Page 18 - The Indian EYE120525

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

AIA-NY Strengthens Educational Ties with

Queensborough Community College through

Scholarships and Cultural Exchange

10 QCC students honored with scholarships at Deepavali celebration last month

OUR BUREAU
Queens, NY
he Association of Indians in America, New
York chapter (AIA-NY), has reaffirmed its
Tcommitment to education and cultural col-
laboration through an ongoing partnership with
the City University of New York’s Queensborough
Community College (QCC).
The collaboration, initiated under the lead-
ership of Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta, then President
of AIA-NY, began in January 2025 with the es-
tablishment of the “Student Success Scholarship
Fund.” The fund launched with an initial $10,000
donation, providing 10 scholarships of $1,000 each
to students from low-income families enrolled in
certificate or associate degree programs at QCC.
QCC, recognized among the top-ranked com-
munity colleges in the CUNY system, serves stu-
dents from 111 countries who speak over 60 lan-
guages, reflecting the vibrant diversity of Queens. AIA-NY’s $10,000 check presentation to QCC
This made it a natural partner for AIA-NY, whose
mission centers on fostering education, communi- ship recipients were recognized and congratulated fines New York.”
ty service, and intercultural exchange. by AIA-NY Immediate Past President Dr. Jagdish The scholarships, administered by the Schol-
Since the partnership’s inception, AIA-NY K. Gupta, QCC President Dr. Christine Mangino, arships and Awards Committee of the Academic
and QCC have celebrated a series of cultural mile- Professor Dr. Nidhi Gadura, and AIA-NY leaders Senate at QCC, have been credited directly to re-
stones together, including the Holi Festival of Col- including current President Mrs. Beena Kothari, cipients’ accounts, helping them pursue their aca-
ors in March 2025 and the Deepavali – Festival of National President Mr. Gobind Munjal, and as demic and professional goals.
Lights celebration held last month in the Student well as Mrs. Smiti Khanna and Mr. Harsh Vyas. Founded in 1967, the AIA-NY chapter is one
Union Building. “Education is the foundation of empower- of the oldest Indian-American community orga-
The Deepavali event brought together stu- ment, and cultural collaboration brings commu- nizations in the United States. It promotes cul-
dents, faculty, families, and community leaders in a nities together,” said Dr. Gupta. “Through this tural heritage, education, and community service
joyful display of music, dance, arts, and traditional partnership with Queensborough Community through programs, scholarships, and events that
hospitality. College, we hope to inspire students to pursue strengthen bonds between the Indian diaspora and
During the Deepavali celebration, 10 scholar- excellence while celebrating the diversity that de- the broader New York

^ Leadership of AIA-NY and Queensborough Jagdish K Gupta, Immediate Past President, AIA-NY presenting recipients of 2025 scholarships, along with Harsh Vyas - Vice
Community College with 9 recipients of AIA-NY scholarships President, AIA-NY, Dr. Christine Mangino - President, Queensborough Community College, Mr. Gobind Munjal - President, AIA-
for $1,000 each NEC, Mrs. Smiti Khanna, - Founder AIA-NY Deepavali, and Mrs. Beena Kothari - President AIA-NY.

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