INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indian multinational information technology company --Infosys -- were presented “Indiana Ratna' award by Indiana India Business Council founder and president Raju Chinthala at an impressive IIBC's third annual Gala function at Roof Ballroom, 140 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
The Governor and Vice President and Regional Head --Midwest-- Infosys Richard Cardwell received the “Indiana Ratna” (Jewel of Indiana) award. Following the Indian traditions, the honorees were first garlanded and then given "shawls'. Finally the medals were presented.
Mr Martin Baier and Ms Sudha Manikardan were the emcees.
After the national anthem of the USA and India, the function commenced with invocation (Gananayaka) by Nrityanjali Dance School. Bollywood Beats artists performed Bollywood Medley dance.
Indiana India Business Council president Raju Chinthala welcomed all those attending the august gathering.
Consul General Amit Kumar, Consulate of India, Chicago, attended the function as a guest . Speaking on the occasion Mr Amit informed the various innovative schemes India has launched.
After remarks by Mr Jim Staton, Senior Vice President, Chief Business Development Officer, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Mr Richard Cardwell was felicitated with the “Indiana Ratna' award .
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the International Center and Indiana India Business Council. Mr Martin Baier, president and CEO International Center and IIBC Founder and President Raju Chinthala inked the MoU.
The prestigious “Indiana Ratna '' award was presented to Governor Eric Holcomb by Mr Raju Chinthala.
Mr Holcomb, who has visited India twice, advocated setting up of the Indian Consulate office in Indianapolis. The Governor quoted community leader and known artist KP Singh that "there were only five Indian families in Indiana when Mr Singh came to Indiana 50 years ago. " Now the number of Indian families has crossed approximately 10, 000. The Indian community has played a significant role in the development of Indiana.
“Indiana Ratna' is the highest award bestowed by the board members of IIBC to individuals who have contributed significantly towards strengthening cultural, educational, political, social, and economic ties and have helped in making a profound impact in both Indiana and India.
Christel House International Founder Christel DeHaan received the inaugural "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2018 and former Mayor of Indianapolis Gregory A. Ballard was the second "Indiana Ratna" award recipient in 2019.
The Bhangra dance by Bollywood Beats, choreographed by Jenny Bhupatkar Chakrabarti, virtually involved all the guests. The guests joined the artists and displayed their love for Punjabi Bhangra.