Bloomberg lauds Indian Americans

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has applauded the Indian American community's political awareness.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has applauded the Indian American community's political awareness.

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At a reception hosted by the Jackson Heights Merchants' Association (JHMA), which represents Indian and South Asian owned businesses in the city's Jackson Heights area, Bloomberg also spoke of the community's prosperity.

JHMA hosted Bloomberg at what was described as a "meet and greet event" as part of its efforts "to build bridges between the Indian American community and the mayor's office".

More than 200 guests attended the dinner where Bloomberg was the chief guest. JHMA president Shiv Dass handed over the city calendar to the mayor, requesting him to include the festival of Diwali on it. Bloomberg, who accepted the calendar, said he would consider the request.

Every year JHMA hosts a major Diwali celebration during which the Kalpana Chawla Way is lit up from October to January. Dass said the association had invited Bloomberg to be the chief guest at the opening of this year's Diwali celebration Oct 9 and he had apparently accepted it.