The Association of Indians in America (AIA) NY chapter hosted its Annual Gala led by Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta, aiming to raise funds for the 37th Deepavali Fest and the ‘AIA-Educational Project.’ The Gala gathered 200 community members, including past presidents and Advisory Board of Trustees members, on June 2, 2024, at Leonard’s Palazzo Exquisite Banquet Hall.
Honorable Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer graced the event as Chief Guest of Honor, lauding India-US ties and recognizing Indian contributions to education and healthcare. New York State Assemblyman David Weprin, an esteemed guest, highlighted his support for the Indian community and cultural recognition initiatives.
Dr. Rekha Bhandari and Mr. Naveen C. Shah were honored with awards for their outstanding contributions to healthcare and entrepreneurship, respectively. Dr. S.N. Sridhar and Dr. Vishal Kapur received accolades for their achievements in literature/linguistics and cardiology/vascular medicine.
The evening featured social networking, live performances, and remarks from AIA leaders and dignitaries, culminating in a vote of thanks and acknowledgment of sponsors. AIA, a leading ethnic organization, fosters cultural understanding and recognition of Indian heritage in the USA.