STAMFORD, CT — Connecticut’s Indian American community held an interactive reception and fundraiser on October 2, 2026, bringing together prominent state and federal legislators and community leaders to strengthen engagement between the community and Connecticut’s political leadership.
For Connecticut’s Indian American community, July 30, 2026, marked an important milestone with the signing into law of the Connecticut–India Trade Commission legislation. Championed by Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and supported by her Senate colleagues, the legislation establishes a framework for strengthening trade, investment, business and academic exchanges, and other areas of cooperation between Connecticut and India.
The community also expressed its appreciation for Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk for his continued engagement with Indian Americans and participation in community initiatives.
In recognition of this engagement and with the goal of fostering stronger ties with state leadership, the community organized Indian Americans for Connecticut Senate Leadership, under the Democratic Senate Majority PAC. The initiative seeks to encourage greater civic and political participation among Indian Americans and strengthen their constructive engagement with elected officials.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut’s senior U.S. senator, was the chief guest at the reception and fundraiser, held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Stamford. Senator Blumenthal and participating state senators recognized the contributions of Indian Americans to Connecticut and the nation and encouraged continued community involvement in civic and political life.
Following brief remarks by the senators, attendees participated in an interactive question-and-answer session, sharing suggestions and discussing issues of importance to Connecticut and its residents. The gathering provided an opportunity for community members to engage directly with elected officials and exchange views on state priorities and public policy.
The event was organized by Dr. Thomas Abraham, a longtime Indian American community leader, with Joe Simon serving as host. The co-hosts were Dr. Abraham, Cecil Nazareth, Ravi Nichani, Suresh Sharma, Ramya Subramanian, and Prachi Patney.
CT Senators Bob Duff and Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox at the Q and A
The event also received support from Friends Ritu Johorey and Prasad Maganti, and Supporters Saritha Akarapu, Prasad Chintalapudi, Mike Joshi, Rajeev Pahuja, and Chetan Shah, along with other community participants.
Mike Joshi delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to the participating legislators, organizers, hosts, co-hosts, friends, supporters, and attendees for contributing to the success of the gathering.
The event underscored the growing civic engagement of Connecticut’s Indian American community and its commitment to building lasting relationships with elected leaders while contributing to the state’s economic, civic, and social progress.
