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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 27

munity service.
VPS Sikka, General Secretary of
APS, reviewed the organization’s ac-
tivities in 2025 and 2026. He recalled
the 2025 gala featuring Punjabi ac-
tress Neeru Bajwa and singer Puja, as
well as the APS Women’s Council’s
winter coat drive for children in need
and an initiative to fulfill children’s
wishes.
He highlighted a health-aware-
ness lecture by Dr. Tarun Wasil; a
consular assistance camp conducted
with the Consulate General of India
in New York, which served hundreds
of visitors and addressed more than
200 inquiries; the annual picnic and a
beach cleanup involving women and
children; and the October 11 Can-
cer Awareness Walk at Eisenhower
Park. Despite rainy weather, the walk
drew approximately 450 participants
and was supported by nearly 70 vol-
unteers. He credited the Society’s di-
rectors, Women’s Council, volunteers
and supporters for the work.
Navneet Sikka Sondhi, APS
Director and Master of Ceremo-
nies, introduced the Punjabi Ratan
Award and its 2026 honoree. She
described Sant Singh Chatwal as
an Indian-American entrepreneur
of Punjabi Sikh heritage whose
achievements in hospitality, phil-
anthropic involvement and contri-
butions to India–U.S. understand-
ing made him a fitting recipient.
She noted that Chatwal founded
Dream Hotel Group and helped de-
velop brands including Dream Hotels,
The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels.
Hyatt’s acquisition of the group’s ho-
tel brands and management platform
in 2023 marked a milestone in the en-
terprise he built. She also described
his role as a founding trustee of the
American India Foundation, his sup-
port for humanitarian causes, and his
efforts to strengthen India–U.S. rela-
tions, including support for the civil
nuclear agreement.
Navneet recalled his recognition
with the Order of the Khalsa in 1999,
the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2005 and
the Padma Bhushan in 2010. She said
his journey illustrated how initia- reflected on its message of freedom, ra, Pradeep Tandon and Navneet Sik- contributions.
tive, ambition and service can inspire justice and compassion. Turning to ka Sondhi. Accepting the honor, Sant Singh
younger generations. the honoree, Bolla praised Sant Singh The presentation took place in Chatwal expressed gratitude to the
A specially prepared five-minute Chatwal’s accomplishments and de- three parts. Harry Singh Bolla, the American Punjabi Society and its
video presentation then highlighted scribed Chatwal as his mentor, adding inaugural award recipient, present- leadership, directors and selection
Chatwal’s life, career, philanthropy a personal note to the tribute. ed the Punjabi Ratan medal to Sant board. He particularly praised APS’s
and achievements. All eight members of the Pun- Singh Chatwal. Ed Cox presented work under Gary S. Sikka, noting the
Harry Singh Bolla spoke about jabi Ratan Award Selection Board the award trophy. Gary S. Sikka and meaningful initiatives the organiza-
the significance of Bandi Chhor Di- remained on stage throughout the Babli Sikka jointly presented a com- tion had undertaken for the com-
was, which commemorates the re- award ceremony: Chairman Gary S. memorative plaque. The assembled munity. His remarks recognized the
lease of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Sikka and Board Members Mohinder selection board joined in recognizing Society’s charitable activities, cultural
Hargobind Sahib Ji, from imprison- S. Taneja, VPS Sikka, Paul S. Bindra, Chatwal’s professional accomplish- programs and efforts to bring people
ment, together with 52 princes. He Ravinder P. S. Narang, Jaspal S. Aro- ments, philanthropy and community together.

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