BY A STAFF REPORTER
RIVERSIDE, CA - Global Organization of People of Indian Origin held a candlelight vigil on Mar 5 at the Gandhi Statue on Main street here to honor the memory of Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was recently shot dead in Kansas. Representatives of GOPIO International, Los Angeles and Inland Empire Chapters were present at...
RIVERSIDE, CA - Global Organization of People of Indian Origin held a candlelight vigil on Mar 5 at the Gandhi Statue on Main street here to honor the memory of Srinivas Kuchibhotla who was recently shot dead in Kansas. Representatives of GOPIO International, Los Angeles and Inland Empire Chapters were present at...
the event which drew many members of the Indian-American community.
Also present was Riverside Chief of Police Sergio Diaz and representative from the Mayor’s office of City of Riverside Lalit Acharya.
Addressing the gathering Vasu Pawar, President GOPIO Inland Empire said it was good to see so many gathered as it is impossible to remain mute. The need of the hour is unity. He spoke of the sadness and grief at the loss coupled with anger and rage adding that this was the time to to reach out, to do something to relieve the hurt of those afflicted. He expressed gratitude to Ian Grillot who put his life on the line to safe Kuchibhotla.
The flaming candles, he said , are a solemn reminder of what it is that we aim for together, struggle for together, and live for together.
Kewal Kanda, GOPIO-Int’l Treasurer asked people to not be afraid and let everyone know that Indian-Americans are the most peace loving people. He challenged any one present to find an Indian-American who can be labeled a terrorist. He urged the White House to denounce this tragic event and assure all that these kinds of heinous acts will not be tolerated. Chief of Police Sergio Diaz spoke highly about the Indian-American community and offered any help he could provide and assured the police would protect the public.
Lalit Acharya conveyed that mayor’s appreciation of the services provided by the Indian- American community adding the mayor’s office is willing to assist in any way it can to help people. Kranti, a family friend of Kuchibhotla addressing the gathering said,“ Fear and outrage, in such circumstances, are only natural responses in the minds of immigrants and their loved ones back home. The key to convert this into something of value and to bring about a real change in society is to focus on creating awareness at the grassroots level. Only through heart-to-heart dialogue and personal transformation can we bring about a gradual but sure change in the society that we live in. Srinivas’ death has left us all shocked and looking for many answers outside. One sure way to convert this karma into mission is to look inward and ask, how can I bring about a positive change in my environment? And it can be achieved only through leading by example and through love, kindness and tolerance, not just focused towards humanity in general, but toward the individual in front of us. Baljit Toor who represented the Sikhs focused on the services provide by Indian-Americans to all without discrimination. Emcee Hemant Kurani thanked the audience for joining in the vigil.
Also present was Riverside Chief of Police Sergio Diaz and representative from the Mayor’s office of City of Riverside Lalit Acharya.
Addressing the gathering Vasu Pawar, President GOPIO Inland Empire said it was good to see so many gathered as it is impossible to remain mute. The need of the hour is unity. He spoke of the sadness and grief at the loss coupled with anger and rage adding that this was the time to to reach out, to do something to relieve the hurt of those afflicted. He expressed gratitude to Ian Grillot who put his life on the line to safe Kuchibhotla.
The flaming candles, he said , are a solemn reminder of what it is that we aim for together, struggle for together, and live for together.
Kewal Kanda, GOPIO-Int’l Treasurer asked people to not be afraid and let everyone know that Indian-Americans are the most peace loving people. He challenged any one present to find an Indian-American who can be labeled a terrorist. He urged the White House to denounce this tragic event and assure all that these kinds of heinous acts will not be tolerated. Chief of Police Sergio Diaz spoke highly about the Indian-American community and offered any help he could provide and assured the police would protect the public.
Lalit Acharya conveyed that mayor’s appreciation of the services provided by the Indian- American community adding the mayor’s office is willing to assist in any way it can to help people. Kranti, a family friend of Kuchibhotla addressing the gathering said,“ Fear and outrage, in such circumstances, are only natural responses in the minds of immigrants and their loved ones back home. The key to convert this into something of value and to bring about a real change in society is to focus on creating awareness at the grassroots level. Only through heart-to-heart dialogue and personal transformation can we bring about a gradual but sure change in the society that we live in. Srinivas’ death has left us all shocked and looking for many answers outside. One sure way to convert this karma into mission is to look inward and ask, how can I bring about a positive change in my environment? And it can be achieved only through leading by example and through love, kindness and tolerance, not just focused towards humanity in general, but toward the individual in front of us. Baljit Toor who represented the Sikhs focused on the services provide by Indian-Americans to all without discrimination. Emcee Hemant Kurani thanked the audience for joining in the vigil.
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