Iowa Senator Swathi Dandekar and Maryland Senate Majority leader Kumar Barve were the guests of honor at a reception organized by long time Kerry supporter Ramesh Kapur at the Union Club in Boston. Among the guests were New Jersey delegates Upendra Chivukula, Pat Sarma, Rajul Shah and Ravi Gopalan. Gail Ahluwalia, Deepti Nijhwan, Shobha Sequeria and others who had worked on raising significant funds for the Kerry campaign were also present at the event.

Iowa senator Swathi Dandekar, an early Kerry supporter who was key to enabling his unexpected victory in Iowa. “During the pre-Iowa days I was requested to host a party for Senator Kerry. At that time Ramesh Kapur would often call me and urged me to work hard to ensure Kerry’s victory. I am pleased that the Kerry campaign turned around in Iowa,” said Dandekar.

Kumar Barve expressed his strong support for the Kerry-Edwards ticket. He also praised Swathi Dandekar for all her work. “Swathi is now being considered as a threat by the Republican party. They are putting a lot of money into the campaign of the Republican running against her. I have sent a $2000 check to her campaign and I urge all of you to support her as well,” said Senator Kumar Barve.

Nishith Acharya and Sameer Desai, long time supporters of the democratic party organized an event for Indian Americans to meet leading members of the democratic party at the Back Bay Hilton. Congressman Ed Markey, John Tierney and party chair Terry McAuliffe addressed the gathering. The senior most Indian American elected official senate majority leader from the Maryland Kumar Barve was also present at the event.

“I have not met an unsuccessful Indian American. A good education has been key to success for most Indian Americans. Education is a central issue for the Kerry campaign as well,” said Terry McAuliffe. “The Indian American support for this campaign has been tremendous. But I urge all of you to do more” said Congressman Markey. Congressman John Tierney was introduced by long time friend and supporter, Dr. Triveni Upadhayaya and urged everyone to support the candidacy of Kerry.

It was a pleasure to see a strong Indian American presence at one of the most important political events of the country. We hope such presence will be increasingly felt at all events.

Gope Gidwani and Vanita Shastry (IAFPE) and Rajan Anand (NFIA) organized a lunch reception for the Indian American delegates at the Bombay Cafe, Boston. The speakers included Sid Das (NH) and U. Chivukula (NJ). "Politics is not a spectator sport. You have to be in it to win it," said Chivukula. "We currently have 5 Indian American State Legislators. Based on our strength, we should have 45," said another delegate. The reception was a huge success. The organizers were expecting about 50 people to attend the reception but more than 100 were there to show their support!

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