PHILADELPHIA (Diya TV) — The Indian Overseas Congress USA has announced a Pennsylvania state chapter, expanding its organizational structure as it builds a network of local and regional groups across the country.
The announcement follows months of activity by IOC members in Pennsylvania. In May, the chapter elected Sabu Skaria as chair, Sumod Thomas Nellikkala as president, Nain Mathai as general secretary and Thomas Kutty Varghese as treasurer for the 2026–27 term. IOC USA’s announcement did not explain how the new state chapter will work with that existing Pennsylvania leadership.
The Pennsylvania group has organized both cultural and political events. In August, it held an India Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia with music and dance performances and a community dinner. Kerala Chief Whip Appu John Joseph attended as the chief guest, and Dr. Varghese Punnose, principal of Kottayam Medical College, joined as a guest of honor.
The chapter has also addressed Indian political issues. In October, its members passed a resolution supporting protests over opposition allegations of “vote chori,” or vote theft. The resolution called for transparent elections and measures to protect voting rights. It also urged people to pursue their concerns through lawful, nonviolent action. The resolution reflected the chapter’s position; it did not establish the allegations as fact.
IOC USA says it promotes the ideology and values of India’s Indian National Congress and encourages overseas Indians to take part in civic and community life. The organization lists democracy, diversity, inclusion and secularism among its principles. Its political alignment makes it distinct from a nonpartisan cultural association.
IOC USA has announced other chapter launches this year, including units in Connecticut, Atlanta and Boston. Its website lists local, regional and state chapters as parts of its national network. The organization says those chapters help members connect and participate in its work; the site’s descriptions and network figures come from IOC USA itself.
The Pennsylvania announcement adds a state-level chapter to a network that already had active members and events in the state. The organization has not publicly detailed the new chapter’s officers, operating plans or relationship to the existing Pennsylvania leadership. Those details will clarify how IOC USA intends to organize its Pennsylvania work going forward.
