US Congress heaps praise on Indian Techies
US Congress heaps praise on Indian Techies
Date: Sunday, May 22, 2005 2:56 AM
JOB DESTRUCTION NEWSLETTER
by Rob Sanchez
May 22, 2005 No. 1262
Congress-critters almost never hesite to say that American workers
don't have the skills to compete for high-tech jobs, and they
constantly claim that the US education system is not capable of
training American kids with the skills that they need for high-tech
jobs. We are also constantly bombarded with dire warnings that our
young people are just too lazy to take hard courses in engineering and
the sciences.
Now in an unprecedented move, the House has passed Resolution 227 in
order to praise Indians who have graduated from the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT). The resolution was passed by a voice vote so it might
not be possible to see who voted for it, but there were 55 co-sponsors
listed. The resolution was introduced by the only Indian American US
Congressman - Bobby Jindal (LA-01).
This House reolution at the time of the year when thousands of American
graduates will be seeking jobs in the sciences and high-tech. I don't
believe the timing is a coincidence - the House is intentionally
slapping American students in the face on the eve of their graduation.
In the Congressional Record there are non-stop references to "Indian
Americans" from IIT but that is nothing but clever misdirection. The
very large majority of IIT graduates that work in the United States
arrive here by using H-1B and L-1 visas, so they are not American
citizens but instead are mostly citizens of India.
Rep Davis (R-VA) wants all Americans to worship IIT graduates:
The effect of Indian Institute of Technology graduates
is felt here in the United States and throughout the world.
It is important that all Americans recognize the great impact
Indian Americans and IIT graduates have had on our society
and economy. Without their knowledge, skill, and drive to
achieve, our economy would not have as many technological
innovations which enrich our daily lives.
Mr. Boozman (R-AR) is inspired by Indian schools:
As our Nation struggles to teach the value of education to
our young, I strongly believe that we should hold in high
regard the Indian American community's commitment to higher
education. It is indeed inspirational.
This House reolution precedes a conference called "Technology without
Borders". Some of the usual suspects will be speakers including Jack
Welch, former CEO of GE, and Harris Miller, president of the
Information. Technology Association of America. You can bet these two
lobbied behind the scenes to get the resolution passed.
This story is getting widespread attention in the Indian press while
the American news media is totally ignoring it. For that reason I
include a sampling of some of these Indian articles.
Materials Used for this Newsletter
http://thomas.loc.gov/
House Resolution 227
http://thomas.loc.gov/
Congressional Record article 1 of 5
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIAN AMERICANS TO ECONOMIC
INNOVATION AND SOCIETY GENERALLY -- (House of Representatives - April
26, 2005)
http://in.rediff.com/money/2005/apr/28iit.htm
US Congress heaps praise on IITs
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050522/asp/nation/story_4771393.asp
Issue Date: Sunday, May 22, 2005
America doffs hat to brand IIT
http://news.indiainfo.com/2005/04/29/2904us-indians.html
House of Representatives lauds input of Indians
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1102696.cms
Thank IIT, Indians dream it a little bit better
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://thomas.loc.gov/
Whereas the United States is deeply enriched by its Indian American
residents; (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)
HRES 227 EH
H. Res. 227
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
April 26, 2005.
Whereas the United States is deeply enriched by its Indian American
residents;
Whereas the Indian American community and the graduates of the Indian
Institutes of Technology (IIT ) in the United States have made valuable
and significant contributions to society in every profession and
discipline; and
Whereas IIT graduates are highly committed and dedicated to research,
innovation, and promotion of trade and international cooperation
between India and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the valuable and significant contributions of Indian
Americans to American society;
(2) honors the economic innovation attributable to graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology; and
(3) urges all Americans to recognize the contributions of Indian
Americans and have a greater appreciation of the role Indian Americans
have played in helping to advance and enrich American society.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Congressional Record article 1 of 5
RECOGNIZING AND HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIAN AMERICANS TO ECONOMIC
INNOVATION AND SOCIETY GENERALLY -- (House of Representatives - April
26, 2005)
[Page: H2493] GPO's PDF
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution (H . Res . 227 ) recognizing and honoring
the contributions of Indian Americans to economic innovation and
society generally.
The Clerk read as follows:
H . Res . 227
Whereas the United States is deeply enriched by its Indian American
residents;
Whereas the Indian American community and the graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in the United States have made
valuable and significant contributions to society in every profession
and discipline; and
Whereas IIT graduates are highly committed and dedicated to
research, innovation, and promotion of trade and international
cooperation between India and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the valuable and significant contributions of Indian
Americans to American society;
(2) honors the economic innovation attributable to graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology; and
(3) urges all Americans to recognize the contributions of Indian
Americans and have a greater appreciation of the role Indian Americans
have played in helping to advance and enrich American society.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
[Page: H2494] GPO's PDF
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis).
GENERAL LEAVE
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution
under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Virginia?
There was no objection.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H . Res . 227 , which I
introduced to recognize the contributions to our Nation of Indian
Americans, and specifically the graduates of the Indian Institutes of
Technology.
After winning independence in 1947, India began building a
democratic nation to provide its citizens with equal opportunities.
[Time: 15:30]
One of the successes of the new nation was the Indian Institute of
Technology, or IIT, which was established in Kharagpur in May, 1950.
Today there are seven IIT campuses across India. IITs have become
synonymous with excellence in technology and engineering education.
Since the inception of IIT, thousands of graduates have sought and
achieved the highest levels of professional successes in the United
States and indeed throughout the world. IIT graduates are estimated to
have stimulated the creation of over 150,000 jobs in the U.S. Most
Silicon Valley firms have at least one IIT graduate among their top
executives. In my district in Northern Virginia, we literally have
dozens of IIT executives running their own companies, producing
thousands of jobs. Almost all IIT alumni attribute their success to the
rigorous educational foundation they received at IIT.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. has attracted more IIT graduates than any
other country because we remain on the cutting edge of the science and
technology fields. In recognition of IIT graduates' contributions to
our Nation, the second Global IIT Alumni Conference will be held in
nearby Bethesda, Maryland from May 20 through 22. The conference will
attract over 1,500 attendees from all over the United States and around
the world.
Mr. Speaker I am pleased that the House is recognizing the
achievements of Indian Americans and IIT graduates in helping to make
the United States the global leader it is. Indian Americans are
wonderful ambassadors of their homeland, and they strengthen the strong
friendship between India and the United States, the two largest
democratic nations in the world.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognition of
the important contributions made by Indian Americans and IIT graduates
to our national economy. I thank the House India Caucus and all the
cosponsors for their support of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that we acknowledge from time to time
our individual histories and what makes us unique. I believe that it is
our differences that make our Nation strong. Therefore, I am very happy
to join the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis), the distinguished
chairman of the House Committee on Government Reform, in support of H .
Res . 227 , recognizing and honoring the contributions of Indian
Americans to economic innovation and to society generally.
According to a 2000 census, the Indian American population stands at
over 1.6 million. This represents a 106 percent increase over the 1990
census figures. In fact, Indian Americans are the largest-growing Asian
American community in the United States.
In addition to being a growing community within our society, the
Indian American population also is a wonderful contributor to our
Nation's well-being. The Indian American median family income is
$60,093, which is significantly higher than the national median family
income of $38,885. This high-income level is not only an example of
their determination and hard work, but it is also a testament to the
strong regard they hold for education. More than 87 percent of Indian
Americans have completed high school, while at least 62 percent have
completed some college. The value that members of the Indian American
community place on education allows them and helps them to succeed in
this country and to become positive role models and economic forces for
all of us.
As our Nation struggles to teach the value of education to our
young, I strongly believe that we should hold in high regard the Indian
American community's commitment to higher education. It is indeed
inspirational. So once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for his leadership on this
issue and reiterate my strong support for H . Res . 227 .
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jindal).
Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of what I think is
a very appropriate resolution.
I am very proud to be the son of Indian immigrants to this country.
Though born and raised in Louisiana, I am very proud of their
background. Certainly I think not only my parents but the interior
Indian American community is a great example of living the American
dream. And so many stories have been told, and there are so many
wonderful examples.
Certainly we can talk in terms of numbers. We can talk in terms of
the IIT graduates who are now doing so well in Fortune 500 companies in
this country. Certainly we can talk about the academic achievements. We
can talk about the contributions to our high-tech industry in this
country. We can talk about the contributions in medicine, in small
business ownership. And the numbers are phenomenal. One of the most
successful, if not the most successful, immigrant group. But I do not
think the numbers tell the entire story. I think sometimes we have to
look beyond the numbers and hear the personal stories.
My father, for example, is one of nine children, the first one in
his family and the only one to go to high school, much less beyond high
school. I am certainly very proud of everything my father has
accomplished in this country. But it is not just my father. I am very
proud of all the different Indian Americans I have the privilege of
meeting who have achieved so much in their respective fields, and again
I think a wonderful example of the American dream, a wonderful example
that in this country we do provide opportunity if one works hard and
pursues that education.
I often tease my parents. Mark Twain said that the older we become,
the smarter our fathers become, the smarter our parents become. And I
tease my parents because, now being the father of two children, I
appreciate more and more what my parents have sacrificed, what they
have endured and what they have accomplished. I appreciate more the
significance of the accomplishments of the Indian American community.
Some of those things we took for granted. I did, anyway, growing up. We
did not really realize the significance of those struggles, those
sacrifices, and how remarkable have been their collective and
individual achievements.
Again, it is hard to exaggerate. The Indian American population
numbers, according to census numbers, 1 1/2 million people in this
country. We are talking about the Indians in America, 87 percent have
completed high school, almost two-thirds have at least some college
education. Remarkable numbers, remarkable contributions. But, again,
the numbers do not tell the entire story.
In my State, Indian American physicians serve some of the neediest
areas, allow emergency rooms to stay open, provide primary care to
those who would not otherwise have access to care. The numbers are
amazing; 300,000 Indian Americans working in Silicon Valley, 750 of
those companies headed by people of Indian American descent,
responsible for 15 percent of the high-tech startups in the area.
Again when we look at the numbers, they tell an amazing story, but
it is not just the numbers. Again, in my
[Page: H2495] GPO's PDF
home State, in my home district, Indian Americans own businesses in the
biggest cities to the smallest communities, the most rural parts of my
State, employing thousands of my citizens, of my constituents. So,
again, I think it is a wonderful success story.
I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) for
highlighting, through this resolution, the accomplishments of the
Indian American people.
But I will just remind my colleagues two things in closing: One, it
is my belief that the Indian American success story is a great
testimony to the strength of the American dream, that the American
dream is alive and well. One of the reasons I was so passionate to
become a Member of this body was to nurture that dream for our
children, to make sure that all of our children continue to have the
same opportunities that brought my parents and others like them here in
the first place. And, secondly, to say it is not just the numbers. It
is not just the IIT graduates. It is not just the high-tech startups.
It is not just the educational achievement. It is also the personal
stories. Stories like my dad's, and others like him, who have not only
done so well but have given so their kids and others around them might
have a better quality of life.
Again, I want to thank the chairman and my colleagues for sponsoring
and supporting this resolution. I am very proud to not only cosponsor
the resolution but to be a part of a community that is so grateful and
has done so much to contribute to this country.
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
I just want to thank the gentleman from Illinois on the other side
of the aisle for helping us bring this bill to the floor and the
gentleman from Louisiana, a Rhodes scholar and one who has brought
credit to his heritage, to his State, and this body by serving here.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
[Begin Insert]
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H . Res . 227
, which would honor the contributions of Indian Americans in the field
of information technology.
Like so many other groups, Indian Americans lend creativity,
technical expertise, and innovation to their chosen fields. Every day,
they show their dedication not only to improving the economy and
competitiveness of this country, but to advancing a positive
relationship between the United States and India.
This resolution presents us with an opportunity to thank those who
have such an important impact on our society. Indian Americans have
created thousands of jobs in the U.S. and hold senior positions at
Fortune 500 companies, national labs, universities, and venture capital
firms. And through their work as economists, researchers, educators,
and social and political leaders, they have ensured that their
extraordinary commitment will benefit not only this generation, but the
next, as well.
That is why I support this resolution. The cornerstone of our
society was built on the contributions of many groups who brought
intelligence and originality to their work in this country. And that is
why I urge my colleagues to join me today in thanking Indian Americans
by recognizing their contributions to information technology.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, as the former Co-Chair of the Caucus on
India and Indian Americans and the representative of one of the largest
concentrations of Indian Americans in the United States, I have seen
firsthand the contributions my friends from India have made.
I commend my colleague and good friend Rep. TOM DAVIS (R-VA) for
introducing this legislation and talking about the contributions of
Indian Americans. Representing the second highest concentration of
Indian Americans in the country, I have seen for myself on 74th Street
in Jackson Heights, Queens how successful and industrious Indian
Americans are. That recipe for success starts with institutions like
the Indian Institute of Technology, which we recognize today, and the
far-reaching success of their graduates.
The Indian Institute of Technology (lIT) has had a long history of
grooming fine minds that have gone on to achieve incredible success in
India and around the world.
The first IIT was established in 1950 in Kharagpur and now 50 plus
years later they have a total of seven institutes, with the newest one
established by recognizing University of Roorkee, one of Asia's oldest
engineering institutions, as IIT Roorkee. Many of the top Indians in
industry have graduated from India's prestigious Indian Institute of
Technology, like Vinod Khosla, founder of Sun Microsystems, to Rajat
Gupta, the first non North America born head of the venerable
consulting company McKinsey & Co.
I have had an opportunity to meet many graduates of IIT and all have
spoken about the benefits of attending the institute.
I believe in today's current educational environment in the United
States we can learn from the history of how the Indian government went
about establishing this institute. After the Indians gained their
independence from the British, they formed committees to explore ways
of creating an educated class of people to move the country forward.
What they found was that to be competitive in the world they needed
to excel in technology and engineering, which is where we in the United
States find ourselves to be lacking today. We need to follow the
example of our Indian friends and the example we set in the 1960's and
create a national strategy to make the way we teach our children in the
United States more focused on the math and sciences so we are not left
behind.
Instead of fearing India as an economic competitor, we should be
embracing India as an economic and political ally. The over 1 billion
consumers in India and the market for U.S. goods and services in India
allows for unprecedented opportunities for American companies, and job
growth for Americans.
I want to thank Mr. DAVIS for introducing this resolution and urge
all my colleagues to support it.
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a co-sponsor
of H . Res . 227 to honor all that Indian Americans have contributed to
our country. Specifically, I would like to commend the graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) for their economic innovations
and technological expertise.
After India gained its independence and began its new life as a
democratic nation, a committee was formed to create institutes of
higher education that would focus on technology to fuel the post-war
industrial development of India. After looking at the committee
recommendations, the first Indian Institute of Technology was created
in May 1950. The campus was placed at the site of the Hijli Detention
camp, which used to house young Indian freedom fighters during the
independence movement.
Since that time 6 more campuses have been formed throughout India.
IIT offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in more than 25
engineering, science, technology and management disciplines. Students
are admitted after taking a national entrance exam and the student body
is a diverse mixture of socio-economic backgrounds, cultures,
languages, and religions.
After graduating from IIT, alumni are able to take the knowledge
they gained and excel in technology and engineering sectors. Graduates
are currently serving in senior positions at Citigroup and Sun
Microsystems, among other established and Fortune 500 companies. They
are also serving as Deans and Professors at the best universities in
the United States, including Harvard, MIT and Carnegie Mellon.
The United States economy has felt the impact of IIT graduates. Over
25 percent of graduates since 1990 have been entrepreneurs and have
started numerous companies that have fueled job creation in their
communities. IIT alumni are also performing cutting edge research that
is needed by U.S. companies, and a great number have received patents
for their innovations.
The effect of Indian Institute of Technology graduates is felt here
in the United States and throughout the world. It is important that all
Americans recognize the great impact Indian Americans and IIT graduates
have had on our society and economy. Without their knowledge, skill,
and drive to achieve, our economy would not have as many technological
innovations which enrich our daily lives.
[End Insert]
Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H . Res . 227 .
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://in.rediff.com/money/2005/apr/28iit.htm
US Congress heaps praise on IITs
AGENCIES | April 28, 2005 | 12:15 IST
The Indian Institutes of Technology, in particular, and the
Indian-American community, in general, came in for impassioned praise
from the US Congress -- the first time the US Congress has honoured a
foreign university in this manner -- for their significant
contributions to society in every profession and discipline.
The US Congress passed House Resolution 227 -- introduced by
Congressman Tom Davis and co-sponsored by Congressman Bobby Jindal --
praising the stellar work done by IIT-ians in all walks of life.
Davis said that the United States must take leaf out of India's book
and devise a strategy to focus on and improve studies in math and
sciences.
Experts say that this rare recognition will help IITs solicit US
government grants and promote industry collaboration with the IITs for
sponsored research and faculty/student exchange programmes.
The Congressional debate ran live on CSPAN with speeches by several
Congressmen on the IITs, and when the speaker brought it to vote, it
was passed unanimously.
Rep. Joseph Crowley, a Democrat from New York and the chief deputy
whip, submitted a statement to the congressional record in support of
House Resolution 227.
In a statement, Crowley said: "As the former co-chair of the Caucus on
India and Indian-Americans and the representative of one of the largest
concentrations of Indian-Americans in the United States, I have seen
first hand the contributions my friends from India have made."
He said the IITs have for long groomed fine minds that have gone on to
achieve incredible success in India and overseas.
The full text of House Resolution 227 is given hereunder:
In the House of Representatives, US,
April 26, 2005.
Whereas the United States is deeply enriched by its Indian-American
residents;
Whereas the Indian-American community and the graduates of the Indian
Institutes of Technology (IIT) in the United States have made valuable
and significant contributions to society in every profession and
discipline; and
Whereas IIT graduates are highly committed and dedicated to research,
innovation, and promotion of trade and international cooperation
between India and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the valuable and significant contributions of
Indian-Americans to American society;
(2) honors the economic innovation attributable to graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology; and
(3) urges all Americans to recognize the contributions of
Indian-Americans and have a greater appreciation of the role
Indian-Americans have played in helping to advance and enrich American
society.
This resolution was passed in the context of the Global PanIIT Alumni
Conference, an event which is to be held on May 20-22, 2005 in the
metro Washington DC area. The Web site to visit for all information and
to register is http://www.iit2005.org/.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050522/asp/nation/story_4771393.asp
Issue Date: Sunday, May 22, 2005
America doffs hat to brand IIT
K.P. NAYAR
Washington, May 21: Americans from all walks of life are this weekend
paying tributes to an institutional brand which has become the symbol
of 21st century India.
The US House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a resolution
which "honours the economic innovation attributable to graduates of the
Indian Institutes of Technology" (IITs) and the list of speakers at the
global IIT alumni conference, which got under way yesterday, reads like
a Whos Who of America.
They include Larry Summers, president of Harvard University, Jack
Welch, former CEO of GE, Ben Wu, the US assistant secretary of
commerce, Jerry Cohon, president of Carnegie Mellon University, Rajat
Gupta, senior partner of McKinsey, Purnendu Chatterjee, CEO of The
Chatterjee Group, and Harris Miller, president of the Information
Technology Association of America.
Through the weekend, they will rub shoulders with an equally impressive
list of speakers from India, including Arun Shourie, the former
minister for disinvestment, K. V. Kamath, managing director of ICICI
Bank, M.G.K. Menon, chairman of the board of governors of Delhi IIT,
and Sudeep Banerjee, HRD secretary to the government of India.
Complementing the rare Congressional resolution and the conference, the
governors of Maryland and Virginia declared May as Indian American
Heritage Month and IIT Graduate Month respectively.
The Congressional resolution "recognises the valuable and significant
contributions of Indian-Americans to American society, honours the
economic innovation attributable to graduates of the Indian Institutes
of Technology and urges all Americans to recognise the contributions of
Indian-Americans and have a greater appreciation of the role
Indian-Americans have played in helping to advance and enrich American
society".
The wording of the resolution and the gubernatorial proclamations in
Maryland and Virginia, supporters of India hope, will go a long way
towards negating the bad vibes created in the election year of 2004
over outsourcing of American jobs to India.
The last IIT global alumni conference was held in San Jose in 2003,
when Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, was the keynote speaker.
The meet attracts about 2,000 IIT alumni from all over the world.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://news.indiainfo.com/2005/04/29/2904us-indians.html
House of Representatives lauds input of Indians
Friday, April 29 2005 14:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
Washington: The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution
lauding the contributions of the Indian American community and
graduates of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to the United
States.
Their contributions were recognized as "valuable and significant" in
the House Resolution 227 sponsored by Republican Congressman from
Virginia Tom Davis.
The intent of the resolution was to "advance greater appreciation of
the role Indian Americans have played in helping to advance and enrich
American society".
The resolution recognises and honours the contributions of Indian
Americans to economic innovation and society generally.
It underlines that the Indian American community and graduates of IITs
have made valuable and significant contribution to American society in
every profession and discipline and urges Americans to recognise the
contributions and have greater appreciation of their role in helping
advance and enrich American society.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1102696.cms
Thank IIT, Indians dream it a little bit better
ISHANI DUTTAGUPTA
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SUNDAY, MAY 08, 2005 07:56:44 PM]
Sign into earnIndiatimes points
NEW DELHI: IITians have again hit a home run. In the run-up to the high
profile Global IIT 2005 conference to be held between May 20 and 22 in
Washington DC, the US Congress has passed a resolution which recognises
and honours IIT grads in the US and the valuable and significant
contribution they have made to American society in every profession and
discipline.
In fact, House Resolution 227, which was passed last week, goes well
beyond just the IITs and is all praise for the contributions of Indian
Americans to economic innovation and society generally in the US.
"I proudly co-sponsored this important legislation to offer my
congratulations and support to Indian Americans throughout the US for
the success they have found in all professions, including engineering,
education, research and technology. The Indian-American community is
one of the most successful immigrant groups and has achieved success in
many areas, reaching beyond just the typically expected fields of
engineering and technology. The passage of House Resolution 227
demonstrates that the House, and the country as a whole, recognises the
accomplishments and the opportunities the Indian-American community
offers to the nation," the only Indian American US Congressman Bobby
Jindal, who sponsored the resolution, told ET from Washington DC.
Meanwhile, the governors of the state of Maryland and the Commonwealth
of Virginia have declared May 2005 as Indian American heritage month in
recognition of the contribution of IITians and Indian Americans to
society in every profession and discipline in the US.
"The Global IIT graduates commitment, dedication in research,
innovation and promotion of trade and international co-operation
between India and the State of Maryland is greatly appreciated,"
governor Robert L Ehrlich said.
The conference Technology without Borders is expected to attract
2,000 participants from the East Coast and Midwest of the US, IIT
alumni travelling from other parts of North America and all the IIT
directors from India. Senior members of US Congress and other prominent
political figures have also shown a keen interest in the PanIIT event.
HRD minister Arjun Singh and science and technology minister Kapil
Sibal are also likely to attend the conference.
High-profile speakers include Jack Welch, former CEO, GE, Larry
Summers, president Harvard University, Bob Brown, provost, MIT, Dr.
Jerry Cohon, president of Carnegie Mellon University, K V Kamath, MD
and CEO, ICICI Bank, Prof C K Prahalad, University of Michigan and Sam
Pitroda, CEO and Founder, World Tel.
"I believe this is the first time in history that the Congress has
recognised a university outside of the US. It is a great honour for not
only the graduates of IIT but Indians everywhere in the areas of
science, technology, business, and philanthropy. Likewise, the
conference aims to consolidate gains made by IIT graduates worldwide
and create the PanIIT movement to help not just India but other
countries as well," said Sudhakar Shenoy, an IIT alumnus and chairman &
CEO of the Virginia-based Information Management Consultants (IMC) who
will chair the event.
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