Kansas honors Srinivas Kuchibhotla, declares 16th March as ‘Indian American Appreciation Day’

Kansas (US), March 18, 2017: The alarming scenario of increasing hate crimes towards the Indian community may failed to gather the copious response from the Indian government, but it had jolted the governance of the state of Kansas, especially the attack on Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla where he was shot dead by a US navy veteran.

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At times when these racial attacks are deeply wounding the sentiments and belief of Indian-American community over the system and governance, the recent step taken by the state of Kansas will definitely put some relief on the fresh communal wounds of community and might re-instill their faith in the system.

The state of Kansas on Thursday recognized March 16 as 'Indian American Appreciation Day' to honor Srinivas Kuchibhotla. Indian engineer Kuchibhotla was killed in last month's Olathe shooting, reported Americanbazaaronline.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Wikimedia

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While signing the proclamation, Governor Sam Brownback denounced the racially-motivated hate crime and maintained that the Kansas will continue its obligation of standing side by side with the Indian community.

"We will always reject acts of violence and harm. We reject hatred in all its forms," Brownback said in the event.

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The lawmakers also praised two others, Alok Madasani and Ian Grillot, who were wounded that night at Austin's Bar & Grill.

The lawmakers present there praised the two other survivors of the tragedy, Alok Madasani who was also shot along with the deceased Srinivas Kuchibhotla, and Ian Grillot who was shot several times, when he tried to get hold of the shooter.

The 32-year-old Srinivas Kuchibhotla was killed and two others were injured by US Navy veteran Adam Purinton in a gun shooting incident at the bar on February 22. Apparently, Purinton yelled "get out of my country" before opening fire at the two Indian nationals.

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Brownback condemned the attack on Indian nationals calling it a deplorable act. He also urged people to help stop these sort of activities. "We will not let it define us as a people." Brownback added.

The step taken by the state of Kansas is highly appreciable as it not just condemns the violence, but also cooperates in refabricating the loosening ties of Indian-American brotherhood.

At the honoring event on Thursday at the Capitol also in the presence of Alok Madasani and Ian Grillot, Governor Brownback did something unexpected, he publicly apologized to Madasani for the loss of life and injury.

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"It means a lot to all of us and we really appreciate it," Madasani said.

-prepared by Ashish Srivastava of NewsGram Twitter @PhulRetard

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