Page 16 - The Indian EYE 061926

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 19, 2026 | The Indian Eye 16

AIA-NY Hosts Grand Annual Benefit Gala 2026 to

Honor Individuals for Outstanding Contributions

NEERAJ DHAR
Flushing, NY
he Association of Indians in
America – New York Chapter
T(AIA-NY), the oldest national
association of Asian Indians in the
America founded in 1967, hosted its
grand Annual Benefit Gala 2026 at
the prestigious Terrace on the Park,
Flushing., New York celebrating ex-
cellence, leadership, and community
service across the Indian-American
diaspora.
The gala was a vibrant celebra-
tion of achievement, service, and
cultural pride, honoring seven excep-
tional individuals recognized as the
“Ratnas” (Jewels) of the community.
The event brought together over
300 distinguished guests, including
diplomats, elected officials, health-
care leaders, entrepreneurs, Media
and community members from across
the tri-state area.
The evening included several
messages extending congratulations
and support from dignitaries, includ-
ing representatives from the Consul-
ate General of India, New York, New
York State Comptroller Thomas P.
DiNapoli (who spoke at the event),
Senator John C. Liu, Nassau Coun-
ty Executive Bruce Blakeman, and
Suffolk County Executive Edward
P. Romaine and other elected offi- PRESIDENT BEENA KOTHARI DR. DATTATREYUDU NORI DR. SAHIL KHERA
cials. During the networking cocktail
reception, guests enjoyed the melodi- Dr. Nori has dedicated over five al Director of the Structural Heart Co-Founder and Principal Partner
ous accompaniment of accomplished decades to advancing cancer care. Program and Quality Lead for of VIBHOR, he has played a pivotal
Tabla and Sitar artists, enhancing the Through his groundbreaking work at Structural Heart Diseases at Mount role in building a family-owned en-
ambiance and fostering meaningful institutions such as Memorial Sloan Sinai Hospital. terprise that has earned a reputation
connections among attendees.
Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell In these roles, he leads com- for excellence since its inception in
Medical Center, he has helped save plex, life-saving heart proce- 2000.
The Honorees & Their Contributions countless lives across the globe. dures and shapes the next gen- Manish is deeply committed to
A global thought leader and eration of cardiologists through giving back to the community. He
This year’s gala honored seven humanitarian, he has authored over fellowship training and mentorship. draws inspiration from Shri D. R.
exceptional individuals, recognized 300 scientific publications, mentored Dr. Khera is recognized nationally Mehta, Founder of Jaipur Foot, as
as the “Ratnas” of the community, hundreds of medical professionals, and internationally for his expertise well as from Mr. Prem Bhandari,
symbolizing their unique and invalu- and worked with governments and in minimally invasive heart valve Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA and
able contributions across medicine, international organizations to expand therapies and complex coronary in- President of RANA, shaping his vi-
law, entrepreneurship, research, pub- access to life-saving cancer treatment. terventions. He has performed more sion to blend entrepreneurial success
lic service, and technology. His exceptional contributions have than 2,000 structural heart proce- with meaningful philanthropy and
Each honoree was selected for brought him high honors such as the dures. create a lasting impact.
outstanding leadership, professional Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Padma Manish Dhadda Dr. Aprajita Mattoo
excellence, and dedication to com- Shri, and Padma Bhushan this year.
munity upliftment. Manish Dhadda is a distin- Dr. Aprajita Mattoo, MD is an
Dr. Sahil Khera
Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori guished New York–based entre- Assistant Professor of Medicine at
Dr. Khera is a faculty member preneur and philanthropist, widely NYU Langone Health, the Associate
An internationally acclaimed at the Mount Sinai Heart Hospital, recognized for his leadership in the Program Director for the Division of
oncologist and pioneering physician, where he serves as Intervention- diamond and jewelry industry. As the Continued on next page... >>

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