Washington: The Indian-American community mourns the demise of civil rights leader John Louis. As a member of the House of Representatives of the US Parliament, Louis was instrumental in introducing and passing several laws relating to India and Mahatma Gandhi. Louis died at the age of 80 on 17 July. The Indian American community paid tribute to Luis’s demise, saying he was a true friend of India and believed in Gandhi and the ideology of peace. India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu called Louis a true friend of India. Sandhu tweeted, “We are heartbroken by the death of Luis, a member of the House of Representatives.
He was a great leader of the civil rights movement. He was a strong supporter of non-violence and a true friend of India. The values he lives for will always inspire the coming generation. ” Kamala Harris, an Indian-origin member of the US Senate, said in a statement that Louis was a great figure with a never ending generosity and love for the country. He said, “John Lewis, a member of the House of Representatives, was an American hero. He was a great figure with many of us standing on his shoulders.
Throughout his lifetime, he displayed never ending courage, generosity and love for the country. ” In December last year, Louis introduced the “Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act”, which further strengthened the friendship between India and America. The bill was introduced by Louis in 2009 and every two years thereafter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the death of Louis on Sunday and said that his legacy will continue to inspire people.
