Indiana Ratan Award for Governor Eric Holcomb and Richard Cardwell (Infosys)

INDIANAPOLIS-Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indian multinational
information technology company Infosys were presented “Indiana Ratna’
award by  Indiana India Business Council founder and president Raju
Chinthala at an impressive  IIBC’s third annual Gala function at Roof
Ballroom, 140 W Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
The Governor and Vice President and Regional Head –Midwest– Infosys
Richard Cardwell received the “Indiana Ratna” (Jewel of Indiana)
award. Following the Indian traditions, the honorees were first
garlanded and then given “shawls’. Finally the medals were presented.
Mr Martin Baier and Ms Sudha Manikardan were the emcees.
After the national anthem of the USA and India, the function commenced
with invocation (Gananayaka) by Nrityanjali Dance School. Bollywood
Beats artists  performed Bollywood Medley dance.
India Business Council president Raju Chinthala welcomed all who
attended the august gathering.
Consul General Amit Kumar, Consulate of India, Chicago, attended the
function as a guest  . Speaking on the occasion Mr Amit explained the
importance of India-US relations. He also informed the various
innovative schemes India has launched.
After remarks by Mr Jim Staton, Senior Vice President, Chief Business
Development Officer, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Mr
Richard Cardwell was felicitated with the   “Indiana Ratna’  award .
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the International
Center and Indiana India Business Council.  Mr Martin Baier, president
and CEO International Center and IIBC Founder and President Raju
Chinthala inked the MoU.
The prestigious “Indiana Ratna ” was presented to Governor Eric
Holcomb by Mr Raju Chinthala.
Mr Holcomb, who has visited India twice, urged the Indian Government
to have Indian Consulate office in Indianapolis. The Governor quoted
community leader and known artist KP Singh. Mr Singh came to the USA
fifty years ago, there were only five Indian families in Indiana. Now
the number has multiplied manifold. The state is growing. The number
of Indian families has crossed approximately 10,000. The Indian
community has played a significant role in the development of Indiana.
“Indiana Ratna’ is the highest award bestowed by the board members of
IIBC to individuals who have contributed significantly towards
strengthening cultural, educational, political, social, and economic
ties and have helped in making a profound impact in both Indiana and
India.
Christel House International Founder Christel DeHaan got the
inaugural “Indiana Ratna” award recipient in 2018 and former Mayor of
Indianapolis Gregory A. Ballard was the second “Indiana Ratna” award
recipient in 2019.
The bhangra dance by Bollywood Beats, choreographed by Jenny Bhupatkar
Chakrabarti, virtually involved all the guests. The guests  joined the
artists and displayed their love for Punjabi Bhangra.