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IOC USA launches Michigan chapter, names new leaders
Seven new chapter presidents were appointed during the event.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 03, Jul 2026
- 11:47 EDT
- 55
Launch of the Michigan Chapter / Handout
The Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) USA launched its Michigan Chapter during an event in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on June 26.
The organization also appointed presidents for seven new chapters nationwide, a move it said would strengthen its presence across the country and expand engagement with the Indian diaspora through civic participation, public service, and democratic values.
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The ceremony drew nearly 700 members of the Indian American community, civic leaders, professionals, and supporters, making it one of IOC USA's largest organizational expansion initiatives in recent years.
Sridhar Patel / HandoutIOC global chairman Sam Pitroda delivered the keynote address virtually from Iceland, congratulating the newly formed Michigan Chapter and its leadership. "The Michigan Chapter will strengthen our organization and inspire greater participation among the Indian diaspora," he said.
John Joseph – IOC National Secretary General / Handout
Pitroda called on members of the Indian diaspora to uphold democratic ideals, constitutional values, inclusive leadership, and public service while strengthening ties between India and overseas Indian communities. "Our responsibility is to strengthen democratic institutions, promote inclusive leadership, and reinforce the enduring ties between India and the global Indian community through public service and civic engagement," he said.
RayaDas (Roy) Manthena / HandoutThe event was presided over by IOC USA president Mohinder Singh Gilzian and attended by Telangana Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, IOC USA vice chairman George Abraham, vice president Baldev Randhawa, secretary general John Joseph, working president for the Northeast Region Pradeep Samala, national treasurer Joshua JayaSingh, and other national and regional office bearers.
Dheeraj Gahtori / HandoutGilzian outlined the organization's goal of developing 100 leaders across the United States by December 2026 and described the launch of seven new chapters as a milestone in expanding IOC USA's nationwide presence and grassroots outreach. He described the Indian National Congress as "not merely a political party, but a global movement rooted in the ideals of democracy, justice and public service."
Rupinder Sahoke / HandoutAs part of the expansion, Sridhar Patel was appointed president of the Michigan Chapter. Rupinder Sahoke was named president of the Indiana Chapter, Vidyasagar Vangala as President of the North Carolina Chapter, Dheeraj Gahtori as president of the Colorado Chapter, Ilyas Mohammed as President of the Houston Chapter, Rayadas (Roy) Manthena as president of the Vermont Chapter, and Rupal Rajendra Shirpurkar as president of the Maharashtra Chapter. Joseph John Joseph was appointed secretary general of IOC USA.
Ilias Mohammed / HandoutThe appointment letters, signed by Gilzian, took immediate effect for a two-year term under IOC USA bylaws and included a six-month performance review.
VidyaSagar Vangala / HandoutAddressing the gathering, Reddy highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties with India and outlined the Telangana government's efforts to promote tourism and development. He also congratulated the newly appointed chapter presidents and expressed confidence that the expanded leadership would strengthen the organization and deepen diaspora engagement.
Rupal Rajendra Shirpurkar / HandoutThe program also featured addresses by George Abraham, Pradeep Samala, Sharath Chandra Vemuganti, and other senior leaders, who emphasized organizational unity, leadership development, and greater participation by overseas Indians in democratic and community initiatives.
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