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14 DECEMBER 26, 2025

IAPAC Honors Elected Officials and Presents

Community Impact Award at Annual Celebration

(From left): Rep. Suleman Lalani; honoree Janardan Thakkar; IAPAC President Dr. Roopa Gir; (From left): Homa Azadi (Bahá’í), Harshad Parakh (Jain), Dr. Helen Shih (Buddhist),
and PAC founders Randhir Sahni and Jagat Kamdar. Dr. Sundar Arun (Hindu), Meheryar Noshir Rivetna (Zoroastrian), Nazli Cizmeci (Islamic),
Randy Czarlinsky (Jewish), Gordon Kwan (Christian), and Judge Manpreet Singh (Sikh),
OUR BUREAU Sahoo, and the incoming PAC Pres- offering gratitude prayers representing nine faith traditions.
ident for 2026, Shiv Khandavelu, ac-
Houston, TX
knowledging their leadership in ad- take it with you.’ Discovering this clar- Elected officials who attended
he Indian American Public Af- vancing the missions of both IAPAC ity of purpose has been a true gift. It spoke about gratitude, public service,
fairs Council (IAPAC) hosted and the PAC. In her speech, Dr. energizes and inspires me every day.” and collaboration. Among them, Tex-
Tits annual Gratitude with Glob- Gir also introduced all members of Thakkar emphasized his commit- as State Representative Dr. Suleman
al Cultures and Religions luncheon, IAPAC’s leadership team, highlight- ment to education and community ser- Lalani remarked, “Events like this re-
a sold-out event held at the Eternal ing the dedication of volunteers and vice, highlighting organizations that mind us that our strength comes from
Gandhi Museum, bringing together board members who guide the Coun- are close to his heart, including Aksha- working together—public servants,
many elected officials, community cil’s initiatives. ya Patra Foundation in India, OSAAT community organizations, faith lead-
leaders, and representatives of nine The highlight of the afternoon & iEducate in Houston, The 100 Club, ers, and volunteers. IAPAC has creat-
faith traditions for an afternoon cen- was the presentation of the IAPAC Alzheimer’s Association, and Proj- ed a space that truly reflects the spirit
tered on unity, gratitude, and service. Community Impact Award 2025 to ect One Day, which support children, of our region.”
The event’s Master of Ceremo- philanthropist Janardan Thakkar. Re- teachers, first responders, and fami- One of the luncheon’s most
nies, Venilla Rajaguru, delivered the flecting on his journey from arriving in lies in need. He added, “These orga- memorable moments was the Inter-
welcome remarks, setting the tone for the United States in 1974 as a young nizations afford me the opportunity faith Invocation of Gratitude, with
an afternoon of gratitude, reflection, man pursuing education and oppor- to give back in a way that felt deeply leaders from Zoroastrian, Buddhist,
and community celebration. tunity, Thakkar shared, “Much of my aligned with my values—supporting Jain, Sikh, Hindu, Islamic, Christian,
IAPAC President Dr. Roopa Gir philanthropic journey has been guid- communities that shaped my journey Jewish, and Bahá’í communities of-
introduced the organization and its ed by two simple truths: ‘A mind is a and causes where my wife and I could fering prayers of reflection. “I was es-
mission, providing a brief historical terrible thing to waste,’ and ‘You can’t have a meaningful, lasting impact.” pecially touched by how you brought
background of both the Indian Amer- political, community, and faith or-
ican Public Affairs Council and the ganizations together in one space,”
Political Action Committee. The PAC said Meheryar Noshir Rivetna of the
focuses on advocacy for Indian Amer- Zoroastrian Association of Houston.
icans, while the Public Affairs Coun- “The openness, kindness, and respect
cil promotes civic engagement and with which everyone shared their
education through programs such as perspectives made the luncheon truly
Conversations Over Coffee (COC@ meaningful.”
IAPAC), Women Empowerment Incoming IAPAC President
(WE@IAPAC), Youth Outreach and Naveen Kochoth delivered the vote
Upliftment (YOU@IAPAC), and the of thanks, expressing appreciation
annual Gratitude gathering to hon- to elected officials, faith leaders, vol-
or elected officials and build bridges unteers, and community partners.
across cultures and religions. Dr. Gir Guests concluded the event with a
also introduced the incoming IAPAC Elected officials, interfaith leaders, IAPAC board members, volunteers, and sponsors gather at vegetarian buffet and continued con-
President, Naveen Kochoth, the cur- IAPAC’s Gratitude with Global Cultures and Religions luncheon. versations that reflected the day’s
rent PAC President Dr. Purusottam themes of gratitude and connection.

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