Kansas shooting: Mar 16 as Indian-American Appreciation Day to honour Hyd techie

Washington: The US state of Kansas has recognised March 16 as 'Indian-American Appreciation Day' to honour an Indian techie who was killed last month in a racially-motivated hate crime.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed when 51-year-old US Navy veteran Adam Purinton opened fire at him and his friend Alok Madasani at a bar in Olathe on February 22 before yelling "get out of my country". Madasani and American national Ian Grillot were injured in the attack.

Asserting that the senseless act of violence "will not divided or define" the state, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback said, "The unique contribution of Indian community has made Kansas a better place. We are very very thankful to them."

"These actions can never overshadow our shared values and believes, the dignity of mankind...We will continue to welcome and support the Indian community in the State of Kansas," Brownback said at an event in Topeka, the State Capital.

Madasani and Grillot also attended the event to commemorate the life of Kuchibhotla. Brownback publicly apologised for the loss of life and injury to Madasani.

"I'd like to thank Ian Grillot for his heroic efforts to intervene, and I wish Alok and Ian both a speedy recovery," he said at the event during which he issued a proclamation to recognise March 16 as the 'Indian American Appreciation Day'.

"We find peace in the Sanskrit mantra Satyamev Jayate or truth alone triumphs. With this proclamation today, I am declaring Indian American Day in the State of Kansas," the Governor said.

"This is a deplorable act that happened, We will not let it define us as people," he said. "Srinivas, embodied what it means to be a Kansan", Brownback said, adding that his story is similar to that of tens of thousands of Indian Americans who have called Kansas home over the generations.

"Moving forward, Kansas remain committed to standing with the Indian community. We will always reject the acts of violence and harm. We reject hatred in all its forms," he said.

Brownback said Kansas is committed to protecting all its neighbours and its guests. In his brief remarks, Madasani said the proclamation is an honour that Kuchibhotla would be proud of. Meanwhile, India House, Houston held a candlelight vigil in honour of Kuchibhotla.

To celebrate true American spirit, India House has also decided to is honouring Grillot, who tried to stop the shooter. The candlelight vigil was attended by a large gathering of Indian-Americans, friends and several elected officials.

Vipin Kumar, Executive Director of India House said, the community will work toward combating ignorance and blind hatred and promoting the Hindu values of peace and love.

"We conclude this event today with a message of hope, love and peace," Kumar said. "And with the resolve to fight hate."