On December 12, a historic event unfolded in New York with the inauguration of the New York State Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission. During this momentous occasion, Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Diwali at Times Square and Sammaan for All, was appointed as a commissioner. The mission of the Commission is to improve the economic and social well-being of AAPI communities while addressing critical issues like health and education.
The Commission, established in response to the rapid growth of the AAPI population and the challenges they face—including rising hate crimes—aims to create policies, implement programs, and raise awareness of available state resources.
The bill establishing the Commission was introduced by New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American legislator, and signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in February 2024. The Commission’s creation underscores the importance of AAPI voices in shaping New York’s future.
Neeta Bhasin, who moved to New York 47 years ago, has dedicated her career to promoting South Asian culture. She founded Event Guru Worldwide, which created the iconic Diwali at Times Square event, making Diwali a global celebration. Recognized with numerous accolades, including the Mahatma Gandhi Samman and the Shakti Award, Bhasin’s appointment marks a new chapter in her mission to foster cultural understanding and community empowerment.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bhasin emphasized the importance of early education to foster respect for cultural diversity. She believes that teaching children to appreciate different cultures at a young age is key to building a more inclusive society.
The Commission, which represents a growing and diverse AAPI community in New York, includes 13 members committed to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the state.
