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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline DECEMBER 12, 2025 | The Indian Eye 14

American Punjabi Society to Host Star-Studded

2025 Annual Gala in New York on December 10

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
he American Punjabi Society
(APS) is gearing up for its
Tflagship 2025 Annual Gala,
scheduled for Wednesday, Decem-
ber 10, with community leaders, pub-
lic officials, philanthropists, business
figures, artists and members of the
Punjabi and Indian American dias-
pora expected to attend from across
the Tri-State region. The announce-
ment followed a successful Curtain
Raiser and Media Briefing held at
the Pearl in Hicksville, where APS
formally launched preparations for
the high-profile event.

Under the leadership of APS
President Gary S. Sikka, the
gala has become one of the
most anticipated cultural eve- Seven Founder Directors (l to r) Ajayvir Sondhi, Varinder PS Sikka, Paul S Bindra, Gary S Sikka, Mohinder Singh Taneja, Jaspal S Arora and RPS Narang

nings of the year, celebrating
excellence, Punjabi heritage, organisation’s vision in a presenta-
community service and the val- tion titled “APS – Celebrating Cul-
ture, Service & Community,” noting
ues of unity and seva. that the group was founded “with a
simple but powerful purpose — to
This year’s program will feature unite the Punjabi community under
grand cultural performances, in- the spirit of service and pride.” He
cluding a musical act by Miss Pooja said APS has evolved into “a bridge
and professional dance showcases, between generations, blending
along with a special appearance by culture with compassion,” adding
Punjabi and Bollywood cinema icon that the evening symbolised a cele-
Neeru Bajwa, who will participate in bration of community, culture and
a live on-stage interview and a VIP shared values. Vice President Ajay-
photo session. vir S. Sondhi elaborated on APS’s
At the Curtain Raiser, General Varinder Sikka General Secretary APS Council structure, while Navneet
Secretary Varinder P. S. Sikka wel- Sikka Sondhi, Chair of the Women’s
comed community leaders and me- Council, highlighted the group’s
dia representatives, recalling how community engagement efforts and
APS began as an initiative between women-led initiatives. Senior Vice
himself and Gary S. Sikka before be- President Mohinder Singh Taneja
ing formally established under seven emphasised APS’s collaboration
Founder Directors: President Gary with Nassau County Police Com-
S. Sikka, Senior Vice President Mo- missioner Pat Ryder to promote
hinder Singh Taneja, General Secre- law-enforcement awareness, safety
tary Varinder P. S. Sikka, and Vice education and community outreach.
Presidents Ajayvir S. Sondhi, Paul S. President Gary S. Sikka re-
Bindra, R. P. S. Narang and Jaspal S. viewed APS’s achievements from
Arora. Publisher Sunil Hali of The 2023 to 2025, including Vaisakhi
Indian Eye spoke about Sikhism and celebrations, cancer awareness pro-
the values of unity, compassion and grams, blood donation drives, med-
service that guide APS’s mission. ical lectures, APS Picnics and the
Director of Media & Public Re- Gary Sikka recent Bermuda Cruise. He also
lations Pradeep Tandon outlined the Continued on next page... >>

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