Press Releases

Chellie with South Portland resident Sathyanarayana Bhasker Lakshmikanth.

A South Portland man will hear Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi address a joint session of Congress tomorrow as a guest of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.  Sathyanarayana Bhasker Lakshmikanth, who goes by Bhasker (BASK-er), said the invitation came as a surprise and is a huge honor.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Lakshmikanth said.  "I've been to Washington before, but all the photos I've taken of the Capitol are from the outside. The fact that I'm going to be inside that building is very special to me.  And to be in the same room as the Prime Minister as a guest of Congresswoman Pingree is a great privilege. This is a very special opportunity."

Lakshmikanth came from India to the United States and arrived in Maine in 2005.  He works as a consultant at WEX in South Portland and lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.

Lakshmikanth came to Pingree's office this spring for help while waiting for his application for permanent residency to be approved.  Just this morning Lakshmikanth received his green card, making him a permanent US resident.

"Bhasker is a great example of someone who has come to this country and to our state to make a living, raise a family and participate in our community," Pingree said.  "I'm proud to bring him to a joint session of Congress so he can see American democracy at work first hand."