Page 22 - The Indian EYE 041825

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 18, 2025 | The Indian Eye 22

A Congressional Salute given to

Late Dr. Sampat Shivangi on Capitol Hill

OUR BUREAU
Washington, DC
A
United States Congressional
Salute to the late Dr. Sampat
Shivangi, a distinguished In-
dian American physician and com-
munity leader, was held on Capitol
Hill Building in Washington, DC,
honoring his life and contributions on
March 26, 2025.
Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physi-
cian, philanthropist, influential Indi-
an American community leader, and
veteran leader of the American Asso-
ciation of Physicians of Indian Origin
(AAPI) for several decades, suddenly
passed away due to health reasons in
his hometown, Jackson, Mississippi,
on February 10, 2025.
The solemn ceremony attended
by US Lawmakers, physicians, and
community and faith leaders was a
tribute to Dr. Shivangi, remembering
his impactful work in healthcare, pol-
itics, and US - India relations. In him, book, make a film, expand charita- cumulate but by the lives we touch. the Legacy Award for his “dynamic
the Indian American community has ble initiatives, and actively work to That is the legacy I promise to up- leadership,” called it an honor to pay
lost a great leader and friend whose strengthen the relationship between hold. Sampat, you are not gone—you tribute to “an incredible individual.”
contributions will continue to reso- the U.S. and India, ensuring that his are here, in the walls of the hospital He shared that Dr. Shivangi’s love for
nate for generations. contributions inspire generations to you built, in the halls of the school family was as strong as his passion for
The Congressional Salute cer- come. Most importantly, along with you founded, and in the hearts of politics, recalling how he often spoke
emony began with a Hindu invoca- our daughters, I will raise our grand- those who loved you. And I will about his two daughters and three
tional dance by Indrani Davaluri and children the way he wanted—to be honor you every day of my life,” Dr. grandchildren.
Laxmi Anshika Yadav from Natya idealists, to serve, and to give back to Udaya Shivangi assured. In Dr. Shivangi’s memory, Rep.
Margam, followed by Christian and the world,” Dr. Udaya Shivangi said. Priya Kurup reflected on her fa- Guest presented his family with a flag
Muslim prayers led by Pastor Cheryl “A trailblazer of the Indian Di- ther’s journey from a small-town boy flown over the U.S. Capitol, along
Ravuri and Mustafa Ajmeri, Chair of aspora, Dr. Shivangi has left an in- in India to a respected physician and with three copies of the Extension of
AMEC’s Georgia Chapter. delible mark on the Indian Amer- political advocate. She said, “At any Remarks entered into the Congres-
Senator Roger Wicker, Rep. ican community. Throughout the given moment, we have two options: sional Record.
Michael Guest, Rep. Raja Krishna- decades, he committed his time, re- to step forward into growth or step Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Il-
moorthi, and Rep. Shri Thanedar sources, and efforts to serving AAPI back into safety. My father always linois described Dr. Shivangi as “one
were among the US lawmakers who and various other Indian American chose growth.” of the most helpful people in the
paid rich tributes to Dr. Shivangi’s en- organizations. His leadership, vision, Pooja S. Amin emphasized his community,” always advocating for
during legacy. To recognize his con- and tireless commitment to advocat- commitment to improving healthcare others and championing causes that
tributions, the Dr. Sampat Shivangi ing for the community set him apart access, especially for underserved needed attention on Capitol Hill.
Legacy Awards were presented to as a pillar of strength and guidance,” communities. She highlighted his Rep. Shri Thanedar from the
the Congress leaders for their lead- Dr. Udaya Shivangi said. role in strengthening U.S.- India re- state of Michigan, who shared a
ership and close association with Dr. It was only about a month prior lations and described his example as hometown with Dr. Shivangi in Bel-
Shivangi. Also, Legacy Medals were to his sudden death that the Presi- “a guiding light for all of us.” gaum, India, praised his lifelong ded-
given to all the attendees during the dent of India, Droupadi Murmu, in- Senator Roger Wicker from Mis- ication to the community and his last-
ceremony. augurated the newly built Dr. Sampat sissippi described Dr. Shivangi as ing impact on countless lives.
Dr. Shivangi’s wife, Dr. Udaya Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital “the American dream” and “the new Representing the Indian Embas-
Shivangi, and their two daughters, in Belagavi, Karnataka. Spanning face of our multiculturalism.” He sy, Minister for Community Affairs
Priya Kurup and Pooja Shivangi 1,75,000 square feet with a capacity commended his lifelong advocacy for Jagmohan emphasized Dr. Shivangi’s
Amin, vowed to continue his noble of 300 beds, the hospital was built mental health, noting how he cham- commitment to U.S.-India relations,
mission. “His dream did not end with cutting-edge technology with pioned the cause despite societal re- noting that his philanthropic work
with him—it lives on. I will carry funds donated by Dr. Sampat Shivan- luctance to recognize it as a treatable extended beyond the U.S., with the
forward his mission through educa- gi, she pointed out. medical condition. cancer hospital in India providing
tion, philanthropy, and strengthen- “Dr. Shivangi believed that suc- Rep. Michael Guest from the world-class treatment to underprivi-
ing U.S.-India ties. I plan to write a cess is measured not by what we ac- state of Mississippi, who received leged patients.

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