AUSIB mourns the death of Republican leader Bob Stenehjem

July 25, Washington, D.C.: The Alliance for US India Business (AUSIB) mourns the death of Republican leader Bob Stenehjem and extends its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. On July 18, 2011, Senator Stenehjem met with an accident near Homer, Alaska, where he lost his life.

Mr. Sanjay Puri, Chairman, AUSIB, said, “We’ve lost a leader who was very hopeful about the future: someone who relentlessly pursued social goals for the better of the community. Senator Stenehjem had in him what leaders are made of and his work over three decades is an example of dynamic and selfless leadership.”

Earlier this year, Senator Stenehjem visited India where he met several political figures and businessmen. He highlighted North Dakota’s oil reservations and spoke about the efforts that are currently being made to eliminate the waste of natural gas. He described the objective of the trip saying, “I thought it was a worthwhile opportunity for me and for the state of North Dakota. It\'s a global economy, and I think we need to get out in the world a little bit and let them know who we are and where we are and what we have to offer. I don\'t think they\'re going to come stumbling across North Dakota and just stumble upon us.\" He was part of the AUSIB delegation and participated in the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 – 5th Global Summit, India.

Senator Bob Stenehjem is best known for his pioneering and consistent contribution to the development of oil in the American Indian Reservations. He started his career as a road and streets foreman in Bismarck, North Dakota. This triggered his interest in becoming a legislator and it led him to ensure that ‘highways and roads were properly funded’.