A number of Queens elected officials joined in last month as the South Asian Action Network USA held its first annual South Asian Convention 2018 at the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing.
This convention highlighted the contributions of the South Asian-American community as they continue to join their fellow Americans to further strengthen the city, state, and country.
“In New York City and in Queens we appreciate diversity and the many cultures of the world. South Asian Americans have contributed much to the fabric of this nation, state, city, and borough. The South Asian community is a vibrant and essential part of Queens’s success,” said Assemblyman Clyde Vanel.
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz proclaimed July 19 as the South Asian Action Network USA Day.
Other elected officials participating and showing up included City Council Members Costa Constantinides, Barry Grodenchik and Donovan Richards; and Assemblyman David Weprin.
Over 500 people attended the event. The convention was organized by Convener Joy Chowdhury Co-Conveyer Luisang Tamang, Co-Conveyer Akshar Patel, Co-Conveyer Mohammad Ali, and Co-Conveyer Yadab Bastola.
Speaking to those in attendance, Head Convener, Joy Chowdhury said “The United States was built on sacrifices. Sacrifices by our armed services, our police officers, and by many immigrants who left their families and friends behind in their home countries and are currently striving to provide a better life for themselves and in turn adding to our nation regardless of the many barriers they are now facing.”
Currently, over 3.4 million South Asians live in the United States, and based on census statistics from 2000 – 2010, they are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States.
The evening was filled with food, refreshments, and entertainment from singer Rahmi Khan and other South Asian performers.
