Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), a department of the Indian
National Congress (INC) is responsible for all overseas activities as a unified
organization operating in 32 countries under the leadership of Dr. Sam Pitroda,
the father of the telecommunication revolution in India, as its chairman. In
each country IOC president is appointed with various officers responsible for a
variety of activities to decentralize operation to meet local legal, social and
political needs.
The overall objective of IOC is to promote values related to
democracy, diversity, inclusion, justice, liberty, freedom, equality and
fraternity. In addition in many countries there are state level chapters for Kerala,
Punjab, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc., City level chapters like NY,
Dallas, Chicago, LA ,etc. and also departments for youth, women and other
interest groups. In the process OICC (Overseas Indian Cultural Congress) was
formed in a few countries to facilitate operation to meet local laws. However,
this has become a challenge due to confusion and conflict created by OICC as a
parallel organization in countries like the USA.
The purpose of this press note is to clarify that OICC is
not a part of the IOC or the Indian National Congress. It is not recognized by
IOC or INC as a part of the congress party initiative unless it is a part and
parcel of IOC. IOC Chairman has made this clear to everyone concerned in the
INC and IOC organizations.
The issue was flagged recently during the visit of the KPCC
President Hon. K. Sudhakaran's to the
United States. He visited OICC and encouraged them without informing or
engaging IOC. As a normal practice all Senior Congress leaders visiting abroad and attending public and community events are
requested by Chairman IOC to coordinate their public events only through IOC to
facilitate official part of their tours. Encouraging organizations like OICC
which are not official part of IOC creates confusion among the Congress Party
faithful while giving an impression of disunity that may further erode our
standing among the Malayalee community. I have been personally associated with
the Kerala community or several decades in the USA and in India and understand
and appreciate the need to unite our
community abroad . At this time, when India is facing crucial elections, it is
desirable that we all work under IOC and INC banner and not confuse our
party or people.
Kerala Chapter was inaugurated by bringing together
Keralites who believe in a secular and democratic India. Kerala Chapter is one
of the dynamic parts of the IOC, and it has contributed immensely over the
years. However, when Hon. K. Sudhakaran was appointed President of Kerala Pradesh
Congress Committee, some people took advantage by creating OICC groups in
developed countries, including the United States. As per the Chairman of IOC
this can not be encouraged, tolerated or allowed. We respect the enthusiasm of
all the people from Kerala and invite them to work with IOC to join hands to
strengthen our activities abroad. We request OICC leaders to contact IOC president
in their country or me as the Vice Chairman of IOC USA to join IOC and work
together on united agenda.
Jai Hind, Jai Congress!
George Abraham, Vice-Chairman, IOCUSA and Global
coordinator, IT & social media
