Indo-American Activist Narayan Keshavan Passes Away

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New York, November 14, 2003 - Veteran Indo-American journalist and political lobbyist NARAYAN D. KESHAVAN died Thursday night in New York City. He collapsed shortly after a terrific, lengthy appearance on CNNīs Lou Dobbs Tonight (transcript below).

Keshavan or ("Kesh" as many people called him) was executive director of the Indian American Forum for Political Education and a long-time player in Indo-U.S. relations - with unique access at the highest levels of the U.S. and Indian governments. Despite leaving journalism he remained a journalist at heart. He was involved with SAJA from its earliest days 10 years ago. He moved comfortably between his worlds in DC where he lived, NYC and Delhi.

Last night, he went on the Lou Dobbs show to vigorously defend the business outsourcing thatīs getting a lot of attention. After debating Dobbs for several minutes, hereīs how the live segment ended:

DOBBS: I hope youīll come back soon as we discuss this, because this issue, as you know, is becoming -- moving to the forefront.

KESHAVAN: Itīs going to be a hot political potato this election season.

DOBBS: Right.

KESHAVAN: Any time you want me, Iīm available.

DOBBS: We will want to talk often. Thank you.

KESHAVAN: Thank you, Lou.

DOBBS: Thank you.

Please stay with us.

His humor, his love for India AND America and his political smarts are all obvious throughout the interview.