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MAYOR GREG BALLARD HONORED WITH A "JEWEL OF INDIANA" AWARD BY INDIANA INDIA BUSINESS COUNCIL

 

Prayerful Reflection: Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh, NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA, August 20, 2019

The Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Mrs. Ballard have been especially kind to the Indian, Asian, and international community over the past two decades. They both visited India twice during his term as the 48th Mayor of Indianapolis.


At a Gala Celebration attended by several hundred friends, community leaders, and City and State officials, the former Indianapolis Mayor Gregory A. Ballard and Winnie Ballard were honored by Indiana India Business Council. Mayor Ballard was presented at the 2nd Annual Indiana-India Gala, the "Indiana Ratna (Jewel of Indiana)" Award. The first recipient of this honor was none other than Indiana's own visionary leader and philanthropist, Christel DeHaan - the Founder of The Christel House International. Former Mayor Bart Peterson who serves as the CEO of the Christel House International attended the ceremony. One dignitary had traveled from Hyderabad, India, the Sister City to Indianapolis, for this special occasion to honor Mayor and Mrs. Ballard. During his term as Mayor, Greg Ballard had greatly enhanced the business and cultural relationship between India and Indiana. Mayor Joe Hogsett issued a special Proclamation and declared August 15, 2019 Mayor Greg Ballard Day in Indianapolis.


The evening's festivities included special videos and personal tributes highlighting Mayor Greg Ballard's distinguished career and his major contributions by several leaders; Bhangra dance by Boiler Bhangra Group, Purdue University; beautiful dance performances by Shruthi Garugu and Neha Garugu. Mayor Greg Ballard received special citations and elegant brocaded silk scarves. In his brief acceptance remarks, Greg Ballard was very gracious and thoughtful about the special Award and honor.


As noted and applauded by several speakers, Mayor Greg Ballard and Winnie Ballard are hailed as two of the most beloved cultural ambassadors of our City to all communities. Mayor Ballard's interest and dedication to include and honor ethnic communities and cultural groups created a new excitement for all citizens to step forward to help make Indianapolis a happening place, an emerging cultural Capital of the Midwest. Thanks to his and other visionary leaders, Indianapolis today is an attractive welcome destination for businesses and talents to relocate here. Greg Ballard championed an incredible farsighted challenge and legacy for his successors to build upon.


Congratulations Mayor and Mrs. Greg Ballard on this prestigious Award from a very grateful Indian-Asian-international community. You and Winnie are an amazing International Friendship Bridge. It is a special honor for me and my family to know you both as our friends and for your many thoughtful acts of kindness over the past two decades. Thank you Raju Chinthala, President of IIBC and his Team and generous sponsors: Sun Group of Companies, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, Pacers, Infosys, IUPUI, IceMiller, and others for organizing a beautiful Celebration.