Dallas, TX: The Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) hosted a reception to Mary Pawlenty, the first lady of Minnesota State on Sept. 13th at Spice Inn Restaurant in Dallas. Mary, wife of Minnesota State Governor, in her role as Governor’s wife decided to dedicate her time in raising awareness about heart diseases in women and children.
Dr. Sridhar Reddy Korsapati, TANTEX President welcomed the gathering, Prasad Thotakura, IAFC General Secretary introduced the Chief Guest to the audience. Indian American community leaders like Akram Sayed, IANT President, Chandra Kanneganti, TANTEX President-elect, Geeta Dammanna, TANTEX Secretary, Dr. C. R. Rao, IAFC Treasurer, Murali Vennam, TANA SW Regional Director felicitated the Chief Guest Mary Pawlenty with a shawl, bouquet of flowers and a plaque of appreciation for her services.
Mary Pawlenty who recently returned from Hyderabad after visiting several hospitals and meeting with doctors and government officials including then the Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Raja Sekhara Reddy. She recalled her memorable meeting with Dr. YSR and lauded his leadership and the vision for the development of AP. She paid homage to Dr. YSR by lighting up candles and offering a garland to his photo. She offered her deepest condolences to the family members of Dr. YSR. Mary Pawlenty was very thrilled the hospitality that she received in AP, she was so influenced by the Indian culture and attended the reception by wearing a beautiful silk saree.She shared her wonderful experience of visiting so many places and meeting with people. She urged the community to help in bringing the awareness of heart problems in the children.
Mary is currently the Director of Medical Diplomacy for Children’s’ Heartlink, an international medical non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Heartlink is focused on building sustainable programs to prevent, treat and cure heart diseases effecting children in under served regions of the world. Mary is working relentlessly with the commitment to create and implement strategy for building international goodwill, and to raise awareness of the need for pediatric cardiac services around the globe.
“We sincerely thank you for your dedication and the commitment in raising awareness among the communities about pediatric cardiac services especially in India. We will fully support and help you in achieving your objectives”. said, Prasad Thotakura, IAFC General Secretary.
Venu Rampalli in his vote of thanks message thanked chief guest Mary Pawlenty for coming all the way from Minnesota State to attending the event, for all the audience and Spice Inn restaurant for the making the event successful.
