Media Release
Chicago, Mar 2: The recent death of Lyvita Gomes, an Indian citizen during her detention in Lake County jail due to alleged hunger strike has raised several questions among the concerned citizens, especially among the Indian community in Chicago.
Austin D’Souza Prabhu called for a “Meet of the minds” recently at the Indo-American Community Hall, Chicago to discuss this issue further as well as similar issues that the Indian community faces in the USA and how to prevent it from happening to anyone in the future.
Over 50 representatives from different community associations gathered for the brain-storming session. It was noted that the Indian community is well educated, vibrant and prosperous but their poor participation in political process make them weak in American mainstream. Indian communities having 20% concentrations in some suburban areas of Chicago, hardly have any representation in civic or political bodies. Statistics show that out of about 8,000 registered voters in Lake County, only less than 100 Indians have voted during the last election. A few Indian community volunteers trying to reach out to Indian voters over the phone to pursue them to vote have experienced a rude response to their calls. However, when trouble comes knocking at their door - be it immigration, discrimination or harassment, they expect help from these politicians. Congressmen and senators used to attend Indian community events quite often in the past have also now know that they cannot count on Indian community when it comes to elections.
It is also noted that there are many associations with different agendas, but there is not a single forum to address the issues like the one of Lyvita Gomes. Even the Consulate General of India in Chicago has shown lax attitudes in handling Lyvita Gomes case. One representative pointed out that “Though the Unity in Diversity is Indians motto; here in Chicago, we see the diversity in diversity”.
The representatives felt that there is a need to form a strong forum with no regard to race, religion, caste, creed, name or fame, but as Indians to address the issues that affect Indian community. It is also felt that there is a strong need to raise political awareness among the Indians, educate them about the importance of volunteerism and encourage them in participation in the political process by reaching them out.
Before concluding the meeting, 35 representatives volunteered to form an ad-hoc forum and agreed to meet once a month. They all agreed to take up the Lyvita Gomes case with State Attorney for investigation. Once the forum is organized, all other issues will be tabled for discussion during the subsequent meetings. A contact number and the mailing address will be provided in due course.
The meeting was effectively moderated by Austin D’Souza Prabhu and Usha Kamaria.