Indian Diaspora Center Hosts 2025 Annual Diaspora Lecture on Role of Diaspora in India’s Freedom Movement

Elmont, NY – June 29, 2025 – The Indian Diaspora Center at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library, in collaboration with Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, hosted its 2025 Annual Diaspora Lecture and Interactive Session on Sunday, June 22, at the Kerala Center in Elmont, New York. The event, titled “The Role of America and the Indian Diaspora in the Freedom Movement of India,” featured a compelling presentation by distinguished author and speaker Dr. Bhuvan Lall.
The program commenced at 4:00 p.m. with a networking coffee/tea followed by Dr. Lall’s talk and discussion at 4:30 p.m. Keral Center President Alex Esthappan welcomed audience and said that the center is happy to house the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library. The evening concluded with drinks and an Indian dinner at 6:00 p.m. Attendees gathered at the Library Hall, located at The Kerala Center in Elmont, New York.



Dr. Lall captivated the audience with his vivid storytelling, shedding light on the pivotal contributions of Lala Har Dayal and the Ghadar Movement in the United States and Europe during the early 20th century.


Dr. Lall stated, “According to the timeworn, intelligence reports and records locked away in the archives, Hukumat-i-Britannia considered Har Dayal the single biggest threat to the empire as long as he was alive. The origin of Britain’s MI6 was intertwined with the life of Har Dayal. Sir David Petrie, Director-General MI 5 (1941-46) & Chief of British Intelligence in India wrote, “No man in recent times has sinned more grievously against the (British) Government… than Har Dayal…” Year after year Hukumat-i-Britannia termed him as the most brilliant person born in India, the most dangerous revolutionary the British Empire had encountered in India, and the most decent human being one could meet on Planet Earth. However, despite many attempts, Hukumat-i-Britannia could never silence or arrest the phenomenon called Har Dayal.”



Dr Lall also highlighted the inspiring legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose, as the Ghadar Party morphed into the Azad Hind Fauj. He emphasized the Indian diaspora’s role in India’s struggle for independence. Attendees praised Dr. Lall’s commitment to presenting objective historical truths, and his laudatory approach to Indian history and unsung patriots.



As a token of appreciation, Dr. Lall was presented with two rare First Day Covers, canceled and released by the US Postal Service during the First Global Convention of People of Indian Origin in New York City in 1989, where GOPIO was founded. These collector’s items of US Postal Service’s First Day Covers featuring Mahatma Gandhi stamps, honored the Indian diaspora and the historic global meet.



The event was attended by community members, scholars, and notable figures, including GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham who chaired the meeting, GOPIO International Coordinator for North America Prof. Raj Vangapaty, GOPIO Council Chair for Seniors Mukund Mehta, Kerala Center Secretary Raju Thomas and officials pf GOPIO and Keral Center, fostering vibrant discussions on India’s freedom movement.

For more information about the Indian Diaspora Center and future events, contact the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library at the Indian American Kerala Center, 1824 Fairfax St., Elmont, NY 11003, Tel: 516-358-2000.



About the Indian Diaspora Center at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library - The Indian Diaspora Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and contributions of the Indian diaspora through educational programs, cultural events, and community engagement.



About GOPIO - The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering unity, cultural heritage, and advocacy for the Indian diaspora worldwide.



About the Indian American Kerala Cultural Center - The Kerala Center serves as a hub for cultural, educational, and community activities, celebrating the heritage of Indian Americans, particularly those from Kerala.