BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, November 26, 2024: Diwali celebrations in the USA are becoming increasingly mainstream, with communities across the country embracing the festival of lights, including large-scale events in cities like Houston, Texas, where residents can now legally purchase fireworks for Diwali due to recent legislation recognizing it as a fireworks-eligible holiday and states such as NY and PA declaring school holidays.
Signifying this growing acceptance and celebration of Indian culture within the US, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) hosted a gala Diwali celebration at the Metropolitan Club on October 25, 2024, bringing the festival to the forefront among business communities. The event featured the Consul General of India from Atlanta, who presided as the chief guest, US Congressman from South Carolina District 2 Joe Wilson, and US Congressman from Georgia District 6 Dr Rich McCormick as the keynote speaker. Eminent attendees included representatives from the Georgia Governor’s Office, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Commissioner Todd Levent, Jim Gilvin-Mayor, City of Alpharetta, Carter Barrett – GA House 24th District. Sheikh Rahman – GA Senate 5th District (Gwinnett) Scott Hilton – GA House 48th District, Shawn Still – GA Senate 48th District, and Matt Reeves – GA House 99th District.
“The main purpose of the gala was to celebrate Diwali with the Indian and American diaspora to promote cultural exchange and raise awareness of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. I wanted guests to have an elegant sit-down meal with traditional Indian culinary dishes, and enjoy live entertainment, such as traditional Indian dances. I also wanted to recognize the esteemed members of the Chamber, Board of Directors, sponsors and supporters, and community leaders for their service and for their partnership with the Chamber and the Community,” Dr. Charan Shikh, Founder, IACC, said.
“Happy Diwali. And Sal Mubarak, It is great to be here at this wonderful Diwali event at Metropolitan Club. Is worth traveling a few miles outside of my district to get to spend some time with Indian friends,” Rep. Matt Reeves remarked.
Kicking off with the traditional lamp lighting, several cultural performances entertained and engaged the audience.
“One of the most amazing things about the chamber, and as it relates to India itself, you have a ton of commerce between the two countries, India will be the third largest economy in the world within the next five years,” Dr. McCormick told NRI Pulse. Discussing the growing economic relationship between the U.S. and India, he emphasized the mutual benefits of bilateral trade, including technological advancements and educational exchanges including 250,000 Indian American students in US universities. He also noted the significant contribution of the Indian American community to the U.S. economy, particularly in the district they represent, which boasts the highest median income in Georgia and U.S. Speaking about shared celebrations of cultural holidays, he said, “the big part of what our success is that fabric, that connective factor, between our societies, our traditions, our outlooks in life. It’s very synergistic and excited about it.”
The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2017 by Dr. Shikh, a skilled international business trade and policy developer for over 30 years. He was involved in changing India’s Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), which went into effect in 1974. Dr. Shikh facilitated numerous Indian businesses coming to the US and helped develop a local eco system of creating jobs, helping economic development, workforce development and community development for the State of Georgia and vice versa. After doing this for three decades, he decided to share those resources with others to help them connect, promote and grow their businesses.
In 2017, Dr Shikh visited India with a delegation of business and community leaders from Atlanta on an International Trade Mission. Following a successful trip, on the way back from India, Dr. Shikh conceptualized the formation of a chamber. With 36 eminent community and business leaders on board, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce – Atlanta rolled out the local community membership.
“IACC is led by highly successful professionals, business and community leaders. Our partnerships with local and state economic development authorities and our resources allow our members to start, sustain and grow their businesses. The goal of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce is to attract, support, and help grow businesses while fostering a vibrant and sustainable community. We will partner with business, government, and community organizations to promote common interests and visions. We will foster leadership development. We will develop a comprehensive business solutions center. We will facilitate business-to-business connections. We will ensure our economic viability by serving, promotion, and growing our membership,” Dr. Shikh said in his address.
Indian and American Corporations, Partnership Firms, Professionals and Consultants interested in the objective of the Chamber are eligible for Patron or Ordinary Membership and individual executives of Indian and American firms and Corporations, who are already members, are eligible for additional levels of membership. For more details about the chamber, you may visit Home – IACC
“I have never traveled back and forth to South Carolina in the same day. And me doing that for this event, says something!” Congressman Wilson remarked. He also highlighted the community’s achievements in both states and commended the work of Dr. Shikh.
“The star-studded event, with the long list of dignitaries and the guest list handpicked by me, was a phenomenal success. I see the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce continue to grow leaps and bounds. There was wall-to-wall people dressed beautifully and in such a colorful vibrant environment. The event was completely sold out. People traveled from far away to attend this event. There were people from Florida, some people visiting from India, and a US Congressman who flew from South Carolina just to attend this event. I am so proud of what we have achieved in just very few years with IACC. This is one organization that has been able to truly put Indian and American businesses and community leaders under one roof, not just doing business together but also having a dialogue about cultural exchange of ideas. Diversity and all-inclusiveness are one of the trademarks of this Chamber. The Georgia and Atlanta Indian community and the American community should be very proud to celebrate this event together and to make it a tradition. I look forward to next year’s Diwali Gala to be even bigger and another huge success in 2025!” Dr. Shikh told NRI Pulse.
