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America a 'beacon of hope': IOC USA IOC USA vice-chair on 250th
George Abraham praised the United States as a beacon of liberty while urging continued commitment to democracy, justice, and human dignity.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 03, Jul 2026
- 17:13 EDT
- 56
George Abraham / IOC USA
Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) USA vice-chair George Abraham congratulated the United States on its 250th Independence Day, calling for renewed commitment to liberty and democratic values.
In a statement marking the milestone, Abraham said individual liberty has remained central to the American experiment for two and a half centuries.
Also Read: Patriotism means facing our flaws: Mamdani in America 250 address
"Individual liberty has always been the very essence of the American experiment," Abraham said. "For two and a half centuries, the United States has stood as a shining city upon a hill, inspiring millions around the world who have sought refuge from oppression, poverty, and persecution. America remains a beacon of hope for all who cherish liberty, equality, justice, and human dignity."
"Like every great nation, America has experienced periods of injustice, division, and hardship," Abraham said adding that the nation's strength lies in its ability to reform and renew itself despite periods of injustice and division.
"Yet one of the defining characteristics of the American experiment has been its remarkable capacity for self-correction." He cited leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, social movements, constitutional safeguards, and legislative reforms as examples of the country's efforts to move closer to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Reflecting on the Indian American community, Abraham said immigrants from India came to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, freedom, and the chance to achieve their potential.
"For generations, Indian Americans have embraced the values of hard work, education, entrepreneurship, and public service," he said, adding that the community has contributed to science, technology, medicine, education, business, public service, and the arts while remaining grateful for the opportunities available in the United States.
Abraham also said the freedoms guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution carry responsibilities beyond America's borders.
"We are blessed to enjoy political, economic, and religious freedoms that remain unparalleled in much of the world," he said. "As beneficiaries of these freedoms, we also have a moral obligation to defend these universal values–not only within our adopted homeland but wherever democracy, human rights, religious liberty, and the dignity of every individual are under threat."
He urged members of the Indian diaspora to remain mindful of communities facing discrimination and persecution around the world.
"As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, let us also remember those in India and elsewhere who continue to face hatred, discrimination, intimidation, or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity, or deeply held beliefs," Abraham said, calling for support for justice, pluralism, the rule of law, and equal rights.
Concluding his message, Abraham encouraged Americans to celebrate the nation's enduring ideals alongside its achievements.
"On this historic milestone, let us salute the United States not merely for its economic strength, technological innovation, or global leadership, but for its enduring promise that liberty, equality, opportunity, and justice belong to every person," he said.
Founded in 1998, the Indian Overseas Congress USA is an organization of Indian Americans that promotes democratic values, secularism, social justice, and stronger ties between the United States and India while encouraging civic engagement within the Indian diaspora.
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