Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the AIMS India Thanksgiving & Fundraising Banquet
Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda
As prepared
Good evening and thank you for inviting me to be part of this wonderful tradition that showcases AIMS India Foundation’s work; sheds light on the faces behind the success stories; and lays out the foundation’s plans for the future.
I would like to recognize Maryland State Delegate Ms. Aruna Miller and thank her for all the great work she continues to do for her district and beyond.
For 15 years, the great people of AIMS India have been working toward their goal of strengthening and empowering rural communities by facilitating access to quality education; improving infrastructure; and enabling access to better health care in an attempt to enhance socioeconomic development in India.
This lofty goal and its associated benchmarks are shared by my administration with AIMS for Montgomery County and India alike.
Although we are in Montgomery County, one of the wealthiest and most knowledgeable jurisdictions in the United States, we must not forget that having assets available to us does not mean we are utilizing them to their maximum potential, nor that those assets are available to those at the grassroots level.
There are others who would and can push ahead, and even push past us, if we are not vigilant in ensuring vital living for all our residents.
Two years ago next month, Delegate Miller and I, joined by Montgomery College President Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, now-County Council President Nancy Floreen, and several County business leaders went on a 12-day mission trip to India and Taiwan to broaden the County’s reach in education, biotech and other high-tech areas and help local businesses and Montgomery College extend their markets in India.
The delegation opened doors for County businesses and established a “Sister City” relationship with Hyderabad, a major IT hub in India dubbed “cyberabad.”
We also furthered the study of languages, cultures and the humanities through the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Global Institute of Humanities at Montgomery College and Jindal Global University.
It was and is important to make this happen, because India represents tremendous opportunity for the County to leverage our large Indian American community, through organizations such as AIMS India, and strengthen ties to one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
India is recognized as a powerhouse in technological knowhow and drive. The people of India stress the importance of education, and strive to be a leader in technology development, building a stronger society, and next-generation thinking … the hallmark of the mission of AIMS India.
AIMS India’s focus has been to ensure that children have access to education; that adults and children in rural communities have access to good health to enable a healthy lifestyle; that people have access to basic infrastructure for better quality of life; and have access to resources that can improve their standard of living.
The people of AIMS India recognize the importance of building – from the grassroots level – a strong and vibrant economy. Working diligently and in partnership, they are meeting their goals.
Please join me in thanking these people and their dedicated organization for their generosity and spirit.
Thank you for inviting me to this wonderful celebration. I look forward to seeing you all next year.
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Release ID: 16-048
October 1, 2016; 6 – 7:30 p.m.