Kansas recognises 16 March as Indian American Appreciation Day to honour Srinivas Kuchibhotla

Washington: The US state of Kansas has recognised 16 March as ‘Indian American Appreciation Day’ to honour an Indian techie who was killed last month in a racially-motivated hate crime. Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed when 51-year-old US Navy veteran Adam Purinton opened fire at him and hisKansas recognises 16 March as Indian American Appreciation Day to honour Srinivas Kuchibhotla friend Alok Madasani at a bar in Olathe on 22 February before yelling “get out of my country”. Madasani and American national Ian Grillot were injured in the attack. [caption id=“attachment_3339734” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A vigil in honor of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, an immigrant from India who was recently shot and killed in Kansas, at Crossroads Park in Bellevue, Washington. Reuters[/caption] Asserting that the senseless act of violence “will not divide or define” the state, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback said, “The unique contribution of Indian community has made Kansas a better place. We are very very thankful to them.” “These actions can never overshadow our shared values and believes, the dignity of mankind…We will continue to welcome and support the Indian community in the state of Kansas,” Brownback said at an event in Topeka, the state capital. Madasani and Grillot also attended the event to commemorate the life of Kuchibhotla. Brownback publicly apologised for the loss of life and injury to Madasani. “I’d like to thank Ian Grillot for his heroic efforts to intervene, and I wish Alok and Ian both a speedy recovery,” he said at the event during which he issued a proclamation to recognise 16 March as the ‘Indian American Appreciation Day’. “We find peace in the Sanskrit mantra Satyamev Jayate or truth alone triumphs. With this proclamation today, I am declaring Indian American Day in the state of Kansas,” the governor said. “This is a deplorable act that happened, We will not let it define us as people,” he said. “Srinivas embodied what it means to be a Kansan,” Brownback said, adding that his is a similar story of tens of thousands of Indian Americans who have called Kansas home over the generations. “Moving forward, Kansas remain committed to standing with the Indian community. We will always reject the acts of violence and harm. We reject hatred in all its forms,” he said. Brownback said Kansas is committed to protect all its neighbours and its guests. In his brief remarks, Madasani said the proclamation is an honour that Kuchibhotla would be proud of. Meanwhile, India House, Houston held a candlelight vigil in honour of Kuchibhotla. To celebrate true American spirit, India House also decided to honour Grillot, who tried to stop the shooter. The candlelight vigil was attended by a large gathering of both Indian Americans, friends and several elected officials. Vipin Kumar, Executive Director of India House said, the community will work toward combating ignorance and blind hatred and promoting the Hindu values of peace and love. “We conclude this event today with a message of hope, love and peace,” Kumar said. “And with the resolve to fight hate.”