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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 15, 2021 | The Indian Eye 25

< JayesH Patel, general secretary of Board of trustees and Past President

IA is one of the oldest umbrella organization of the Tri State doing community, charitable and
philanthropic work in the welfare of the local Indian Community and significant contribution in
FIndia cause and concern. When I heard the announcement made by the Govt. of India during
the 16th Bharatiya Pravasi Divas Convention that FIA is the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sam-
man Award, which is the highest honor bestowed on NRI, PIO, or an Organization or an Institution
run by NRI, we all feel Proud, Humbled and Thankful. It certainly is the recognition of the hard and
selfless work of many former leaders of FIA, the Trustees, The executive committee and support of
all member organizations of FIA for last half a century.
I congratulate the President, Chairman and whole FIA team for this recognition when FIA, this
year is celebrating its golden jubilee year and thank to Govt. of India for this superb recognition. This
is a big source of inspiration to FIA to continue to serve the community and to many such organiza-
tion to do more.

PraBir rOy, Past President and member of the Board of trustees >

e the FIA family is very pleased to receive this Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. When I ar-
rived in the United States in 1971 (alongside many other Indians), our accomplishments and
Wcredentials were not acknowledged in the country and India did not have any standings here.
Although we struggled and it was difficult, but we marched forward. We made inroads very quickly
and built up our international reputation.
During my term as president of the FIA in 1994, my theme was “ India is blooming”. In fact, we
were able to push the Empire State Building to light India’s Tri-color on every August 15th. We were
building our stature and reputation. Now, I am proud to say that India has blossomed. In the 2000’s,
India is globally recognized as a world leader and Indians in America have risen to the highest ranks
in all aspects of American society - politics, business, and education. I am delighted to share this much
appreciated award with my FIA colleagues and Indian Diaspora.

< raM gadHavi, Member Board of trsustees and Past President

t gives me great pleasure to join my fellow Federation of Indian Associations of NY, NJ, CT
(FIA) members in celebrating the award of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the government of In-
Idia. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9th as Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest NRI,
returned to India on that day in 1915 after spending 23 years in South Africa.
The FIA is the oldest and the largest association in the US. It has worked for the Indian-American
community and for better Indo-US relations. It successfully protested the sale of awac planes to Paki-
stan’s army. It has promoted Indian heritage by hosting events such as the India Day Parade which was
first started during my Secretary ship in 1981 to celebrate India’s independence and Dance Pe Chance
to celebrate India’s Republic Day. Through such activities, the FIA has brought the Indian commu-
nity under one umbrella and show cased Indian Community ‘s achievement to American society.
It is a great moment of pride to be recognized in the world for the great work done.

sanJay aMin, Past President >
I
want to congratulate FIA and its current and past working committee for great achievement. I am
honored to have an opportunity to serve this great organization in 2013 as a President. Before me
and after me, FIA and its members continue to thrive with their commitment to serve the commu-
nity in good time and in challenging time. I wish FIA and its members continued success in achieving
new landmarks in community service

< sHOBHana Patel, Past President

s the first woman president of FIA after 25 years made me very proud. I feel honored today
with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman to the organization from the government of India. I would like
Ato salute all presidents, committee chairs and all association chairman, who have supported
the FIA, who have worked so hard to make it shining like star. I congratulate all committee members
and supporters of all grand marshals. It is the first time in history that an NRI association has been
selected for the highest award from the President of India. We will never forget our duties for the
country, no matter where we stay and make India our top priority. FIA had put trust in me as the first
woman president. And I want to thank all who supported me and helped me in my services.

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