In recognition of his significant contributions to both the United States and India, Representative Tom Suozzi has honored Varinder Bhalla with a Special Congressional Award. This accolade, which acknowledges Bhalla’s four decades of dedicated community service, includes an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol and a formal Citation from Congressman Suozzi.
Varinder Bhalla’s impactful journey as a community leader began in 1981 when he served as Vice President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA). He successfully advocated for the inclusion of Indian Americans as a recognized minority group eligible for federal contracts, a move that opened opportunities for numerous Indian small business owners to secure government contracts across the country.
In 1982, Bhalla played a crucial role in halting an immigration bill that aimed to restrict naturalized citizens from sponsoring family members for permanent residency. Partnering with then-AIA President Gopal Khanna, Bhalla delivered 17,000 signed petitions to the House Judiciary Committee, effectively blocking the resolution proposed by Congressman Romano Mazzoli and Senator Alan Simpson.
Congressman Suozzi praised Bhalla as “a wonderful example of the American Dream,” noting his efforts in establishing anti-hunger programs in New Delhi and organizing an eye camp in Amritsar, providing free eyeglasses to underprivileged children.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Founder and Chairman of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), reflected on his long association with Bhalla, stating, “I have worked closely with Varinder for over four decades. His volunteerism, organizational skills, and leadership in mobilizing the community, both in the USA and India, make him deserving of this Special Congressional Recognition.”
In 1991, Bhalla founded the AWB Food Bank in Delhi, which has since distributed 15 million meals through its mid-day meal program for underprivileged children. His humanitarian efforts also included organizing fundraisers following the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, with Bollywood stars Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, and for physically challenged children in Mumbai.
In 1985, Bhalla led a nationwide voter registration drive, featuring a televised campaign with former President Gerald Ford and other Congressional leaders. His commitment to civic engagement continued in 2008 with the founding of the Indian American Voters Forum, aimed at increasing membership in the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. This initiative included a television show celebrating India’s Republic Day and Independence Day, featuring appearances by 11 governors and 22 Congressional leaders from across the U.S.
In 2012, Bhalla’s television show made history when Astronaut Sunita Williams, aboard the International Space Station, extended Independence Day and Diwali greetings to Indians worldwide. The broadcast reached audiences across India, the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
In 2014, Bhalla and his wife, Ratna, donated a boat to a village in Gujarat to help school children who had previously risked their lives swimming across a dangerous river to attend school. In 2023, he launched a monthly eye camp in Amritsar, honoring his late father, which has since provided free eye exams and eyeglasses to nearly 1,200 individuals.
Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, a renowned cancer physician, commended Bhalla’s charitable work in India and his community service in the U.S., saying, “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Bhalla for this well-deserved Congressional Award. His dedication to helping the underprivileged in India and his leadership in enhancing Indo-US ties are truly commendable.”
Congressman Suozzi concluded, “Varinder Bhalla exemplifies the promise of America. His life shows that through hard work and dedication to the values of our Declaration of Independence, one can achieve personal success while making a meaningful impact on others and leaving the world a better place.”
