After postponements, once in Dec 2009 & twice in Jan 2010, Indo American Friendship Association, New Delhi was formally launched at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya ,Sardar Patel Marg New Delhi on March 15th.MOS(EA) Dr Shashi Tharoor did the honour and delivered a comprehensive speech on India-US relations ,it can be read as a part of our Press release on our website.Besides the speech, the highlight of the event was, undoubtedly the rendition of songs by Christine Matovich Singh, a professional Opera singer from California who was featured as an Opera singer in the Oscar winning Film Slumdog Millionaire .She was superb and enthralled guests  especially with her rendition of Judy Garland’s songs of 1930s.

Unfortunately Dr Sam Pitroda, PM’s Advisor on Public Information, Infrastructure and Innovations couldn’t make it as he had to leave for china a day before. Also missed on the occasion were Dr Abid Hussain, Patron, who was in Morocco and Amb.Lalit Mansingh who left for London the same evening.

Before unfolding an action plan involving opinion makers from different walks life in India and the US, we wanted to have a professional projection of relations between India and the US in the next ten years and so. This has led us to the brainstorming session which will take place at Tagore Hall ,Core 8,scope Convention Centre, Industrial Area,7 Lodhi Rod on Friday April 30.The topic : Driving Engines of India-US relations in the Decade Ahead is not only relevant but also thought provoking. And we couldn’t have thought of a more powerful Panel comprising of two Former foreign Secretaries namely Amb Lalit Mansingh & Amb Kanwal Sibal, renowned Professor and Political Analysts Amitabh Mattoo, Best selling Author Gurcharan Das, Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi Dr Ashok Vajpeyi, firebrand Journalist Seema Mustafa & Senior Minister Counsellor of Political Affairs at the American Embassy in New Delhi, Uzra Zeya.

The braisntorming session was a success;Tagore hall was full and Q&A session heard some very candid and blunt questions which were answered with professional dexterity by the Panelists. Those who wish to have an aidea of what transpired at the sesion should glance through the Press release and some photographs of the event which are available on the site.

This is just the tip of the iceberg; IAFA Members are in for a wonderful and different type of calendar in coming months. So, do lend it your valuable support & encouragement.