The sole invitee from India at the special New York gathering, underscoring growing people-to-people and cultural ties between global cities.
New York City: Senior Indian politician and noted social activist Mohammed Khaleequr Rahman was accorded a rare honour as he attended a special gathering in New York City hosted in celebration of the newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Rahman travelled to New York at a special invitation to be part of this distinguished event, marking a moment of pride as he was the only invitee from India at the function, an honour he described as both humbling and deeply meaningful.
The event, organised in the newly elected Mayor’s honour, was marked by warmth, camaraderie and a shared commitment to inclusive leadership and global cooperation. Expressing his delight at the meeting, Khaleequr Rahman said it was a “distinct pleasure” to interact with Mayor Elect Mamdani in an atmosphere that reflected optimism, diversity and a forward-looking vision.
In a gesture symbolising India’s rich cultural heritage and Hyderabad’s timeless legacy, Rahman presented Mayor Elect Mamdani with a model of the Charminar, one of India’s most iconic monuments and a global symbol of history, pluralism and cultural elegance. He also felicitated the Mayor in the traditional Hyderabadi style by draping a shawl, underscoring the values of respect, goodwill and hospitality that bind communities across continents.
“The Charminar represents far more than a monument, it embodies Hyderabad’s spirit of coexistence, openness and cultural grace,” Rahman remarked. “This gesture was meant to convey our shared respect for heritage and our aspiration to build bridges between people and nations.”
During their interaction, Rahman proposed the idea of exploring a sister-city agreement between Hyderabad and New York City, an initiative that could open new avenues for cultural exchange, economic cooperation and people-to-people engagement. The discussion, he noted, was engaging, substantive and forward-looking, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening global urban partnerships.
Khaleequr Rahman also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt appreciation to Imran Pasha and Ali Mohammed, the gracious hosts of the evening and key figures behind Mayor Mamdani’s successful campaign. He acknowledged their unwavering dedication, leadership and tireless efforts, describing them as “strong pillars of support” who have been working closely with Zohran Mamdani since 2017.
Rahman especially congratulated Imran Pasha on his induction into Mayor Mamdani’s official transition team, where he will play a significant role in promoting Small Businesses and Minority and Women-Based Enterprises (MWBE), a move seen as a strong affirmation of inclusive economic development.
Reflecting on the evening, Rahman noted the absence of Tamkeen Khateeb, a close friend whose presence he said would have further enriched the occasion. Khateeb is on a visit to India. Khateeb, who is settled in the United States for more than three decades has been instrumental in the campaign’s success, having played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts amounting to nearly four million dollars at a time when support was scarce. Rahman paid tribute to Khateeb’s commitment, calling it a testament to quiet leadership and steadfast belief.
Adding to the significance of the gathering was the presence of Syed Ashfaq Ahmed, Councilman from Naperville, who had specially flown in from Chicago to attend the celebration. “Reconnecting with my dear friend Syed Ashfaq Ahmed on this occasion was truly heartening,” Rahman said. “It reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that transcend distance and geography.”
The evening stood out as a memorable confluence of dialogue, tradition and aspiration, an occasion that not only celebrated a political milestone but also highlighted the growing ties between Indian and American communities. As Rahman aptly summed it up, it was “an evening to cherish, rich in conversation, cultural symbolism and hope for building stronger bridges between cities and communities across the world.”
Source: Press Release
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