Ramesh Advani and Neelam Wali were part of the group of twenty Commissioners of the newly formed Asian American Commission who were sworn in at the Grand Staircase in the State House on feb 21, 2007. Secretay of State William F. Galvin performed the ceremony.  Created by legislation in 2006, the Asian American Commission is a permanent body dedicated to political advocacy on behalf of Asian Americans throughout Massachusetts. State Treasurer Tim Cahill and Deputy Treasurer/ General Counsel Grace Lee, one of the highest ranking appointed Asian Americans in state government were primary advocates of the legislation which was co-sponsored by more than twenty five legislators.

“I congratulate the new members of the Asian American Commission on the endeavor they embark on today,” said Governor Deval L. Patrick. “This commission wills serve as a powerful voice for the growing number of Asian Americans who live in Massachusetts and seek a quality education, a good job and an affordable home in a safe community. I look forward to working with this group and many others to improve the quality of life for the Commonwealth’s citizens.”

Between 1990 and 2000, the number of Asina and Pacific Islander Americans increased 68% in Massachussetts, 46% in Boston and 123.5% in Lowell. However, the percentage of elected and appointed Asian Americans has not kept pace.  "Even when the issue of diversity has come up, Asian-Americans are often left out of this discussion," said Grace Lee who is currently heading the commission.

“The new 20-member commission is an outgrowth of a panel that since its creation under former Gov. Bill Weld, was largely "ignored by subsequent governors," said Lee. Former Gov. Mitt Romney tried to prevent the commission's formation last year, arguing that it was duplicative of a 14-member commission he had reconstituted. The Legislature overrode his veto.
“The commission came into place thanks to the hard work and efforts of the original Asian American Commission members” said Lee. Ravi Sakhuja. President of the Indian American Forum for Political Education is one of the original groups.

For Indian Americans in the State House this was a special moment. “I was the only Indian American at the State House for a very long time. It is wonderful to be present here at this historic moment and see Indian Americans represented in the Commission” said Jeevan Ramapriya who is Legislative Aide to Senator Steven A. Baddour. Asha Ramesh who was a key member of the organizing team was delighted to see the event come through beautifully. Among other things she was instrumental in organizing the entertainment program for the evening which featured, Korean Fan Dance, Chinese Lion Dance, Bharatanatyam and Bhangara.

“Treasurer Tim Cahill is very interested in India” said Anita Patel who works in the Treasurer’s office. “He is planning a visit to India where he hopes to establish closer ties”

Performers Amrita and  Arun Saigal, Rajit and Rohan Malhotra  gave a lovely presentation of Bharatantayam and Bhangra and felt special to be involved in this historic event.

|