Ritu Jha-
The Chicago-based Global Strategic Alliance LLC on September 24 and 25 hosted the GSA India@75 Expo, a curtain raiser to the upcoming conference in December. The theme? Made in India Made for the World, with an eye on promoting India-based small micro-enterprise companies in the US.
The two-day conference featured panels on wellness, Hollywood, and women empowerment. It also recognized and honored 18 under-18 Indian American children.
In an interview with indica, expo president and founder of The Global Eye magazine Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, said it was time for the Indian American community to recognize its own 18-under-18 achievers. “We have seen such awards for the general American community, but never for Indian Americans. There was no platform to showcase them,” he said.
He added, “They are amazingly talented, so it’s going to be an annual event, and it will help us discover and honor Indian American youth.”
Dr Prabhakar said that the Expo will be held between December 15 and 17 this year. “Thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s new India, I think Indian corporates should invest in America. This will also address the issue of youth unemployment in America. According to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor, youth unemployment rate in the US rose to 8% in August 2022 from 7.8% in July 2022.
“If you talk to any Congressman, job creation is number one on their agenda,” Dr Prabhakar said. Congressman Danny Davis (who was the keynote speaker at the event) has pointed out that there are pockets in 7th Congressional district of Illinois where corporates can come and invest, or enter into a joint venture. It could be in trade, healthcare, education and culture,” Dr Prabhakar said.
Referring to Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents the 8th Congressional district of Illinois, during the keynote speech on day two September 24 of the Curtain raiser for the Global Eye GSA India@75 Expo 2022 also reiterated the call for Indian corporates large and micro, small & medium enterprises( MSME’s) to invest in his Congressional district including Elgin, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park among others through joint ventures, and technology transfer which would create jobs.
He also pointed out that India is growing to be a global superpower, and it’s time Indian corporates to invest in America, given their expertise in technology and finance. “Reverse the trend, that is the mantra during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” he said.
He said his organization is also looking featuring the event in New York, Houston, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington DC. “We will try and reach all the US cities where there is an Indian consulate. It’s an ambitious plan. There is interest from small, micro-enterprise companies because they haven’t had an opportunity to showcase themselves in America.”
Dr Prabhakar, who visited several states in India along with the Expo team, said he is keen to provide a formal opportunity to the northeastern states of India because they have not have had any global investment summit.
He said, “India has a rich tribal heritage, and it is not just about handicrafts and handlooms. My first assignment was as the tribal health commissioner for the US Department of Public Services in Wisconsin. That is an untapped market for America too. We want to bring native Indian tribals and showcase their rich culture, products and heritage in America.”
He said 15 major companies in the US and several companies from India from the small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) sector have confirmed.
“This Expo is not about India,” Dr Prabhakar explained. “This is about economic renaissance and job creation in America. Americans cannot live on subsidy anymore. We need self-reliance.”
During their speeches, Congressman Davis, Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, welcomed Indian investment in America.
“We need a proactive ambassador who has a grasp of economic reforms and that is lacking,” Dr Prabhakar said. “It seems the current Indian ambassador is not inclusive, and it’s unfortunate. Trade and commerce is the last item in his bucket list if he has any list at all.”
He added, “Embassy leadership is important. Piyush Goyal is a dynamic minister, but we need to have deep engagement with the US trade authorities. We need someone who can be cohesive and approach the subject with expertise.”
