At the 43rd Annual Convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in Cincinnati, Indian American physician and community leader Dr. Bharat Barai was honored with the inaugural Dr. Sampat Shivangi Legacy Award. The recognition, presented by U.S. Congressman Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, celebrated Dr. Barai’s leadership, public service, and long association with the late Dr. Shivangi.
The award also served as a tribute to Dr. Shivangi — a renowned physician, philanthropist, and prominent advocate for U.S.-India relations — who passed away on February 10, 2025. Nearly 1,000 physicians and community members attended the ceremony.
Dr. Barai, born in Mumbai, is Medical Director of the Cancer Institute at Methodist Hospitals, Clinical Assistant Professor at Indiana University Medical School, and a former President of Indiana’s Medical Licensing Board. His career includes leadership roles in healthcare, advisory positions to U.S. lawmakers, and contributions to medical education. Reflecting on his friendship with Dr. Shivangi, he spoke about their shared commitment to strengthening Indo-US partnerships.
Rep. Jackson, in his remarks, drew parallels between the African American and Indian American journeys, invoking the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. He praised immigrant physicians’ resilience and service, noting, “Liberty demands not only resistance but resilience.”
Dr. Shivangi’s wife, Dr. Udaya Shivangi, alongside their daughters Priya Kurup and Pooja Shivangi Amin, pledged to continue his mission in philanthropy, education, and diplomacy. Plans include charitable initiatives, a book, a film, and continued advocacy for stronger bilateral ties.
A respected leader in the Indian diaspora, Dr. Shivangi contributed to healthcare infrastructure in India — including a cancer hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka — and supported cultural and religious projects in the U.S. His public service included roles on mental health boards in Mississippi and the federal SAMHSA Board under two U.S. presidents.
Nationally, he played key roles in landmark initiatives like the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement and in lobbying to lift sanctions on India in the late 1990s. His numerous honors included the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the U.S. Congressional Recognition Award, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
The Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation continues his work in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and sports development, guided by his belief that “success is measured not by what we accumulate but by the lives we touch.”
With the creation of the Legacy Award, Dr. Shivangi’s vision is set to inspire future generations of physicians and community leaders to serve both their local and global communities.
