January 18, 2005 > Nearly 100 Elected Officials to Converge in Fremont for Unity Dinner

What promises to be power-packed event, local, state and federal elected officials will attend the Indo-American Federation Unity Dinner 2005 on Jan. 21. This will be the fourth annual event for the group aimed at promoting cooperation and harmony within the many ethnic and religious cultures residing in the Tri-City area.

Jeevan Zutshi, founder of the Indo-American Federation in Fremont, has worked hard to gain recognition as a community leader, serving on numerous boards and committees and even running for public office with the Union Sanitary District in 2000.

Zutshi came to the United States in 1972, from Kashmir, and attended San Jose State University where he earned his Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. At that time he had no interest in politics. "I didn't even know what a precinct was," said Zutshi. But things changed for him in 1989 when political turmoil in his homeland made him rethink his interest in politics.

In the aftermath of 9/11 Zutshi wondered if there would be a backlash toward dark skinned foreigners. But that did not materialize, "This was a true example of a broad minded society," he said.

In December 2001 Zutshi woke up from a dream with the idea of bringing various public officials together to celebrate diversity. He began to plan the first of his Unity Dinners for that following January. He solicited elected officials and received an overwhelming response. "We are all one family," said Zutshi.

This year the keynote speaker will be State Assembly Member Alberto Torrico D-Fremont. The Chief Guest will be Congressman Pete Stark D-Fremont; the guests of honor will be Congressman Mike Honda D-Campbell and Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.

Entertainment will be provided by the Timothy Reilly's Canyon Band and Rennu Dhillon of Indiva Productions will present a blend of eastern and western music and dance as well as a fashion show.

This year proceeds will go to the South Asia tsunami relief effort. "The focus of the dinner will be showing the unity of the world community in support of the tsunami disaster," said Zutshi.

Indo-American Federation Unity Dinner
Newark-Fremont Hilton
Friday, Jan. 21
6:30 - 11:30 p.m.
www.indocommunity.us
jeevanzutshi@aol.com
(510) 589-3702