The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Sunil Kaza

  • AAPI Mourns the Passing Away of Dr. Sampat Shivangi

    AAPI Mourns the Passing Away of Dr. Sampat Shivangi

    “Dr. Shivangi has left an indelible mark on the Indian American community”: Dr. Satheesh Kathula

    CHICAGO (TIP): “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing away of Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential Indian American community leader, and a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI),” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI.

    Describing Dr. Shivangi as “A trailblazer of the Indian Diaspora,” Dr. Kathula, who has known Dr. Shivangi for decades and has worked closely in several AAPI-led initiatives, said, “Dr. Shivangi has left an indelible mark on the Indian American community. Over the decades, he dedicated his time and efforts to serving AAPI and numerous other Indian American organizations. His leadership, vision, and tireless commitment to advocating for the community set him apart as a pillar of strength and guidance.”

    “AAPI is proud of Dr. Shivangi’s numerous accomplishments, leadership, and contributions to the greater cause of the Indian Diaspora, Indo-US relationship, and particularly for his dedication to enhancing the mission of AAPI,” said Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI Borad of Trustees.

    Among many other initiates that Dr. Shivangi led at AAPI during his decades long association, the most outstanding has been his leadership in organizing the annual Legislative day under several Presidents of AAPI. He was instrumental in personally contacting and inviting several lawmakers, including prominent US Senators and Congressman to the Legislative day.

    Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President-Elect of AAPI said, “The Indian American community has lost a great leader, philanthropist, and friend whose contributions will continue to resonate for generations. Through his philanthropic efforts, Dr. Shivangi touched countless lives, always striving to make a positive impact both in the healthcare sector and within the broader community.

    Dr. Shivangi has been actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with Blind Foundation of MS, Diabetic, Cancer and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has a number of philanthropic works in India including Primary & middle schools, Cultural Center, and IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtain the first ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans.

    It was only about a month ago that the President of India, Droupadi Muramu inaugurated the newly built Dr. Sampat Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital in Belagavi, Karnataka. Spanning 1,75,000 square feet with a capacity of 300 beds, the hospital was built with cutting-edge technology with funds donated and raised by Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a distinguished Indian American community leader with a profound impact on healthcare, education, and cultural preservation across India and the United States.
    “A dream comes true! It fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude for the new state-of-the-art Dr. Sampat Kumar S Shivangi Cancer Hospital in my beloved home state, Belagavi, has finally become a reality,” Dr. Sampat Shivangi, who donated his family fortunes to build this much needed, cancer hospital in a rural region in the state of Karnataka, said here. “Having lived in India for three decades, in not so privileged and progressive parts of the world, it always touched my heart and Atma why so and why not we all have equal playing field on earth,’ Dr. Shivangi said, when asked about what led him to his decision to donate his money, time, efforts and skills.

    “During my years in hospitals as a student, resident and staff, I was devastated. I had a great desire to do something that helps people, including for the need to establish a cancer hospital in my native town, where people have to travel hundreds of miles away for such a treatment and possibly could not afford the travel, stay, or medical expenses.”

    Dr. Shivangi contributed immensely “to the greater cause of the Indian Diaspora, Indo-US relationship, and particularly for his dedication to enhancing the mission of AAPI”, said Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI Borad of Trustees. He was recognized for his contribution at the highest levels. In this picture he is seen receiving the coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the then President of India, Pranab Mukherji

    Describing the goals of the Cancer Hospital and the Charitable Foundation, Dr. Shivangi, a soft-spoken physician says, “The Charitable Foundation was set up several years ago to establish, promote, and provide the needy and the downtrodden fellow human beings with opportunities to access quality education, promote mental health awareness, ensure healthcare equity, support tribal communities in their holistic development, empower women to break barriers, and leverage sports as a catalyst for positive change.”

    In addition to establishing the Dr. Sampat Kumar S. Shivangi Cancer Hospital in Karnataka, through the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation, Dr. Shivangi has established multiple charitable institutions in India, including primary and middle schools, community halls, and healthcare facilities, greatly enhancing educational and healthcare access for underserved communities.

    In the U.S., Dr. Shivangi has contributed to establishing a Hindu Temple in Jackson, Mississippi, providing a cultural and spiritual hub for the Hindu community and beyond. Recognized for his exemplary service, a street in Mississippi bears his name, a testament to his contributions to healthcare and community welfare.

    Over the years, in the pursuit of its vision, the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation has come to be known for its belief and tireless efforts that every individual deserves an opportunity to thrive, and is a beacon of hope, fostering resilience and building a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.

    At the heart of societal transformation, the Dr. Sampat Shivangi Foundation stands as a testament to unwavering commitment and compassion. The foundation is built upon the pillars of education, healthcare, mental well-being, tribal support, women’s empowerment, and sports development. With a profound understanding of the multifaceted needs of underprivileged communities, we have designed a range of initiatives that address these vital aspects of human well-being.

    As the first Indian American to serve on the Board of the Mississippi State Department of Mental Health, Dr. Shivangi has made significant strides in mental health advocacy. His leadership extends to national positions, serving on the National Board of Directors for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), appointed by Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

    Dr. Shivangi was a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). From L to R: AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Dr. Sampat Shivangi.

    A dedicated advocate for Indo-U.S. relations, Dr. Shivangi has contributed to key initiatives, including the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, collaborating with President George W. Bush to strengthen ties between the two nations. His commitment to India is further reflected in his coordination efforts with the White House to lift sanctions against India during President Bill Clinton’s administration.

    A recipient of numerous awards, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, The US Congressional Recognition Award, the Ellis Medal of Honor Award, Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indo-American Press Club, Dr. Shivangi’s legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to improving lives through healthcare, philanthropy, and international diplomacy.

    Dr. Shivangi said, he always thought about why, the Indian Americans especially, the Physician fraternity, consisting of more than 100,000 physicians in the United States are not willing to undertake philanthropy in their homeland or in USA. “My hope and prayers is that, many more will follow me just as my dream has come true today. I urge my fellow Indo-American physicians to join this movement and help change the world for the better. My humble request is that let us be the change, and bring this movement to make our world different tomorrow. I hope my prayers will be answered one day and all humanity lives in a better world.”

    Dr. Shivangi is married to Dr. Udaya S. Shivangi, MD, and the couple are blessed with two daughters: Priya S. Shivangi, MS (NYU); and Pooja S. Shivangi, who is an Attorney at Law. “His legacy will remain an inspiration for all who knew him, and his absence will be deeply felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” Dr. Kathula said.

  • Dr Sunil Kaza claims he is duly elected Chair of the AAPI Board of Trustees

    Dr Sunil Kaza claims he is duly elected Chair of the AAPI Board of Trustees

    Calling some published press reports about the BOT Chair election misleading, Dr Kaza looks forward to an amicable resolution

    NEW YORK (TIP): Dr Sunil Kaza, an eminent cardiologist who has served in many leadership roles in AAPI and outside AAPI and is currently on its Board of Trustees (BOT), claims he was duly elected as the BOT Chair for the year 2024-25 on June 8, 2024. The election took place at a properly convened meeting of the Spring Governing Body of AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), as per the Bylaws of AAPI, at Mint restaurant in Garden City, NY with a full quorum. According to Dr. Kaza, 24 of the 25 who voted “in person” in the secret ballot endorsed his candidature.

    “The election was conducted candidly and transparently by the sitting BOT Chair Dr. Lokesh Edara. The documentation, including meeting minutes, was sent soon after to the AAPI office,” Dr Kaza recounted to this correspondent on the phone. He is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair of the Board of Trustees, confirmed in a phone call that he conducted the meeting at which Dr Kaza was declared elected BOT Chair for 2024-25. There were two other candidates. Michigan-based Dr Edara adds that Dr Kaza’s election was “further ratified” on June 19 by a majority of the Board of Trustees.

    The majority of the Board stands by the results of the BOT Chair election conducted on June 8 at Spring Governing Body and affirms Dr. Kaza as the Incoming BOT Chair. Yet, Dr Kaza’s election to the prestigious position of the reputed national organization has been disputed. He says, “A second, unconventional, alternate duplicate election was conducted by the AAPI President. The President traditionally is not supposed to get involved in the BOT Chair election. It was done via Election Buddy software in an “extremely cryptic” manner without declaring who received the ballots and who voted.”

    The AAPI Bylaw No. 5.5 (D) states that the BOT Chair will be elected by the Governing Body members (although until last year, for 40 years since the inception of AAPI, only BOT members elected their Chair).

    Dr. Kaza argues that many legitimate Governing Body members did not get the ballot in the alternate duplicate election conducted by the President. Several discrepancies were found in the alternate duplicate election and have been reported to all concerned.

    Some Indian community papers have published misleading press releases about the alternate duplicate election result. This may be premature because AAPI traditionally announces its new Chair of the Board of Trustees during its annual convention, which has been renamed World Health Congress and is scheduled for July 18-22 in New York. Dr Kaza is still hopeful of a resolution to the contested election. “The senior leaders in the organization can initiate a dialogue with the parties involved, hash out the differences and reach a compromise. In precedence from a few years ago, when a similar impasse occurred, both Chairs of the Board of Trustees agreed to share the term for six months each. Dr. Kaza is confident of a resolution because both parties have an interest in working for the betterment of the organization.

    “I would like to work with everybody, the Executive Committee and Board and continue to do the right thing for the organization and move it forward,” he says.

    “I’ll continue to work on charitable and educational activities, mentoring students and Residents.”

    As BOT Chair, Dr Kaza is raring to implement AAPI’s ongoing projects in India, such as promoting the HPV vaccine to reduce cervical cancer deaths, growing CPR awareness that can save lives, and strengthening free health clinics nationwide.

    Dr Kaza has served in many leadership roles in AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization, including on its Board of Trustees (2022-25). He has practiced as an interventional cardiologist for 23 years in Nashville and is currently serving veterans who served the country. He is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Echocardiography.

    He has held leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Medicine, Chief of Staff at Skyline Medical Center, and Board Member and Director of Interventional Cardiology. He has also been on the board of Cigna Medicare Advantage Plan. Hyderabad-born and educated, Dr. Kaza has been the Regional Director of OGKTMA (Osmania, Gandhi, Kakatiya, and Telangana Medical Colleges Alumni Association).

    With his motto of ‘Manava Seve, Madhava Seva’, Dr. Kaza’s charitable and philanthropic activities have spanned many years in America and India. He has personally donated over $500,000 to various causes. He raised significant funds for Covid relief in India. As Fundraising Chair for Sri Ganesha Temple in Nashville for 15 years, he collected over $5 million for temple expansion. As Convener of the AAPI GB meeting, he raised another $80,000 to fight human trafficking in India. Recently, as President of ATMGUSA (Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in the USA), he partnered with Ekam USA and raised over $40,000 to empower women and children in India.

    Dr Kaza can be contacted by email at: sunilkaza@hotmail.com

  • Indian American Association of physicians elect new leaders

    Indian American Association of physicians elect new leaders

    NEW YORK (TIP): The new leadership team of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), headed by President-elect Dr. Ravi Kolli, is set to take over during its 40th annual convention in San Antonio, Texas in June.

    Dr. Kolli did not have to contest the election this year as he has been serving as the President-elect during the past year. Dr. Anjana Sammadar, AAPI Vice President, also automatically becomes the President-Elect of AAPI for 2022-23.

    Nine new office bearers were announced Sunday after elections for the year 2022-23 for AAPI leadership positions by Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, current President of AAPI, and Dr. Sajani Shah, AAPI’s Chief Election Officer, according to an AAPI press release.

    They are:
    Dr. Satheesh Kathula as Vice President
    Dr. Meherbala Medavaram as Secretary
    Dr. Sumul Raval as Treasurer
    Dr. Kavita Gupta, Dr. Sunil Kaza, and Dr. Malti Mehta as members of AAPI’s Board of Trustees for a three-month year term.
    Dr. Pooja Kinkhabwala as President, AAPI Young Physicians Section (YPS)
    Dr. Ammu Susheela as President of AAPI- Medical Student/Residents & Fellows Section (MSRF).

    Dr. V. Ranga will serve as the Chair, AAPI Board of Trustees for the year, 2022-23 and Dr. Gotimukula will continue to guide AAPI as the Immediate past President of AAPI.

    “I want to thank AAPI members who enthusiastically participated in the AAPI’s electronic voting process that was held over a period of nearly a month and have elected a new and dynamic team to lead AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States in the coming year and beyond,” Dr. Gotiumukula said.

    “As the incoming President of AAPI, I would like to congratulate my incoming new team for the fiscal year 2022-23,” said Kolli.

    “I’m very honored and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility of leading the four decades old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights,” he added.

    “I am looking forward to working towards strengthening the goals and mission of AAPI and to help make AAPI a healthcare leader in US and globally and work in the best interests of our Physicians and our community here in the US and serve our motherland, India,” Kolli said.

    Vice President-elect Dr. Satheesh Kathula said, “We will work together to promote our values of professionalism, collegiality, and excellence in patient care and enhance AAPI’s reputation as a premier professional organization offering educational programs and advocacy.” “Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been in the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 100,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin,” said Dr. Gotimukula.