Indian Americans thanked the hero Ian Grillot was all smiles at the 14th Annual Gala at J W Marriott, Galleria. Ian chased racist shooter, Adam Purinton, away and took the bullets himself to save the life of Alok Madasani in unfortunate Kansas shooting that took place on February 22, 2017.
Ian Grillot was the guest of honor at the annual India House Gala on March 25, 2017 in Houston.
“It is not every day that one meets a genuine hero — a person who risks his life for another, and takes a bullet for a complete stranger. Ian Grillot is a man who reminds us of the promise of America and its greatness,” said Jiten Agarwal, a prominent Indian American and Chair of India House Houston’s annual gala. India House is a community center built by Indian Americans in the Greater Houston area to serve all who need help.
On behalf of the Indian Americans in Houston, the press note stated, the India House recognized the selfless act beyond the call of duty and extended the community’s gratitude to Ian Grillot by helping him to buy a house.
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Charlie Yalamanchili, a prominent Houstonian of Indian origin, proposed the house purchase, and offered to match every dollar raised by India House for this cause. With such generous support from Yalamanchili, India House raised $100,000 that will help Ian buy a house in his hometown in Kansas. This initiative was strongly encouraged and supported by the Consul General of India in Houston, Dr. Anupam Ray.
Indian Americans say thanks with love and some funds for a house:
“Ian has given us an occasion to reaffirm a tie that binds us all as Americans, irrespective of where we come from. This also reminds us of the famous Shakespearean quote: For he that sheds his blood for me today is my brother,” said Agarwal.
“I don’t know if I could’ve lived with myself if I wouldn’t have stopped or attempted to stop the shooter because that would’ve been completely devastating. I do now have a very powerful message and if I can help empower people and spread hope and love, then why not? I am honored to be at India House that serves so many families from so many communities in the Houston area,” Ian said.
With the help of India House trustees, Agarwal mobilized the community to come together to honor Grillot and raised funds to buy him a house. Their efforts, along with the generous gesture from Charlie Yalamanchili, will leave a long-lasting message showcasing how people from the land of Mahatma Gandhi respond to random acts of violence.
Ian almost broke down while receiving the cheque:
#givingback Houston Indians give US$100,000 to #IanGrillot American hero. Thanks @Jitenkaa & CharlieYalamanchilli pic.twitter.com/xSYkL121Vv
— Anupam Ray (@anupamifs) March 26, 2017
