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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 | The Indian Eye 32

about finding purpose through ser-
vice and bringing people together. “I
had an epiphany early on: if I have to
work hard, I want my work to count.
A lot of my work centers on bringing
people into the room to talk, bridge
divides, and continue seeing each
other’s humanity.”
Dr. Rathna Kumar, Founder
of the Anjali Center for Perform-
ing Arts and Artistic Director of
Samskriti, spoke about persever-
ance, joy and the legacy of mentor-
ship. “I have learned to make every
experience in life joyful. What I want
to leave behind is a legacy beyond
dance, instilling enduring values, dis-
cipline, and resilience in generations
of students.”
Dr. Kavya K. Manyapu, space
scientist and elected Vice-Chair of
the International Astronautical Fed-
eration’s Human Spaceflight Com-
mittee, reflected on fear, possibility
and encouraging the next generation
to reach beyond perceived limita-
tions. “Behind every line on a resume
is turning fear into focus and anxiety
into excitement. I hope we show the From left to right: Dr. Roopa Gir, Rufi Natrajan, Jagruti Sarkar, Ruchi Gupta, Pooja Lodhia, Vaishali Dev, Dr. Rathna Kumar, Nora Angel, Paula
next generation that possibilities are
limitless, because a human is not a Mcann Harris, Kavya Manyupu, Jagat Kamdar, Sanjay Ramabhadran, Seher Alpasian, and Nazli Cizmeci
resource, a human is a possibility.”
The evening also received recog-
nition from local and federal officials.
U.S. Congressman Al Green deliv-
ered remarks and presented Con-
gressional recognition to IAPAC and
the honorees, with IAPAC President
Naveen Kochoth accepting on behalf
of the organization and its Board.
IAPAC’s work in civic education, en-
gagement and leadership was also rec-
ognized with a proclamation from the
Office of Harris County Judge Lina
Hidalgo, presented by Community
Engagement Specialist Hina Kadri.
The Office of Harris County Pre-
cinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones
presented certificates of recognition
honoring the evening’s awardees,
speakers and IAPAC leadership for
their contributions to the event and
the community. Among the public From right to left: Congressman Al Green, IAPAC board members Ruchi Gupta, Naveen Kochoth, Dr. Roopa Gir, Randhir Sahni, Jagat Kamdar,
officials attending were Dr. Leti-
tia Plummer, former Houston City Indrani Sirkar, Jagruti Sarkar, Dr. Purusottam Sahoo.
Council Member; Fort Bend Coun-
ty Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy; logue Institute Houston and UNA- October 25, 2026. whose journeys they had come to
Stafford Mayor Ken Mathew; Judge USA Houston Chapter. Guests also The women’s candid and deeply know beyond their accomplishments.
Surendran K. Pattel of the 240th Ju- enjoyed an Indo-Chinese dinner by personal stories captivated the au- The Indian American Public
dicial District Court; and Chief Lar- Biryani Pot, specialty tea by Trishna dience—at times moving, at times Affairs Council (IAPAC) is a 501(c)
ry J. Satterwhite, Director of Public Tea, and hot masala chai provided by inspiring, and often filled with hu- (3) nonpartisan nonprofit organi-
Safety and Homeland Security for Sabiya Nizar, adding to the warmth mor, with Dr. Rathna Kumar’s sto- zation dedicated to civic education
the City of Houston. and hospitality of the evening. ries drawing laughter throughout the and engagement. Through dialogue,
The event was supported by In her closing remarks, Jagruti room. The evening celebrated not partnerships and initiatives includ-
Leadership Champions Blume, the Sarkar thanked the honorees, speak- only achievement, but the courage, ing WE@IAPAC, IAPAC works to
Rupani family, and Leela and Nat ers, sponsors, partners, volunteers perseverance and humanity behind educate, engage and empower com-
Murthy; and community partners and guests, and invited the commu- it, leaving many in the audience in- munities and encourage greater civic
Raindrop Foundation, The Dia- nity to IAPAC’s upcoming Gala on spired by the extraordinary women participation and leadership.

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