DEARBORN, MI, Oct. 14 - "It is one of the most dangerous periods for immigrants (to the US) to come through, at least in my political life. There are some in (political) office who attempt to either stay there or get there by running against immigrants," said Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), the chief guest at the opening luncheon of the Governing Body Meeting of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
The Fall Meeting was held on Oct. 11-13 here. The national meeting, attended by leaders from across the nation, was hosted by the Michigan Association of Physicians from India (MAPI)
Sen. Levin commended MAPI for "serving as a model and leading the way for creation of AAPI. It is especially fitting for the national membership to join you as you celebrate your 20th anniversary," he said. Sen. Levin addressed issues relating to immigration and welfare reform.
Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), who was also a guest at the luncheon, said "One of the things that I believe is important, is that your children should be encouraged to get politically active - whether it is the Democratic or Republican Party," he stressed. He also discussed issues relating to health and managed care, including the Kennedy-Kassebaum Bill, which he termed "a good start toward health care reform."
A special Heartwarmer’s dinner was organized by MAPI and the MAPI Foundation and sponsored by Bristol Myers Squib on Oct. 11. The MAPI Foundation presented student scholarship funds through endowment programs to four of the local universities. In addition, 10 high school students received awards for presenting provocative essays relating to diet and human body. Many local high school students actively participated in the event.
"It is a great honor for the Governing Body of AAPI to come back to this town where the AAPI was born 14 years ago - due to the visionary leadership of a few dedicated people," remarked AAPI President Vinod Sawhney to the 500 physicians and their spouses at the gala banquet on Oct. 12 night celebrating the 20th anniversary of MAPI, one of the oldest local associations.
Among the guests at the banquet were Congressman Sander Levin (D-MI), Dr. Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy, Shyamala Cowsik, and Dr. Regina Benjamin, a member of the Board of Trustees for the American Medical Association.
Congressman Levin spoke about managed care, welfare reform and Indo-US relations. Awards were presented to outgoing members of the Executive Committee and to MAPI’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Surekha Rao, outgoing president of MAPI, recounted achievements of the association during her term as president. Gayatri Garg was then inaugurated as new incoming President of MAPI.
 INDOlink
|  NRI News
|