One nation, One election concept by
B.J.P. will disrupt the democratic process
Los Angeles, California, Oct 09, 2023
NRIpress.com/ Ramesh/ Gary Singh
Anil Shastri, son of late Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, was hosted by the I.O.C.U.S.A. in New York at Baldev Randhawa's residence in New Rochell on September 28, 2023, to discuss current political dynamics in India. Mr. Shastri shared memories of his father and discussed the need to strengthen the I.O.C.'s hand to support the Indian National Congress party. He spoke in detail about how democracy is being diminished in India under Modi's leadership and the importance of recapturing the letter and spirit of the constitution and saving democracy by defeating the ruling B.J.P. in the upcoming election.
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Great leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastry and Jawaharlal Nehru thought their image would be magnified if the country's image was built up. Contrary to that, Narendra Modi believes precisely the opposite, and Narendra Modi, as Prime Minister, used the recent G-20 sessions to build his own image, said Mr. Shastri. He also advised the I.O.C. volunteers to use social media and other related technology to the maximum extent to change people's perceptions in India by conveying reality and facts to them.
Anil Shastri recounted his father Lal Bahadur Shastri's extraordinary determination, honesty, and hard work. He shared anecdotes about his father's refusal to accept Russian and other countries' aid during food shortages and his father's determination to protect his self-respect as Prime Minister of India. Answering an audience's question, Anil Shastri said that his father was so poor that he could not afford a boat ticket. He also rejected the free ride offer of the boatman and used to swim across the mighty Ganges to attend his school. When asked why he swam, Lal Bahadur Shastri said to Anil Shastri, "When a person cannot protect his self-respect, he will not have the right to live." Similarly, he said that he could not compromise with the self-respect of India by accepting money or any aid from other countries during a food shortage. He not only advocated but also gave up dinner once a week as a response to the food grains blockade by the major powers during the Indo-Pak war. The meeting commemorated the immense achievements of Lal Bahadur Shastri, such as the sowing seeds of the green revolution and the victory of the Indo-Pak war.
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Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General, welcomed Shri. Anil Shastri and his wife Manju to the meeting. Mr. George Abraham, vice-chairman, described the goals and aspirations of the I.O.C. and emphasized the importance of close cooperation and dialogue. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, the President, introduced Anil Shashtri to the audience and lauded him for his dedication and commitment to the party.
Gurmit Gill Mulapur, Amar Singh Gulshan, Sophia Sharma, Dayan Naik, Sharath Chandra Vemuganti, Joshua John, Baldev Randhawa, Jose George, Paul Karukapallil, Thomas Koshy and Harry Singh also spoke.
John Joseph thanked host Baldav Randhawa for their generous hosting of the event and the Chief Guest Anil Shashtri and Manju Shastri for their kind presence.
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