Varinder Bhalla, a prominent Indian American community leader, has been awarded a prestigious Congressional Award in recognition of his 40 years of dedicated service to the community and his efforts to strengthen US-India relations. The award was presented by Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who also provided Bhalla with an American flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol and a formal citation.
Congressman Suozzi hailed Bhalla as “a wonderful example of the American Dream,” highlighting his initiatives, including the establishment of an eye camp in Amritsar that provides free eyeglasses to underprivileged children and the launch of anti-hunger programs in New Delhi. Suozzi remarked, “Varinder Bhalla is a shining example of the promise of America. His life demonstrates that by working hard and embracing the values enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, one can achieve personal success while passionately serving others and leaving the world a better place.”
Dr. Thomas Abraham, founder and chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), also spoke about his long-standing association with Bhalla. “I have had the opportunity to work closely with Varinder during the last four decades. He has been a great volunteer, organizer, and leader coordinating many aspects of community mobilization for common causes, in the USA as well as in India. It is very appropriate and befitting to recognize him with Special Congressional Recognition,” Abraham said.
Bhalla’s journey as a community leader began in 1981 when, as Vice President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA), he successfully advocated for the inclusion of Indian Americans as a recognized minority group eligible for federal contracts. This achievement paved the way for thousands of Indian small business owners to secure government contracts nationwide.
In 1982, Bhalla played a crucial role in defeating an immigration bill that would have made it more difficult for naturalized Americans to sponsor family members for permanent residence. Alongside then-AIA president Gopal Khanna, Bhalla delivered 17,000 signed petitions to the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., effectively stopping the motion.
Bhalla’s commitment to civic engagement continued in 2008 when he founded the Indian American Voters Forum to increase membership in the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. One of his notable initiatives was a special television program celebrating India’s Republic and Independence Days, featuring 22 congressional leaders and 11 governors from across the United States.
In 2012, Bhalla made history when astronaut Sunita Williams appeared on his show from the International Space Station, wishing Indians worldwide a happy Independence Day and Diwali. The broadcast reached audiences in the US, Canada, Europe, and 80 channels across India.
Bhalla’s contributions extend beyond the United States. In 1991, he founded the AWB Food Bank in Delhi, providing 15 million meals to children from underserved backgrounds. He also collaborated with Bollywood legends Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu to raise funds for victims of the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy and later for physically challenged children in Mumbai.
In 2014, Bhalla and his wife Ratna visited a village in Gujarat, where they donated a boat to schoolchildren who risked their lives swimming across a dangerous river daily to attend school.
Varinder Bhalla’s tireless efforts and commitment to service have left an indelible mark on both the Indian and American communities, making him a deserving recipient of this Congressional Award.
Source: New India Abroad