Harry Singh Bolla presents medal; Ed Cox presents trophy; Gary and Babli Sikka present commemorative plaque
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): An evening of appreciation, recognition and celebration brought together business leaders, physicians, philanthropists and members of the Indian-American community at Pearl Banquet Hall on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The gathering combined three occasions: a Mint and Pearl Appreciation Dinner thanking customers, business associates and friends; the American Punjabi Society (APS) presentation of its Punjabi Ratan Award 2026 to Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal; and a birthday celebration for Gary S. Sikka, owner of Mint and Pearl and Global President and CEO of APS.
Distinguished guests included Harry Singh Bolla, founder and CEO of Bolla Oil Corporation, APS Patron and inaugural recipient of the Punjabi Ratan Award in 2025; Ed Cox, Chairman of the New York Republican State Committee and an attorney with a longstanding record of public service; Dr. Krishan Kumar, President-Elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI); Kamal Dandona, Chairman of the Bollywood Group of Companies and founder of the Bollywood Awards; Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, pharmaceutical entrepreneur and founder of Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and ScieGen Pharmaceuticals; and Naveen C. Shah, President and CEO of Navika Capital Group, a hospitality and real estate entrepreneur.
Mint and Pearl Thank Customers and Business Associates
Mohinder S. Taneja, Senior Vice President of APS, introduced Rubal Sikka, Managing Director of Mint Restaurant and Pearl Banquet Hall and CEO of Storytellers Entertainment Company. Rubal opened the evening with Diwali greetings on behalf of Mint and Pearl, explaining that the Appreciation Dinner was an opportunity to thank customers, business associates and friends for their continued loyalty and support—whether through celebrating family milestones at the venues, recommending them to others or returning to enjoy a meal.
Rubal also offered a personal tribute to his father, Gary S. Sikka, describing him as “a great teacher, and a loving father.” He spoke warmly about learning the business from his father and thanked him for his guidance. He closed by wishing everyone light, health and happiness for Diwali.
Gary S. Sikka Reflects on the Punjabi Ratan Award
Gary S. Sikka welcomed the gathering and spoke about the purpose of the Punjabi Ratan Award: recognizing outstanding individuals of Punjabi heritage whose achievements, leadership, philanthropy and service inspire the wider community. He praised Sant Singh Chatwal’s international hospitality career and contributions to India–United States relations, and recognized Harry Singh Bolla as the award’s first recipient in 2025. Sikka thanked the selection board, directors, organizers, volunteers and supporters who helped bring the ceremony together, while reaffirming APS’s commitment to cultural heritage and community service.
General Secretary VPS Sikka Reviews APS Programs
VPS Sikka, General Secretary of APS, reviewed the organization’s activities in 2025 and 2026. He recalled the 2025 gala featuring Punjabi actress Neeru Bajwa and singer Puja, as well as the APS Women’s Council’s winter coat drive for children in need and an initiative to fulfill children’s wishes.
He highlighted a health-awareness lecture by Dr. Tarun Wasil; a consular assistance camp conducted with the Consulate General of India in New York, which served hundreds of visitors and addressed more than 200 inquiries; the annual picnic and a beach cleanup involving women and children; and the October 11 Cancer Awareness Walk at Eisenhower Park. Despite rainy weather, the walk drew approximately 450 participants and was supported by nearly 70 volunteers. He credited the Society’s directors, Women’s Council, volunteers and supporters for the work.
Navneet Sikka Sondhi Introduces the Honoree
Navneet Sikka Sondhi, APS Director and Master of Ceremonies, introduced the Punjabi Ratan Award and its 2026 honoree. She described Sant Singh Chatwal as an Indian-American entrepreneur of Punjabi Sikh heritage whose achievements in hospitality, philanthropic involvement and contributions to India–U.S. understanding made him a fitting recipient.
She noted that Chatwal founded Dream Hotel Group and helped develop brands including Dream Hotels, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels. Hyatt’s acquisition of the group’s hotel brands and management platform in 2023 marked a milestone in the enterprise he built. She also described his role as a founding trustee of the American India Foundation, his support for humanitarian causes, and his efforts to strengthen India–U.S. relations, including support for the civil nuclear agreement.
Navneet recalled his recognition with the Order of the Khalsa in 1999, the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2005 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010. She said his journey illustrated how initiative, ambition and service can inspire younger generations. A specially prepared five-minute video presentation then highlighted Chatwal’s life, career, philanthropy and achievements.
Harry Singh Bolla Discusses Bandi Chhor Diwas and His Mentor
Harry Singh Bolla spoke about the significance of Bandi Chhor Diwas, which commemorates the release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, from imprisonment, together with 52 princes. He reflected on its message of freedom, justice and compassion. Turning to the honoree, Bolla praised Sant Singh Chatwal’s accomplishments and described Chatwal as his mentor, adding a personal note to the tribute.
Eight-Member Selection Board Joins Award Presentation
All eight members of the Punjabi Ratan Award Selection Board remained on stage throughout the award ceremony: Chairman Gary S. Sikka and Board Members Mohinder S. Taneja, VPS Sikka, Paul S. Bindra, Ravinder P. S. Narang, Jaspal S. Arora, Pradeep Tandon and Navneet Sikka Sondhi.
The presentation took place in three parts. Harry Singh Bolla, the inaugural award recipient, presented the Punjabi Ratan medal to Sant Singh Chatwal. Ed Cox presented the award trophy. Gary S. Sikka and Babli Sikka jointly presented a commemorative plaque. The assembled selection board joined in recognizing Chatwal’s professional accomplishments, philanthropy and community contributions.
Sant Singh Chatwal Thanks APS and Praises Its Leadership
Accepting the honor, Sant Singh Chatwal expressed gratitude to the American Punjabi Society and its leadership, directors and selection board. He particularly praised APS’s work under Gary S. Sikka, noting the meaningful initiatives the organization had undertaken for the community. His remarks recognized the Society’s charitable activities, cultural programs and efforts to bring people together.
Gary S. Sikka’s Birthday Celebration
The gathering also celebrated Gary S. Sikka’s birthday, with family, friends, business associates and community members extending their good wishes. The birthday observance added a personal dimension to an evening already dedicated to appreciation and public recognition.
Paul S. Bindra Offers Vote of Thanks
Paul S. Bindra Vice President APS and a member of the award selection board delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed appreciation to Sant Singh Chatwal, Harry Singh Bolla, Ed Cox, the dignitaries, speakers, presenters, selection board, APS leadership, volunteers, organizers and guests. He also thanked Gary S. Sikka for his leadership and everyone whose efforts contributed to the evening’s success.
A Celebration of Achievement, Relationships and Service
The November 7 event brought together the appreciation of Mint and Pearl’s customers and business associates, APS’s recognition of a distinguished Punjabi-American achiever, and the birthday celebration of Gary S. Sikka. The combination of personal tributes, the five-minute video, the ceremonial presentations and fellowship made the evening memorable for those in attendance.
About the American Punjabi Society
The American Punjabi Society is a nonpolitical and nonreligious community organization devoted to Punjabi heritage, cultural understanding, charitable initiatives, health awareness and community service. Its programs seek to strengthen relationships and promote goodwill across communities.
(Based on a Press Release issued by Pradeep Tandon, Director, Media & Public Relations, American Punjabi Society)
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