The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Raj Bhayani

  • “Shahidon ko Shraddhanjali” – India’s 79th Independence Day Celebrated with Pride in Long Island, New York

    “Shahidon ko Shraddhanjali” – India’s 79th Independence Day Celebrated with Pride in Long Island, New York

    UNIONDALE, NY (TIP): The Indian community of Long Island came together to celebrate the 79th Independence Day of India, organized by Navika Capital Group and Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions at the Marriott Long Island. Over 1000 community members, local leaders, and distinguished guests attended, including Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, NY, and Satnam Singh Sandhu, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India.

    The celebration opened with the American and Indian national anthems, reflecting unity, respect, and the strong bond between the two nations. County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed the gathering, highlighting the contributions of Indian-American residents to in business, technology, and civic life. He acknowledged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nassau County, wished India a happy Independence Day, and officially declared Independence Day for India across Nassau County.

    Mr. Sandhu, who traveled from India especially for the event, expressed heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Indian-American community, saying he was “stunned” by their enthusiasm and patriotism and praised their efforts to keep Indian traditions alive abroad.

    Community leader Harry Singh Bola underscored the importance of unity, saying, “Our efforts will be meaningful only when we put our differences aside, represent India as one country, one people, one person equals the whole community.”

    Organizers and leadership reflected on the event’s significance. Naveen Shah, CEO, said, “I wanted to celebrate the birthday of India, our soil, our nation – this celebration shows the strength of our community, our culture, and our unity”. Haridas Kotahwala, Chairman, added, “It is our honor to celebrate India’s Independence Day with such pride. Including Janmashtami made the occasion even more special, reminding us of our national heritage and spiritual traditions.”

    The evening featured a vibrant cultural program that went beyond music and dance, presenting a theatrical storytelling of India’s independence struggle. Through songs, narration, and enactments, the performances highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters, revolts against colonial rule, and India’s ultimate triumph, leaving the audience deeply moved. The Nassau County Band added to the celebration by performing a parade around the Long Island Marriott, infusing the evening with energy and patriotism.

    The event opened with a powerful Sanskrit invocation led by Neha Bhansali, setting a reverent and celebratory tone for the evening and soulful performance of patriotic songs by Budh Prakash, renowned for international satsangs. The Independence Day proclamation was read by Varinder Bhalla, while Dr. Raj Bhayani and Madhu Pareek served as co-hosts, expertly guiding the program with grace and professionalism.

    Alongside Independence Day, the community also marked Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, with a special cake-cutting ceremony. Audience members whose birthdays fell on the same day were invited to join, adding a personal and heartfelt touch. A soulful bhajan session further enhanced the festive atmosphere before lively music and dance concluded the evening.

    Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner representing the culinary diversity of India, featuring flavors from the North, South, East, and West. Dignitaries along with our performers from India and the US were formally recognized for their contributions, underscoring the sense of community and shared pride that defined the event. As the event concluded, all attendees were presented with prasadam in the form of a sweet box for Janmashtami, generously sponsored by Dr. Deepak Nandi.

    Naveen Shah concluded the event with pride, unity, and a shared commitment to honor India’s independence while contributing positively to life in America.

    (Based on a Press Release issued by Neha Bhansali)

  • Pearl Banquet Hall and Convention Center in heart of Hicksville celebrates Grand Opening

    Pearl Banquet Hall and Convention Center in heart of Hicksville celebrates Grand Opening

    Ribbon cutting by the family: Dilsheet, Janessa, Alissa, Navneet Sikka, Bably Sikka, Sean Sikka, Gary Sikka, Sunny, Sondhi, and Rubal Sikka.
    Suffolk County Deputy Executive Jon Kaiman presenting a Proclamation on behalf of the County to Gary Sikka . L to R: Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Jon Kaiman, Naveen Shah, Mohinder TanejaSuffolk County Deputy Executive Jon Kaiman presenting a Proclamation on behalf of the County to Gary Sikka . L to R: Indu Jaiswal, Gary Sikka, Jon Kaiman, Naveen Shah, Mohinder Taneja.
    L to R: Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Sant Chatwal, Gary Sikka, Herman Singh.

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): As part of their mission to provide the best in the hospitality industry, PEARL Banquet Hall opened its doors on 23rd July 2023. More than 1100 guests attended to celebrate the occasion and to experience the majesty. brilliance, elegance, and grandeur of PEARL firsthand.
    The Grand Opening program started with Sukhmani Sahib Path, Kirtan and Ardaas, followed by sumptuous Langar Prasad that was catered by Mint.

    Harry Bolla (left ) congratulates Gary Sikka

    Rubal Sikka, the owner and President of Pearl said that with determination and perseverance, anything can be achieved. Pearl is a labor of love and brings an excellent dining experience in an atmosphere that is both tranquil and exhilarating.
    Gary Sikka, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Chef said that the 2000 Sq. feet building of Pearl stood in a 2-acre lot, with a spacious parking lot. The Banquet Hall has the capacity to host events for up to 400 people on the main floor. Another 100 can be accommodated on the second floor.
    Pearl is an extension of Mint known for their delicious food for the last 20 years. Pearl will offer not only all kinds of Indian cuisines, but it will also offer Continental, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican cuisines. The opulent ambience in gold tones and with beautiful chandeliers is a delight to look at.
    The unveiling of the Banquet Hall was attended by Mr. Sant Singh Chatwal, internationally renowned Hotelier, Mr. Harry Singh Bolla Chairman of the Billion Dollar Bolla Management Corporation, Mr. Naveen Shah, CEO of multibillion-dollar corporation Navika Capital Group, Dr. Pailla Malla Reddy, CEO of ScieGen Pharmaceutical Company, Mr. Jon Kaiman, Deputy County Executive, Suffolk County, many community leaders and social activists.
    Among the many who attended the Opening Ceremony were Mr. Mohinder Sigh Taneja, Mr. Zahid Syed, Mr. Shudh Prakash Singh, Mr. Varinder Sikka, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Mr. Harish Thakkar, Ms. Indu Gajwani, Ms. Indu Jaiswal, Ms. Beena Kothari, Ms. Bina Sabapathy, Mr. Deepak Bansal, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Thind, Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Dr. Rajinder Jinna, Dr. Vinny Jayam, Dr Raj Bhayani, Dr. Tarun Wasil, Dr. Avtar Singh Tinna, Mr. Satnam Singh Parhar, Mr. Govind Munjal, Mrs. Suman Munjal, Mr. Sunil Hali, Mr. Ajay Sondhi ,Mr. V Nagendra Gupta, and Mr. Jasbir Jay Singh. Mr. Sant Chatwal was full of admiration for the ambience of the place. Mr. Harry Bolla congratulated Mr. Gary Sikka for the “lovely place” which was the best in Long Island. Mr. Jon Kaiman presented a Proclamation o behalf of Suffolk County to Gary Sikka.

    The great place is open and ready to serve you. Why wait? Barge in today.

    Main lobby of Pearl
    Banquet Hall
    Buffet area
    Entrance
    Spacious 150 cars Parking lot
  • AAPI’s 17thGlobal Healthcare Summit Announced During Curtain Raiser in Delhi

    AAPI’s 17thGlobal Healthcare Summit Announced During Curtain Raiser in Delhi

    NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): “After the highly successful Global Healthcare Summit in Visakhapatnam last weekend, I am happy to announce that the 17th annual Global Healthcare Summit will be held in New Delhi from January 2nd to 4th, 2024,” Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) announced here during a Curtain Raiser held at the prestigious Constitution Club in New Delhi on January 9th, 2023.

    Organized under the leadership of Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Women’s Forum Chair of AAPI, the kickoff event and press conference was attended by nearly 50 journalists from the nation’s capital and several leaders of APPI, who had come all the way from the United States to be part of this important ceremony. Prominent among those who attended the event included Dr. Seema Arora, past BOT Chair of AAPI, Dr. Raghu Lolabhattu, vice chair of AAPI BOT, Dr. Gautam Samadder, past president of AAPI, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Dr. Raj Bhayani, and Dr. Joseph Chalil. Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Chair of AAPI’s Legislative Chair joined the meeting through a message of felicitation sent to the media and AAPI leadership.

    In her address, Dr. Anjana Samadder said, the theme for the next global healthcare summit will be “Maa Bachao,” meaning, protecting the mother, which will be a great way to strengthen families and humanity as a whole.

    Dr. Sushi Singh, chief guest at the event said, saving the mother and giving her due respect and honor is essential today more than ever. She pointed to the high infant mortality rate in India and urged all sections of society to work together to save girl children.

    Shri Karthikeyan, a decorated former IPS Officer, in his keynote address,  shared of the many sacrifices and contributions by the fraternity of doctors, and lauded them for their services to humanity, especially during the covid pandemic. He shared with the audience his personal experiences working with the most vulnerable people across society and urged everyone to work compassionately towards the poor and help uplift their lives.

    At the Delhi Press conference. From L to R: Dr. Anjana Samadder, Shri Karthikeyan, Dr. Sushi Singh , Dr. Udaya Shivangi

    In a message, Dr. Ravi Kolli, president of AAPI said, “The Global Healthcare Summit held annually in India across several states, has become a major contributing factor, where Indian American Doctors focus on various programs and policies in their efforts to make a huge difference in the delivery of healthcare in India.”
    “Coming from a nation that has given us so much, today Physicians of Indian origin have become a powerful influence in healthcare across the world,” said Dr. Shivangi.  “Nowhere in the world is their authority more keenly felt than in the United States. The overrepresentation of Indians in the field of medicine is striking – in practical terms, one out of seven doctors in the United States is of Indian Heritage. We provide medical care to over 40 million of the US population.”

    During an interactive session with the media persons who had filled the meeting venue, the leaders of AAPI shared with them of the numerous initiatives taken up by AAPI during the course of the past four decades in India as well as in the United States.

    “We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US, and in a very significant way to the transformation of Indo-US relations and help India to have a cost-effective, efficient and advanced healthcare delivery benefitting India’s 1.4 billion people,” they pointed out.

    The Global Health Summit held annually in India has been a major contributing factor by Indian American Doctors, focusing on various programs and policies, and making a difference in the delivery of healthcare in India.

    In addition to educational seminars/workshops on current topics, the GHS includes a well-organized CEO forum with a panel of eminent healthcare leaders from the US and India, reinforcing the need for preventive care rather than disease management, to control the non-communicable diseases which are the biggest silent killers.

    Areas of ongoing skill training, investment in infrastructure, modernizing healthcare delivery, and private-public collaboration specific to each state in the healthcare sector are discussed and specific plans laid out, which are sent in a White Paper report for follow up in the coming months.

    Over the past 17 years and beyond, AAPI leadership has been able to establish Collaboration and multiple medical organizations – ACP – FSMB – ECFMG – NMC (India) – IMA (India) – GAPIO – UNICEF – Red Cross Society – CWC – Lifestyle Medicine – MDTok – Apollo Groups, only to name a few. These connections and collaborations are vital for us to stay connected and make a powerful impact on our communities.

    Through AAPI’s charitable activities with service to our motherland as the motto, AAPI has several programs in India and the United States.  Despite the Covid challenges of Delta and Omicron waves, in spite of limited resources, AAPI blood donation drives were done in several cities with several of them organizing multiple events.

    Journalists at the press conference

    Among several other initiatives, AAPI’s “Adopt a village” Rural Preventive Healthcare Screening Initiative in India, where free health screening camps with free physician consultations were done in several Indian rural villages in the middle of Covid pandemic.

    Continuing the efforts towards the Covid-19 Fund – Post-Covid Relief Activities, AAPI has raised over $5 million during the delta wave in India. The ongoing Covid-19 relief work in India is in progress, donating lifesaving equipment to support critically ill patients – Biochemical Analyzers, Ventilators, Oxygen Flow Meters, and Oxygen Plants. The funds will continue to support Covid patients in rural hospitals. Since its inception 40 years ago, AAPI has served as a link to foster stronger US-India relations and has been lauded by the governments of both nations for their great achievements and contributions.

    “We urge you to be part of this event in January 2024 and help create awareness and reach our services to the neediest in India and the United States,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder. For more details about AAPI and its many noble initiatives, please visit: www.aapiusa.org