Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), a department of the Indian National Congress (INC) is responsible for all overseas activities as a unified organization operating in 32 countries under the leadership of Dr. Sam Pitroda, the father of the telecommunication revolution in India, as its chairman. In each country IOC president is appointed with various officers responsible for a variety of activities to decentralize operation to meet local legal, social and political needs.
The overall objective of IOC is to promote values related to democracy, diversity, inclusion, justice, liberty, freedom, equality and fraternity. In addition in many countries there are state level chapters for Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc.,City level chapters like NY, Dallas, Chicago, LA ,etc. and also departments for youth, women and other interest groups. In the process OICC (Overseas Indian Cultural Congress) was formed in a few countries to facilitate operation to meet local laws. However, this has become a challenge due to confusion and conflict created by OICC as a parallel organization in countries like the USA.
The purpose of this press note is to clarify that OICC is not a part of the IOC or the Indian National Congress. It is not recognized by IOC or INC as a part of the congress party initiative unless it is a part and parcel of IOC. IOC Chairman has made this clear to everyone concerned in the INC and IOC organizations.
The issue was flagged recently during the visit of the KPCC President Hon. K. Sudhakaran’s to the United States. He visited OICC and encouraged them without informing or engaging IOC. As a normal practice all Senior Congress leaders visiting abroad and attending public and community events are requested by Chairman IOC to coordinate their public events only through IOC to facilitate official part of their tours. Encouraging organizations like OICC which are not official part of IOC creates confusion among the Congress Party faithful while giving an impression of disunity that may further erode our standing among the Malayalee community. I have been personally associated with the Kerala community or several decades in the USA and in India and understand and appreciate the need to unite our community abroad . At this time, when India is facing crucial elections, it is desirable that we all work under IOC and INC banner and not confuse our party or people.
Kerala Chapter was inaugurated by bringing together Keralites who believe in a secular and democratic India. Kerala Chapter is one of the dynamic parts of the IOC, and it has contributed immensely over the years. However, when Hon. K. Sudhakaran was appointed President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, some people took advantage by creating OICC groups in developed countries, including the United States. As per the Chairman of IOC this can not be encouraged, tolerated or allowed. We respect the enthusiasm of all the people from Kerala and invite them to work with IOC to join hands to strengthen our activities abroad. We request OICC leaders to contact IOC president in their country or me as the Vice Chairman of IOC USA to join IOC and work together on united agenda.
Jai Hind, Jai Congress!
George Abraham, Vice-Chairman, IOCUSA and Global coordinator, IT &social media
