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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 13, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

‘Five Ratnas’ Shine at AIA-NY

Gala Celebrating Excellence and Culture

The AIA-NY Annual Benefit Gala honored community leaders and promoted cultural pride

through a night of elegance, achievement, and Indian-American unity

OUR BUREAU ations through events like the Deepavali Festival,
held for over 37 years.
New York, NY
President Beena Kothari opened the evening
n a dazzling evening filled with music, culture, with heartfelt appreciation for attendees, honorees,
and celebration, the Association of Indians in and volunteers. She praised her “BEST team” and
IAmerica (AIA), New York Chapter, hosted thanked Gobind Munjal, AIA’s National President,
its Annual Benefit Gala on June 1st, 2025, at the as well as past chapter leaders for their support.
Pearl Banquet Hall. Drawing over 350 attendees The gala served not just as a tribute to individ-
— including elected officials, medical profession- ual success, but as a platform to uplift Indian cul-
als, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors — the ture, civic responsibility, and unity. Proceeds from
event honored five distinguished individuals whose the event will support AIA’s upcoming Deepavali
achievements symbolize the rich contributions of festival, scheduled for October 11th at Tanner Park,
Indian-Americans across various fields. Long Island.
AIA-NY dubbed them the “Five Ratnas” — The event commenced with a stirring opening
jewels representing excellence in medicine, busi- ceremony: eight-year-old Kiana Vyas performed a
ness, activism, and science. The gala also reaffirmed Ganesh Vandana, followed by Sujata Seth singing
AIA’s mission to foster community cohesion and the Indian national anthem and Maya Kaul render-
celebrate Indian heritage in America. ing the American anthem. These performances set
Among those recognized was Dr. Karthik Entrepreneurship Award — Dr. Gor is a pioneer a graceful tone that resonated throughout the night.
Gujja, a visionary cardiologist and interventionalist. in women’s health advocacy and cultural outreach. Among the dignitaries present were Nassau
As Director of Cardiac and Endovascular Services Nephrologist and medical leader Dr. Deven- County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Consul
at Mount Sinai South Nassau and founder of Long dra Shrivastava was recognized for his leadership in General Binaya S. Pradhan, both of whom ad-
Island Heart and Vascular Specialists, Dr. Gujja Brooklyn’s healthcare infrastructure. He leads Dial- dressed the gathering. Leadership Awards were
has led innovative treatment models and expanded ysis Services at several institutions and is President presented to Dr. Christine Mannino, President of
access to cardiovascular care in multiple boroughs. of AAPIQLI and MPMAANA. His role in mentor- Queensborough Community College, and Ashok
His leadership bridges cutting-edge medicine with ing young physicians and founding accountable care Lavasa, a retired IAS officer, for their contributions
community-centered practice. organizations underscores his vision of integrated in education and public service, respectively.
Navneet Sikka, a Senior Vice President at Citi- and equitable care. AIA received messages of support and congrat-
group and Chair of the American Punjabi Society The fifth honoree, Dr. Ramesh C. Gupta, ulations from New York State Comptroller Thomas
Women’s Council, was recognized for her dual im- President of Chem-Master International and R&S P. DiNapoli, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Con-
pact in financial services and community empower- Chemicals, is a trailblazer in synthetic organic gressman Tom Suozzi, and several state legislators,
ment. Her initiatives — ranging from blood drives chemistry. With a career devoted to cancer research who recognized AIA’s continuing impact on civic
to cancer awareness campaigns — reflect her ded- and pharmaceutical innovation, Dr. Gupta has led and cultural life.
ication to grassroots activism. “Leading with pur- teams funded by NIH grants and OSI Pharmaceu- With meticulous planning by Gala Chair Kanak
pose, empowering through action,” is her guiding ticals. His scientific rigor is matched by a personal Golia and Finance Chair Haridas Kotahwala, the
philosophy. legacy of giving and mentoring. 2025 gala exemplified the AIA’s commitment to
Celebrated OB-GYN Dr. Hetal Gor was hon- Founded in 1967, the Association of Indians in excellence, heritage, and unity. As the organization
ored for her medical excellence and communi- America is the oldest national organization repre- prepares for its milestone Deepavali celebration,
ty leadership. With dual MDs from India and the senting Indian immigrants in the U.S. With a mis- the evening stood as a powerful reminder that when
U.S., and decades of accolades — including the sion to promote Indian culture and community culture, leadership, and community come together
International Women Award and CAIT’s Women service, AIA plays a pivotal role in bridging gener- — brilliance follows.

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