Aiming to empower the South Asian community so that they have leverage with the politicians, elected officials, and decision-makers in their respective communities and earn the resources through their volunteerism, hard work and dedication, the 17th Convention of Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL) concluded in Arlington of Virginia yesterday.

The slogan of this year's convention was "We Fight to Live  and Live to Fight."

In his message, Convention Chair Dr. Kabir Mostofa said the purpose of the ASAAL is to ensure fairness, respect, dignity and opportunity for advancement in every sphere of life, including the workplace for all South Asian workers. "Without an independent voice unique to the needs of South Asian Americans, the chance of recognition, representation and the opportunity to realize one's dream is impossible," he added. 

ASAAL Founder and National President Maf Misbah Uddin said South Asian countries have tremendous individual strength. And when we unite, we have the potential  to be the greatest political, intellectual, and economic force the world has ever known, he continued. Misbah Uddin urged all to join ASAAL movement in the struggle ahead and strive to bring the necessary changes to fulfill the American Dream of everyone involved.

Describing activities, ASAAL National Secretary Mohammed Karim Chowdhury said the organization has been working tirelessly from its inception in 2008 by empowering South Asians living in America through organizing, educating, engaging and coalition building among similar minded groups and communities. He said, with 21 chapters, 10k plus well trained activists and volunteers in different states, ASAAL has been fighting to establish workers rights, respect and dignity for workers nationwide. 

"We build coalitions with labor organizations and community groups and workers together to solve the issues we face. Our fight is on against discrimination, inequality and injustice. We develop great working relationships with local, state and Federal Legislators with our activism/engagement and use that relationship  to address our concerns through administrative and legislative agenda," he added.

ASAAL awarded five dignitaries for their hard work and dedication in their respective fields this year. They are Rev. Terrence L. Melvin, President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), and Secretary-Treasurer of the New York State AFL-CIO, Rose Lovaglio-Miller, Associate Director of District Council 37, AFSCME, Shah M. Nawaz, President and CEO, Shah Nawaz Group, John Pescitelli, Founder and President M3 Technology, LLC and Md. Khalulur Rahman, Proprietor and President of Khalil Biryani House.

Several hundred of representatives from all chapters of ten states and dignitaries of different public and private sectors attended the conventions.