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<\/a>Kansas Recognizes Mar 16 as \u2018Indian American Appreciation Day\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed when 51-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Adam Purinton opened fire at him and his friend Alok Madasani at a bar in Olathe, Feb. 22, before yelling \u201cget out of my country.\u201d Madasani and American national Ian Grillot were injured in the attack.<\/p>\n
Asserting that the senseless act of violence \u201cwill not divided or define\u201d the state, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback said, \u201cThe unique contribution of Indian community has made Kansas a better place. We are very very thankful to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese actions can never overshadow our shared values and believes, the dignity of mankind…We will continue to welcome and support the Indian community in the State of Kansas,\u201d Brownback said at an event in Topeka, the State Capital.<\/p>\n
Madasani and Grillot also attended the event to commemorate the life of Kuchibhotla.<\/p>\n
Brownback publicly apologized for the loss of life and injury to Madasani.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Ian Grillot for his heroic efforts to intervene, and I wish Alok and Ian both a speedy recovery,\u201d he said at the event during which he issued a proclamation to recognize March 16 as the \u2018Indian American Appreciation Day.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWe find peace in the Sanskrit mantra Satyamev Jayate<\/i> or truth alone triumphs. With this proclamation today, I am declaring Indian American Day in the State of Kansas,\u201d the Governor said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a deplorable act that happened, We will not let it define us as people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSrinivas, embodied what it means to be a Kansan,\u201d Brownback said, adding that his is a similar story of tens of thousands of Indian Americans who have called Kansas home over the generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cMoving forward, Kansas remains committed to standing with the Indian community. We will always reject the acts of violence and harm. We reject hatred in all its forms,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Brownback said Kansas is committed to protect all its neighbors and its guests.<\/p>\n
In his brief remarks, Madasani said the proclamation is an honor that Kuchibhotla would be proud of.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, India House, Houston, held a candle light vigil in honor of Kuchibhotla.<\/p>\n
To celebrate true American spirit, India House also decided to is honoring Grillot, who tried to stop the shooter.<\/p>\n
The candle light vigil was attended by a large number of Indian Americans, friends of the victims and several elected officials.<\/p>\n
Vipin Kumar, Executive Director of India House said, the community will work toward combating ignorance and blind hatred and promoting the Hindu values of peace and love.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe conclude this event today with a message of hope, love and peace,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd with the resolve to fight hate.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An American man has been charged with hate crime for assaulting an Indian-origin man and hurling racial slurs, mistaking him for a Muslim. Washington, Meanwhile, Kansas has recognized March 16 as \u2018Indian American Appreciation Day\u2019 to honor an Indian techie who was killed last month in a racially-motivated hate crime. writes Lalit K. Jha. \u2013…<\/p>\n