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Newsmakers of the Week FEBRUARY 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 34

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

Prerak Shah Appointed to Florida cymakers, global philanthropies, Rotary and Lions leadership, clinicians, cor-
porate leaders, and youth advocates. The focus will be on accelerating scal-
A&M University Board able solutions to eliminate preventable childhood blindness worldwide.
In his address, Chatterjee is expected to emphasize the need for inte-
grated public health systems, outcomes-driven investment, and cross-sector
partnerships. His participation reflects growing international consensus that
allahassee, FL: Florida Gover- protecting a child’s vision is foundational to learning, human capital develop-
nor Ron DeSantis has appoint-
Ted Prerak “Pre” Shah to the ment, and inclusive growth.
Since 1977, EFA has led community-based programs across India and Af-
Florida A&M University (FAMU) rica, delivering neonatal eye screening, pediatric care, and capacity-building
Board of Trustees, strengthening the initiatives. Its work has helped restore or protect sight for millions of children,
institution’s leadership with exten- demonstrating that early detection and timely intervention can transform
sive legal and public service exper- lives.
tise. Shah’s term begins in January Observed annually on January 31, the International Day for a World
2026 and runs through January 2031. Without Childhood Blindness mobilizes governments, civil society, and the
He was appointed on December private sector to institutionalize prevention within national health systems.
12, 2025, alongside three other new “A world without childhood blindness is not an aspiration—it is achiev-
trustees. able,” Chatterjee said. “When we protect a child’s sight, we protect education,
Shah is a partner at Gibson,
Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Houston, where he advises corporations and se- dignity, and the future of nations.”
nior executives on complex state, federal, and congressional investigations.
His practice also includes high-stakes civil litigation at the intersection of law, Indian Envoy Reviews Counter-
public policy, and politics, reflecting deep experience in navigating regulatory
and governance challenges. Narcotics Cooperation with US
Previously, Shah served as Acting United States Attorney for the North-
ern District of Texas, overseeing more than 120 federal prosecutors and acting ashington, DC: Indian
as chief law enforcement officer for a region serving over eight million peo- Ambassador to the United
ple. During his tenure, he led major prosecutions involving securities fraud, WStates Vinay Mohan Kwa-
domestic terrorism, and violent crime. His public service record also includes tra delivered opening remarks at the
roles as Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Senior India–US Drug Policy Framework
Counsel to the Attorney General of Texas. Executive Group meeting, reaffirm-
Shah earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Chicago
Law School and clerked for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. ing bilateral commitment to count-
er-narcotics cooperation and efforts
Welcoming the new trustees, FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D.,
said their diverse backgrounds would enhance the board’s collective leader- to curb illicit drug trafficking.
The meeting, attended by Sara
ship. “Their outstanding experience in law, business, and healthcare will bring Carter, Director of the U.S. Office
added value as we work together to lead FAMU forward,” she said.
of National Drug Control Policy, re-
viewed progress in addressing drug
Siddharth Chatterjee Speaks at trafficking networks and the diver-
sion of precursor chemicals. Discus-
Childhood Blindness Event sions emphasized targeted enforce-
ment and active coordination between Indian and U.S. agencies.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy noted that both sides underscored the
ondon: The House of Lords importance of effective and focused enforcement mechanisms to disrupt illicit
will host a landmark global flows and strengthen shared responses to emerging narcotics threats.
Lcommemoration of the Inter- Beyond counter-narcotics engagement, Ambassador Kwatra has inten-
national Day for a World Without sified diplomatic outreach on Capitol Hill. Earlier this month, he hosted 12
Childhood Blindness on January 31, members of the U.S. House of Representatives at India House, highlighting
2026, marking nearly five decades bipartisan congressional support for deepening India–US ties across trade,
of impact by the Eye Foundation of technology, defense, and counterterrorism.
America (EFA) in preventing and Kwatra also met U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, thanking him for
treating childhood blindness. continued support for strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting,
Adding global significance to the he expressed appreciation for U.S. solidarity with India following the April
event, Siddharth Chatterjee, Unit- 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated India’s firm stance against
ed Nations Resident Coordinator in terrorism.
China, will deliver the keynote ad- The discussions covered key areas of partnership, including defense and
dress, underscoring childhood blind- security, oil and gas trade, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
ness as a solvable development challenge linked to health, education, equity, Kwatra noted that India’s projected economic growth of over 7 percent fur-
and economic productivity. ther strengthens the shared vision of prosperity and security between the
The high-level gathering will bring together UN leaders, diplomats, poli- world’s two largest democracies. Continued on next page... >>

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