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HOUSTON, TX — A 24-year-old American, who took a bullet for an Indian engineer, has been honored as ‘A True American Hero’ by the Indian American community in Houston which raised $100,000 to help him buy a house in his hometown in Kansas.
Ian Grillot, who was injured when he tried to intervene in the shooting by a Navy veteran targeting Indians at a bar in Olathe, Kansas last month, was honored as ‘A True American Hero’ at the 14th annual gala of India House Houston in Houston.
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and his colleague Alok Madasani was critically injured in the shooting.
India House raised $100,000 as part of an initiative supported by the Consul General of India in Houston Dr. Anupam Ray to help Grillot buy a house in his hometown.
Speaking on the occasion, Grillot said, "I don’t know if I could’ve lived with myself if I wouldn’t have stopped or attempted to stop the shooter because that would’ve been completely devastating."
India’s ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna handed over the check to Grillot.
Popular Indian chef Vikas Khanna was another guest of honor at the event and talked about his immigrant experience, struggles that immigrants go through.
India House also gave a Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned cardiologist Dr. Virendra Mathur, who has completed 60 years of his professional career.