Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan voted against the motion, the Fremont Argus reported.
