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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 14, 2024 | The Indian Eye 20

AIA-NY honors five extraordinary

individuals at its annual gala

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer graces the occasion as Chief Guest of Honor

OUR BUREAU ication and relentless efforts in supporting Indians
in America. He remarked, “Our unity and support
Great Neck, NY
has been pivotal in promoting Indian culture and
he Association of Indians in America heritage in the USA.”
(AIA) NY chapter held its Annual Gala Dr. S.N. Sridhar, Distinguished Professor of
Tunder the leadership of Dr. Jagdish K. Linguistics and India Studies at Stony Brook Uni-
Gupta to raise funds for the 37th Deepavali versity, was recognized for ‘Excellence in Litera-
Fest slated for October 6, 2024, and for the ture, Linguistics & founding India Studies at Stony
‘AIA-Educational Project,’ to empower Indi- Brook University.’ His significant contributions
an-American students in need to achieve their to bilingualism and multilingualism studies and
educational potential and dreams. co-editing the book ‘Ananya: A Portrait of India’
The Gala was attended by 200 distin- were highlighted. He shared insights into his re-
guished members of the community, including search and its impact on promoting cultural under-
past presidents and members of the Advisory standing.
Board of Trustees of AIA. It was held on June Dr. Vishal Kapur and Dr. Raman Sharma from
2, 2024, at the redesigned Crystal Ballroom of Mount Sinai Health System were also honored. Dr.
Leonard’s Palazzo Exquisite Banquet Hall in Kapur received the ‘Excellence in Cardiology-Vas-
Great Neck. cular & Endovascular Medicine’ award, while Dr.
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Sharma was presented with the ‘Special Young Phy-
Schumer was the Chief Guest of Honor. In sician Award for Excellence in Endovascular Inter-
his remarks, he highlighted his visit to India, vention’. Dr. Kapur spoke about the advancements
the importance of strong India-US ties, and in endovascular treatments at Mount Sinai and the
praised Indian leaders, culture, traditions, and importance of innovation in patient care. Dr. Shar-
the community’s contributions to education ma highlighted the significance of his work in sav-
and healthcare. He emphasized the strong ing limbs from ischemia in diabetics and preventing
maritime defense ties between the two coun- strokes in patients with carotid artery blockages.
tries in the Indian Ocean. He also applauded AIA-NY President Dr. Jagdish Gupta giving his address The evening began with a social networking
Indian physicians and parents for their com- hour featuring cocktails and Indian hors d’oeu-
mitment to education, drawing parallels with tions, received the ‘Entrepreneur Par Excellence Award’ vres, followed by entertainment including live per-
the Jewish community. His remarks received for his success in building a multibillion-dollar conglom- formances by Ms. Tanmayee Mohapatra and Ms.
multiple rounds of applause and ended with a erate and his philanthropic efforts supporting numerous Jagabattula Maheshwari. Mrs. Beena Kothari,
standing ovation. nonprofit organizations. In his speech, Mr. Shah paid Vice President and Gala Chair, welcomed guests
New York State Assemblyman David We- tribute to all the AIA founders, past presidents, Board and introduced Dr. Jagdish Gupta, who spoke
prin from District 24 was an honored guest. of Trustees, advisors, and current officers for their ded- Continued on next page... >>
He has been a staunch supporter of the AIA-
NY, helping to secure Alternate Day Parking
suspension on Diwali each year and advocat-
ing for Diwali as a school holiday in New York
City. He expressed his pride in supporting the
Indian community and emphasized the im-
portance of cultural recognition in fostering a
diverse and inclusive society.
In keeping with the theme of Women’s
Empowerment, Dr. Rekha Bhandari, Chief
Medical Officer for the MedElite Group/
Allure Group/Vis-à-vis Health, was honored
with the ‘Excellence in Healthcare Award’ for
her innovative contributions to healthcare.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed her
hope to inspire women in healthcare. She
stated, “I am humbled and honored to re-
ceive this award from one of the oldest ethnic
organizations. I hope my journey serves as a
trailblazer for other women to follow and get
inspired in the healthcare field.” Dr. Sumita Sengupta (Gala Co-chair), Assemblyman David Weprin, Dr. Raman Sharma, President Dr. Jagdish Gupta,
Naveen C. Shah, CEO of Navika Group and Chairman of Board Dr. Samin Sharma
of Companies and Blue-Sky Hospitality Solu-

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