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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 17

From the AIA Board of Trust-
ees, the event welcomed Dr. Nirmal
Mattoo, Dr. Vijay Mattoo, Naveen
Shah, Dr. Dolly Manvar, and Gobind
Munjal, now also a Trustee. In their
presence, the outgoing President
was honored with a commemorative
plaque, along with a citation issued
by Nassau County Executive Bruce
Blakeman, presented and read by Li-
onel Chitty.
Several respected community
dignitaries from AAPI, AAPIQLI,
IDP, IALI, VHI, Rotary (RCHS &
RCNS) business leaders and others
were also in attendance, reflecting
AIA’s strong ties and standing across
diverse sectors.
The evening featured meaning-
ful cultural presentations, including
a soulful rendition of the American
National Anthem and a classical
Kathak performance by Esha Mishra,
followed by the Indian National An-
them, led by Jyoti Gupta along with
AIA members—beautifully symbol-
izing unity, heritage, and pride. The
proceedings continued seamlessly,
maintaining an energetic and engag-
ing atmosphere throughout.
An on-screen display/presenta-
tion with several congratulatory let-
ters from Attorney General Leticia
James, a Proclamation from United
States Senator Chuck E. Schum-
er, Ambassador of India, Mr. Vinay
Kwatra, Counsel General of India in
New York Binay S. Pradhan, NAS-
SAU county Comptroller Elaine
Phillips, Congressman Thomas
Suozzi, TONH Supervisor, Jennifer dination was efficiently handled by Govind Bhatija, Dr.
DeSena, TONH Clerk Ragini Sri- Sunil Mehra, and Dr. Binod Verma, while Roopam Maini,
vastava, Legislator Rosemary Walk- Nishi Bahl, Jyoti Gupta, and several others ensured
er, TOOB Supervisor Joseph Sal- smooth venue management. The Association also con-
adino and others. The Association veyed gratitude to Pearl and its staff for their hospitality
expressed sincere appreciation to and professionalism.
sponsors and supporters who placed Following the formal program, the evening tran-
congratulatory advertisements, sitioned into a joyful celebration filled with music and
Special acknowledgements were dance, providing an opportunity for members and guests
extended to Ms. Sujata Seth, who to connect and celebrate the beginning of the new NEC
managed the registration desk with term.
familiarity and grace, supported by The successful inauguration provided a strong and in-
volunteers Rachna and Vandana. spiring start to the NEC 2026–27 term, setting a confident
Operational and on-stage coor- tone for the work ahead.

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