Miami, Florida: May 18, 2002. President George W. Bush held a reception at The White House to celebrate Asian American Heritage Month. About 150 guests, including several leaders of the Indian Community, were welcomed by the President to The White House.

Among the guests were Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National President of AIA; Dr. Parthasarathy Pillai, President, NFIA; Dr. Sudhir Parikh, President-Elect, IAFPE; Mr. Gopal K. Khanna, National Vice President, AIA; Mr. Virendra K. Gupta, National Treasurer, AIA; Dr. Zach Zachariah, a well-known supporter of the Republican Party; Mr. Joseph Malookaran, Co-chair, Indian American Network for Bush Cheney (IANBC); Ms. Kalpna Chawla, US Astronaut; and Mr. K. V. Kumar, Board Member, US Selective Service System. Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder of GOPIO missed the event due to his delayed flight.

Also present were representatives of other Asian Communities, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and from Hawaii & Guam.

In an East Room ceremony, the President praised the Asian American community for its contribution to American Society. He made specific reference to the family values and the importance placed on education and the entrepreneurial flame Asians carry with them as aspects of their lifestyle.

Earlier, the President in his proclamation said, "Through the years, Asian immigrants and Pacific Islanders have enriched the American way of life. Nobel Prize winner Dr. Subrahmanyan Chandrashekher's groundbreaking theories on the evolution of stars helped lay the foundation for modern astrophysics..."

The President in his remarks emphasized the diverse nature of American Society and the strength it has drawn because of its diversity. He said "But some people in the world hate America because of its love for individual freedoms, and freedom of religion and freedom of press. I cannot stand them" They destroyed the Twin Towers - a symbol of American prosperity. People in this country are judged by their individual qualities. The Asian community has fully participated in the economy through creating small businesses that is the backbone of American economy."

In his opening remarks, Transportation Secretary Mineta, who has served both Democratic & Republican Administrations, traced his contribution while serving in the Congress to sponsoring a bill that resulted in the beginning of the celebration of the Asian/Pacific American Islanders Heritage events. With a smile, addressing the President, he said that it remains a bipartisan event.

Labor Secretary Chao, while presenting the President, praised him for appointing the largest number of Asians to Senior Level positions in his administration. She further complimented the President for his tax-cutting measures that has helped the Asian Community, especially small business owners.

Regarding the appointments, Dr. Piyush Agrawal commented "Indian Community leaders are very happy with the President's record of making many high level appointments from the Asian Community, but the representation from the Indian Community is not yet compatible to its number, and its level of education and experience." He further said "I am sure that the President recognizes the pre-eminent positions Indian Americans hold in various walks of life in this country. Let us hope the President in the near future would be looking forward to the Indian Community to serve his Administration as he has sought members from other Asian Communities."

For more information, contact Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal at the numbers/address given below.