New York gears up to welcome Rahul Gandhi; 7000 to attend event at Javits Center

New York: The preparations are at the final stage to welcome Rahul Gandhi, former president of the Indian National Congress, to New York, leaders of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) said at a press conference.

Rahulji will interact with the diaspora community as a continuation of his highly successful Bharat Jodo Yatra that created a tremendous impact all over India, they noted.

Rahul will speak to the people at the Javitts Center in New York City on June 4 at 2 pm. He will also interact with the people and will answer their questions, George Abraham, vice-chair of the IOC, said. “Rahulji’s straightforward behavior and love for the people will conquer the hearts of all. No other leader can claim such qualities,’ he noted.

This visit is of great significance as it follows the historic Bharat Jodo, a 2,500-mile walk from Kanyakumari in the southernmost tip of India to Kashmir in the northernmost, to inspire and unify the Indian people, to listen to their heartbeats amid divisive politics and religious polarization, he said.

The press conference held at Jazzy Restaurant in Mineola, Long Island was attended by representatives from print and visual media.

IOC President Mohinder Singh Gilzian said that he participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra for two weeks and saw how it captured the hearts of the people. There is no such leader like Rahul in India to attract people. While living in the 21st century, some leaders are taking back India to the 18th century. But Rahul’s style is the opposite of these leaders.

The Javits Center can hold up to 3,500 people inside and as many outside. This conference will be unique in every way.

Rahul Gandhi arrived in California yesterday and he will address the people in Santa Clara, Silicon Valley Tuesday (today). 2000 people are expected to attend the event. The main conference is in New York, on June 4th, he said.

Rahul arrives in New York after participating in various events in San Francisco and Washington DC interacting with universities, tech entrepreneurs, civil society, business, media, politicians and leaders. Mohinder Singh said that people will get a chance to talk to the beloved leader here.

General convener of the conference Pradeep Samala (Working President – IOC North East) said that all the preparations for the conference have been completed.

To attend the event one has to register at the website https://www.rgvisitusa.com. It is very easy. At the venue there will be no unnecessary security hurdles. There is a separate registration facility for media persons.

People who love democracy are excited about Rahul's arrival. The visit will lead to big changes - he said.

IOC Vice President John Joseph said that those who call Rahul as Pappu should not forget that he has won the love of the people like Bapu.

IOC Kerala Chapter President Leela Maret said that special buses have been arranged from Flushing, Westchester, Rockland, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Those who need transportation should contact her, she said. Lila Maret's number: 646-539-8443

General Secretary Sofia Sharma, Andhra Chapter Chair Pavan Darisi and Telangana Chapter Chair Rajeshwar Reddy also spoke at the press conference.

Rahul is coming to the US soon after the election victory in Karnataka and few days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to America. But George Abraham and Mohinder Singh said that Rahul's visit has been thought of for a long time and there is nothing special about timing of the arrival.

Major changes have started in India with the victory of the Congress in the Karnataka election and the changes will accelerate under Rahulji's leadership, General Secretary Harbachan Singh said. ‘Rahul’s visit will give the diaspora an opportunity to participate in it.’

Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda said that this visit is to meet and interact with various individuals, institutions and media, including Indians in America and abroad, to promote the true values and visions of democracy.

People have entrusted Rahul Gandhi with the position of a leader who upholds the universal values of human rights, freedom, justice, diversity, non-violence and sustainability. Working tirelessly to represent the economically disadvantaged and the youth, he regularly highlights the aspirations of the new generation for better employment and better living conditions. He believes in political and social stability for economic growth and peaceful co-existence of all communities irrespective of caste, race, religion, language and region, George Abraham noted

The public meeting will be held on Sunday, June 4 at 2:00 pm at the Javits Center, 429 11th Ave, New York City.

For more information: 646-732-5119, 917-749-8769, 848-256-3381, 201-421-5303, 917-544-4137 or [email protected]