INDIAN-AMERICAN congressman Shri Thanedar would be escorting prime minister Narendra Modi to his historic joint address to the US congress on Thursday (22).
The first-time Democratic congressman, who represents the 13th congressional district of Michigan, has also been invited by president Joe Biden for the White House state dinner hosted in honour of Modi on the same day.
It is the second time that Modi is addressing the joint session of the US congress, a first for any Indian prime minister. He had earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016.
“We are looking forward to the prime minister’s visit to the US; this is a historic event for the prime minister. I hope to stress upon the prime minister the need for stronger US-India ties,” Thanedar, 68, said.
Thanedar, a Democrat, said he and his wife are honoured to accept president Biden and first lady Jill Biden’s invitation to the state dinner.
This invitation serves as a testament to their commitment to public service and their dedication to fostering international cooperation, he said.
The congressman said he has been entrusted with the distinct pleasure of escorting the prime minister, as requested by US congressional leadership.
This role holds special significance for congressman Thanedar, who recognises the importance of the US as a diverse nation built by immigrants, a land of opportunity, and a symbol of democracy.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he said, “I grew up in poverty and only came to America with a dream. I was fortunate to achieve my American Dream. The US is a country of immigrants, a land of opportunity, and this diversity makes our country strong.”
Thanedar reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for stronger ties between the US and India. He will focus on crucial areas such as education, defence, space, technology, medicine, and other pressing issues that impact both nations.
By nurturing the relationship between the world’s strongest democracy and the largest democracy, Thanedar aims to address shared challenges and harness mutual opportunities for growth and progress.
(PTI)
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)