By: Lexi Smith, Communications Coordinator
The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) is proud to congratulate DRC Board Member Ashok Kumar (A.K.) Mago for being awarded the Padma Shri, one of the most prestigious awards from the Indian government.
Hon. Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India, presented the award to A.K. in January for his efforts in strengthening the economic ties between India and the United States.
The U.S. India Chamber of Commerce recently held a reception at InterContinental Dallas to honor A.K. for his accomplishments. Over 400 friends attended the dinner, including Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Pete Sessions.
About 10 years ago, A.K. invited Sen. Cornyn to visit India and suggested a special caucus that would acknowledge the relationship between India and the United States. Soon after the trip, Sen. Cornyn and then-Sen. Hillary Clinton co-founded the Senate India Caucus. According to the Senator from Texas, no other individual country has a caucus in the U.S. Senate.
At the Dallas reception, A.K. was acknowledged for encouraging people to recognize the contributions that the Indian-American community has made in the United States. While A.K. has consistently promoted business and trade between the U.S. and India, he has also been heavily involved in the Dallas community.
In addition to raising money for various charities, A.K. has served as a member on the Salvation Army Advisory Board of Dallas County, the Dallas County Community College District Foundation Board, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Board, the North Texas Commission Board, and many others.
The DRC commends A.K. Mago for his tireless commitment to the region and for being selected as a recipient of the Padma Shri.
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