Chicago :

American Telugu Association and Telangana Association of North America, headed by its President Iftekhar Shareef, organized a reception dinner in honor of Mohammed Ali Shabbir, MLC, and Opposition leader of Telangana state legislative council at North Shore Banquets, Chicago.

Shabbir said that the extension of the benefit of 4% reservations, during his tenure as cabinet minister, enabled minority students to make their mark in education and employment. “Success in reservation for minorities, despite multiple legal hurdles and strong opposition from some sections of society, was a milestone,” said Shabbir.

Shabbir said nearly two million Telugu diaspora in the USA have been immensely contributing to the growth of both American and Indian economies and thereby making Telugu people proud. He also encouraged them to invest their savings in their home states. “However, considering the heavy incidence of backwardness in the rural areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the NRIs, with flair for social service, may use their resources in finding enduring solutions to these problems,” said Shabbir.

“Iftekhar Sharief, who was the first recipient of dual citizenship, continues to be a role model for all NRIs,” said Shabbir and thanked ATA and NATA for arranging the reception.

Iftekhar Shareef, trustee and events chair of the Federation of Indian Association, Chicago, said that the political career of Shabbir reflects the true secular credentials of the Indian voter. “Even though the non-Muslim voters constitute a staggering 92% in his constituency, Shabbir won the elections with thumping majority,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> NRI> US & Canada News / August 13th, 2015