The Indian Panorama

Tag: Dr. Vijay Prabhakar

  • FIA Sets New Benchmark for Cultural Excellence with Grand Republic Day Gala in Chicagoland

    FIA Sets New Benchmark for Cultural Excellence with Grand Republic Day Gala in Chicagoland

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) delivered a masterclass in community organization and cultural celebration this past Sunday, hosting a landmark India’s 77th Republic Day Gala at the Matrix Club. The event, held on January 25, 2026, was a powerful demonstration of unity, patriotism, and high-level collaboration, drawing distinguished guests from across the political and corporate spectrum.

    The evening’s success was driven by the strategic vision of the organization’s top executive leadership. Founder President & Chairman Sunil Shah, working in tandem with President Altaf Bukhari and President Richa Chand, orchestrated an event that not only celebrated heritage but also reinforced the FIA’s standing as a pillar of the Illinois community.

    A Convergence of Dignitaries and Stars

    The gala was graced by the legendary Bollywood actress and singer, Ms. Padmini Kolhapure, whose presence added sophisticated elegance to the evening.

    Auspicious beginnings for FIA 2026 Team with Lamp Lighting with FIA Leadership, Consul General Hon. Somnath Ghosh and prominent community leaders.JPG

    The event further solidified FIA’s diplomatic and civic relationships, with key dignitaries in attendance including:

    • Shri Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India, Chicago
    • US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • State Representative Stephanie Kifowit
    • Kevin Morrison, Cook County Commissioner
    • Mayor Tom Dailly (Schaumburg), and Mayor Rodney Craig (Hanover Park)
    • FIA Vice Chairman Neil Khot who is running for Congress in 8th
    • FIA Director Raj Pillai running for Will County Treasurer
    • Ajay Gupta, FIA Director running for State Representative in Illinois House District 41 

    Strategic Leadership and Key Addresses

    A highlight of the evening was the address by Founder & Chairman Sunil Shah. Acknowledging the energy of the room, Chairman Sunil Shah remarked: “Despite the bitter cold outside, the warmth of patriotism, unity, and joy has truly filled this venue.” He further outlined the organization’s evolving strategic structure, noting, “This year, due to the sheer size and capability of our team, FIA has appointed two Presidents. This dual-leadership structure is a deliberate move to ensure we keep the bar raised high and deliver excellence in every initiative we undertake.”

    The Legendary Bollywood Actress & Singer Receiving Award from Chairman Sunil Shah, President Altaf Bukhari, President Richa Chand, Past Presidents Rita Singh, Vinita Gulabani, Pratibha Jairath.

    Following this vision, both Presidents delivered impactful remarks. President Altaf Bukhari took the podium to thank the dignitaries and guests for their presence. In a moment of reflection, he expressed his profound pride in the FIA team’s hard work and stated that serving as President of such a dynamic organization is a distinct personal honor.

    President Richa Chand followed with an eloquent and inspiring speech that captivated the audience. She paid tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for Independence, drawing a powerful parallel to the present day. She remarked that anyone today who dedicates themselves to the service of their country or community is performing work no less significant than that of a freedom fighter. Calling for active participation, she stated: “If you belong to that category of individuals driven to serve, FIA is the one-stop shop to channel that passion into action.” She concluded by offering a touching tribute to her family, publicly thanking them for the unwavering support that empowers her to serve the community with such dedication.

    FIA Scholarship 2026 Winners Receiving Award from the Legendary Bollywood Actress & Singer Padmini Kolhapure ji.

    Operational Excellence & Team Synergy

    The leadership of President Altaf Bukhari and President Richa Chand was instrumental in mobilizing a robust support system. Their efforts were bolstered by Immediate Past President Ms. Anu Malhotra, Vice Chairman Mr. Neil Khot, and distinguished past presidents Vinita Gulabani, Pratibha Jairath, Hitesh Gandhi, Mukesh Shah, and Rita Singh. The entire Advisory Board and volunteer corps worked in unison to turn the vision into reality.

    Program Highlights: A Cultural Showcase

    The evening featured seamless stage management and meaningful moments of pride. Highlights included soul stirring renditions of the Indian National Anthem, “Jana Gana Man”, by Ms. Pratibha Jairath and the American National Anthem by Riddhika Gupta.

    L to R-Mayor Tom Dailly, State Representative Stepahanie Kifowit, FIA Chairman Sunil Shah, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Consul General Hon. Somnath Ghosh, FIA Vice Chairman Neil Khot, Mayor Rodney Craig.

    Vocal Performances: Outstanding performances were delivered by Mr. Jitendra, Mr. Dharmender Gill, Mr. Shivam Viswanathan, Ms. Manmeet Kaur, Ms. Sargam Kapoor, and a soulful Vande Matram song by Dr. Radhika Chimata.

    Dance Performances: The cultural vibrancy was elevated by energetic showcases led by Asha Mehta, Mona Kapoor, and Minoo Vasudevan.

    Special recognition was given to:

    • Shirlzar Dance Academy: Eli Rodriguez & Shirley Rodriguez and their team presented an inspiring patriotic dance performance.
    • Classical Odyssey: An exceptional dance performance by Dhruvika & Bheeni.

    Community Impact & Scholarship Awards, Launching FIA Scholarship Awards for Students in India also.

    Beyond entertainment, the evening upheld FIA’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. We are immensely proud of the scholarship initiative, supporting deserving students here and extending support to a student in India—a true reflection of FIA’s commitment to education and community upliftment. The FIA distributed scholarships to five deserving students in the US and one from India. The recipients included Ashritha Kukunooru, Pari Jain, Sandeep Pant, Aarush Parikh, and Anika Menta from Chicago, USA and one student, Khushi Makwana from India.

    The Glorious TEAM FIA 2026 Ready to win all challenges together!

    Also, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Chairman of Global Eye Magazine, honored Chairman Sunil Shah with a shawl for being a visionary leader and honored Anu Malhotra with the prestigious GLOBAL EYE RATNA SAMMAN AWARD 2026 with a Grand Peacock Medallion and a beautiful shawl, in recognition of her outstanding service to FIA as 2025 President and her selfless efforts toward uplifting humanity.

    Professional Execution & Teams

    The event’s flawless execution was driven by dedicated sub-committees:

    • Emcees: Shivam Viswanathan, Sakshi Sharma, Vinita Gulabani, and Dr. Radhika Chimata.
    • Registration: Led by Dinesh Kapoor with Sujatha Bhardwaj, Atul Wahi, Sujay Shah, Rajeev Ranjan, Sonal Shah, and team.
    • Creative & Media: Shivam Viswanathan.
    • Decor by Vinita Gulabani.
    • Media coverage led by Ajanta Talukdar, Swati Kukian, Manoj Rathod.
    • Technology/Marketing by Shivam Viswanathan.
    • Stage/ Award Management by Sonia Luther, supported by Suparna Dutta and Ajanta Talukdar, Raj Narayan.
    • Production: Sound by DJ Armaan (Saif Ali) and Melody Mahesh Kumar; Visuals by Suresh Bodiwala and Ramesh Punatar.
    • Secretariat: Ms. Kamlesh Kapoor and Mr. Anshul Bindal.
    • Logistics: Special appreciation to USA Cab & Limo and Dharmender Gill (Transportation/Hospitality), Shimla Peppers (Catering), and Beautiful Ideas by Neelam Jai (Wardrobe). Padmini Ji Hair & Makeup by Vinni’s Salon. 

    Sponsors

    The event was made possible through the generous support of: Sponsors: Pinky and Dinesh Thakkar, Shrujal Patel, Anil Loomba HMSI, Dr. Parag Doshi, Ketu Amin Vinakom, Brij Sharma Powervolt, Dr. Bhupinder Beri CROSSROADS Animal Hospital, Dr. Asha & Dr. Anil Oroskar, Dr Gautam Oroskar, & Ami Shah, OROCHEM, Ajeet Singh, MAFS, UMAS, Vaseekaran Janarthanam, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, AMEC Global Eye, Standard Home Care, and Syed Hussaini, Ghoman Group, Manish & Shailaja Gandhi, Medstar, INDIACO, Rely Svcs, Vinni’s Salon, SSS Entertainment, UPA, CORE Exteriors, Standard Homecare, Chicago Import Ashok Punjabi, World’s Money Exchange, Dimple’s Beauty Salon, Vidya Jyoti; Amar Upadhyay & Sanjay Vora representatives from other FIA 

    Closing and Vote of Thanks

    The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by the Secretarial Team, Ms. Kamlesh Kapoor and Mr. Anshul Bindal, who expressed gratitude to the sponsors, media, and volunteers for their tireless dedication. The night ended on a festive note with music, a cake-cutting ceremony, and camaraderie as Chairman Sunil Shah, President Altaf Bukhari, and President Richa Chand thanked the community for their unwavering support and reaffirmed the FIA’s promise to continue fostering culture, education, community and unity in the years to come. 

    (Based on a Press release issued by FIA / Suresh Bodiwala. Photographs: Asian Media USA)

  • Indian American social activist and community leader aims to combat gun violence in Chicago

    Indian American social activist and community leader aims to combat gun violence in Chicago

    CHICAGO (TIP): An Indian American social activist and community leader has taken some concrete steps to work towards combating the menace of gun violence especially in Chicago city.
    Dr Vijay Prabhakar has conceptualized and initiated the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence. The center that was launched this week aims to restore the reputation of Chicago as a city known for its impressive overarching skyline and beautiful landscapes that have helped it to secure a top spot in the World’s Best Cities list.
    It’s no longer a Chicago secret, that the local residents struggle with violence and gun related crimes. Shooting incidents are a common occurrence taking place at the South Side of Chicago’s Downtown area.
    The Englewood Community has especially suffered greatly in the past few years marred with similar incidents. Just in time and to commemorate the Black History Month, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP, a first of its kind institution was launched at Englewood, Illinois.
    Prabhakar, a public health professional hopes that this initiative will bring some long-term benefits in working towards the root cause of gun violence in the city.
    The initiative would also provide services like meditation, yoga, music therapy, color therapy, basketball coaching, group therapy, mobile food trailer, mental health services, mediation – crisis intervention and wellness screenings to reduce violence and crime.
    Additionally, focus will be on getting city vacant lands to be developed for vocational skill development. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also part of the center’s mission. Dr Twin Green, Chairperson, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence, said that the Englewood community can now breathe!
    “There have been so many opportunities, businesses and providers that have come to Englewood with the intent to do very, very well,” she said. “Then the air will go out and deflate but not the Gandhi King Center for Nonviolence.” “The resources that are going to come to this community are not going to deflate. We’re going to give the people of Englewood the opportunity to stabilize, to be able to receive the civil and economic rights that they deserve to have.”

  • Tackling Gun Violence in the Chicago Neighborhoods: The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP Launched at Englewood, IL

    Tackling Gun Violence in the Chicago Neighborhoods: The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP Launched at Englewood, IL

    CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Chicago City’s impressive overarching skyline and beautiful landscapes have helped it to secure a top spot in the World’s Best Cities list, but the local residents also know how their beautiful city struggles with violence and gun related crimes. These shooting incidents are a common occurrence taking place at the South Side of Chicago’s Downtown area and if you hear the news, you’ll know that the Englewood Community especially has suffered greatly in the past few years marred with similar incidents. And at this sensitive juncture, realizing the need of the hour, and to commemorate the Black History Month, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP, a first of its kind institution was launched at Englewood, IL on February 01, 2023.

    The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was conceptualized and initiated by Dr Vijay Prabhakar, fondly known as Dr VGP is a very highly acclaimed and a proven community leader who has always strived to bring social justice and equality across different ethnic and religious groups and is a big profounder of peace and harmony in the community. He is a Public Health Professional and a Graduate from Madras Medical College, 1982, MBBS, CPH, MPH, DD. He is also Chairman of GSA and Founder for AMEC Commission & MEATF community organizations.

    Toni Preckwinkle is Cook County Board President and was the honorary guest at this glorious celebration. She cut the ribbon to open the mobile community food pantry, which will also provide services like meditation, yoga, music therapy, color therapy, basketball coaching, group therapy, mobile food trailer, mental health services, mediation – crisis intervention and wellness screenings to reduce Violence and Crimes. Additionally focus will be on getting City Vacant lands to be developed, Vocational Skill Development and 24-hour Crisis hotline are part of the Center’s mission.

    Taking the stage, the Master of the Ceremony, Ambassador, Dr. Twin Green, Founder and President – The Link & Option Center, Inc., South Holland, Chairperson, the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence, Ambassador for the Citizens Alliance of Behavioral Health, declared that the Englewood community can now breathe! She added, “There have been so many opportunities, businesses and providers that have come to Englewood with the intent to do very, very well. Then the air will go out and deflate but not the Gandhi King Center for Nonviolence. The resources that are going to come to this community are not going to deflate. We’re going to give the people of Englewood the opportunity to stabilize, to be able to receive the civil and economic rights that they deserve to have.” To begin the program, Interfaith Prayers were held, which included, Christian Prayer by Chaplain Ylysses Ruff, Shepherd’s Hope; Islamic Prayer by Brother Dion, Community Activist; Hindu Prayer by Councilman Acharya Rohit Joshi, MEATF-7th CD-IL. Brian Anderson, Founder-CEO Shepherd’s Hope, was invited to deliver the Welcome Address. And the Opening Remarks were shared by Brother R-Raheen, Founding Director – Midwest Coalition to Stop Violence, Chicago. A solemn Tribute: was presented Christiana Gray 11-Year-Old Poet and Student – Calvin Christian Academy, South Holland.

    Toni Preckwinkle Cook County Board President, Dr Vijay Prabhakar Chairman of GSA and Founder for AMEC Commission & MEATF and Neal Patel, CEO Medstar Laboratories with invited guests.

    There were several Keynote Speakers invited at the event: Dr. Sriam Sonty, Vice President, Gandhi Memorial Foundation, who presented Deep Insights Into The Gandhi-King Legacy; Donald Dew, CEO Habilitative Systems, Inc., presented Perspective of the Plague of Violence in Chicago’s Englewood Area and the Westside of Chicago, Zoey Ma, Outreach Director-Brigitte G. House of Hope Foundation-Tri-Taylor Area, Chicago, spoke on How Vacant Lots Breed Crime & Violence in the Community. Dr. Abha Agarwal, Chief Medical Office of Humboldt Park Health, spoke on How Health Inequity Contributes to Violence & Crime, Dr Zenobia Sowel, Chair Bethel Mennonite Community Church, spoke on Inadequate Affordable Housing & Food Insecurity Spikes Violence & Crime In Chicago, Blue Pachecco-Cornejo, Founder Coach 3-B Basketball by Blue, spoke on Engaging Neighborhood Students & Youth.

    An impactful Presidential Address – Role of “The Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence” was delivered by Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, President-American Multiethnic Coalition, USA. He explained that the Action Speaks Louder Than the Words and now all the community work will definitely create a much needed harmony in the Englewood community and eventually other neighboring communities. He explained the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence strives to provide innovative resources to the community gatekeepers to reduce violence and promote peace in neighborhoods. He also acknowledged the generous contribution, a $10,000 Check to Shepherd’s Hope – by Neal Patel, CEO Medstar Laboratories.

    Dr Prabhakar then called upon the Guest of Honor, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles, who was invited for her support of gun violence reduction programs and her deft handling of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to confer the title “the Iron Lady of America.”.

    Regarding the choice of which individual should be chosen to launch the Gandhi King Center for Non Violence NFP, Dr VGP explained that, “We all decided we should have somebody who really believes and (walks the walk) of the principles of Gandhi and King, and that’s none other than the Iron Lady of America.”

    Guest of Honor Preckwinkle said nearly half of Cook County’s $8 billion budget goes toward health care, and that Cook County hospitals have some of the most well-regarded emergency room trauma centers in the country. “We train young people in the Navy for combat in our emergency room. The Navy sends young people to our emergency room to be trained so they will know what it’s like to treat combat wounds,” she said. “Now, we’re pleased that we’re able to help our military in this way. But it’s a tragedy that we have a hospital that’s equivalent to a military hospital where you’re treating gunshot wounds.”

    Preckwinkle’s spokesman Nicholas Mathiowdis said that although Cook County did not directly provide funds for this nonviolence center, the county does want to support and uplift gun violence prevention programs. “The county has re-imagined the way we look at gun violence, instead of looking at it as a crime and law issue, we are looking at it as a public health crisis,” said Mathiowdis.

    Cook County received $1 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act and has laid out plans for spending it on health and wellness, economic development and criminal justice.

    It is interesting to know that the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP was launched in February, very close in heels with significance to both the leaders, Mahatma Gandhi ji’s Shraddhanjali which was on Jan 30, 2023 and Martin Luther King, Jr’s Day on Jan 16 2023, this year. These two heroes with their message of Peace & Non-Violence are still relevant to our world today and we need them even more and they continue to inspire us with their strength and tenacity to endure and be brave to stand up against inequality and injustice violence and crime! Let us hope the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence NFP helps reduce gun violence, not just in Englewood, but also in the adjoining neighboring communities and eventually brings peace to the City of Chicago, and all US and the entire World at large!

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)

  • India’s Consul General at Chicago launches the first Gandhi King legacy roundtable summit

    India’s Consul General at Chicago launches the first Gandhi King legacy roundtable summit

    NAPERVILLE, IL (TIP):  The First Gandhi King Legacy Roundtable Summit was organized by the U.S. Congressional Multi Advisory Task Force (MEATF) of Congressman Danny K Davis in cooperation with Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) on Friday February 26 from 12 noon to 4pm.

    Ms. Vasavi Chakka, Commissioner, Naperville Sister Cities Commission moderating the Summit stated that this Summit is being held to Commemorate the Black History Month and Mahatma Gandhi’s73 Death Anniversary with the theme being, “Challenges of the Behavioral Health Crisis during the COVID pandemic.

    Dr. Mrs Santosh Kumar, Founder Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services welcoming the Roundtable Summit stakeholders said that this is the first time a Gandhi King Roundtable Summit is being held in Illinois State and stressed that the Summit is addressing the important issue of Behavioral Health and how to improve and increase the Behavioral Health Resources in our communities which is the most effective way to continue the legacy of the legends Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

    Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Founder Chairman of Congressman Danny K Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force in his opening remarks credited India’s Consul General at Chicago Amit Kumar for conceiving this historic Summit to honor Gandhi King’s Legacy. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, a public health expert said that America will face the gravest challenge from the behavioral health crisis in 2030 and hence all concerned citizens, elected officials, behavioral healthcare providers and other stakeholders should form a broad framework to work towards seriously addressing the challenges of behavioral healthcare.om/user/AsianMediaVideo/videos?view=1&flow=grid

    Ambassador Amit Kumar, Consul General of India at Chicago inaugurating the Summit said the greatest testament of the Gandhi King Legacy is the current strong ties between India, the largest democracy and USA, the Oldest democracy, at the highest levels and recalled the role of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership during the COVID pandemic. The supply of Indian made vaccines to several countries recently is yet another glowing example of India’s Prime Minister Modi’s global leadership, he added. CG Kumar thanked the organizers for hosting the Roundtable Summit on the Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King and to commemorate the Black History Month. He recalled that their life, message and philosophy continue to inspire us all, that life of Mahatma Gandhi was very closely followed in the US, referred to the historic visit of Dr. King to India in 1959 and efforts to spread the legacy of these two leaders. He referred to the Gandhi-King Scholarly Initiative Act passed by the US Congress in 2020 that was initiated by late Congressman John Lewis, another iconic figure in the civil rights movement. He thanked Representative Danny K Davis, for his strong support to India-US ties, and recalled his initiative to establish the Multi-Ethnic Advisory Task Force a decade ago to empower different ethnic communities in his district. He also acknowledged the exemplary contribution of the Indian American community in helping local communities in several ways during the Covid-19 period.”

    1. S. Congressman Danny K. Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force saluted India’s Consul General Amit Kumar for his vision in conceiving this Gandhi King Legacy Summit as a tribute to two great legends. The month of February is officially observed as BLACK HISTORY MONTH throughout United States and Gandhi’s 73rd Death Anniversary (Punyatihi /Shaheed Diwas) was on January 30. U.S. Congressman’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force presented Consul General Amit Kumar with an Official plaque for his initiative in conceiving this historic epoch making event. A brief video of Martin Luther King Jr speaking on Mahatma Gandhi was screened followed by Dr. Sriram Sonty, eminent Ophthalmologist, the Vice President of The Gandhi Memorial, Chicago eloquently describing the GANDH-KING Connection and its relevance to the present day.

    Consul General of India Amit Kumar along with Consul General of Japan Kenichi Okada at Chicago jointly presented the Gandhi King Legacy Award of Excellence 2021 to Dr. Steve Munsey, Founder, Family Christian Center, Munster, Indiana for his extraordinary leadership to the underserved communities of Northwest Indiana and the City of Chicago during COVID pandemic from June 2020 to present. Dr. Steve Munsey, Author, Pastor, Creative Director, and Producer giving the Dr. Gandhi King Legacy Oration 2021 extolled all the leaders to emulate the virtues of these two great legends by their actions in their day to day lives and implement life transforming programs with purposeful goals. Dr. Munsey spoke about the need to make Behavioral Health Care affordable and accessible to all especially the vulnerable sections of the community now.

    Marvin Lindsey, CEO, Community Behavioral HealthCare Association of Illinois delivered the Key Note Address. U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th-IL) in his remarks said, “I don’t need to tell you that this is Black History Month and this month, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King And I don’t need to tell you that Dr. King was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi of India. Now today, we are coming together to celebrate this joint legacy , one of nonviolence, one of justice, one of making sure everyone has a seat at the table, and that no one is on the menu . That is what today’s roundtable is all about.

    Dr. David Albert, Director, Division of Mental Health, Illinois Department of Human Services gave the Call to Action. Dr. David Albert said that the State Of Illinois runs Seven Psychiatric hospitals and funds 207 Community Mental Health Centers in the State of Illinois. Dr. Albert said that during the COVID pandemic, the need for special attention to the Senior Population and the Youth /Students population is engaging the department.

    The Gandhi King Legacy Roundtable Summit 2021 unanimously resolved to establish a Citizens Action Alliance For Behavioral Healthcare (CAABH) to nurture, enrich and empower behavioral healthcare providers while spreading awareness of behavioral healthcare resources in our communities. The Summit further resolved to launch a monthly publication on behavioral healthcare resources that features op-ed column by elected representatives, showcase community behavioral health programs, informative clinical updates and latest community behavioral health resource tools. The Summit called for monthly town hall meets of elected representatives, community leaders, behavioral healthcare providers and concerned citizens for behavioral healthcare as a constructive follow up. Dr Vijay Prabhakar , Founder Chairman of U.S. Congressman Danny K Davis’s Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force named Ms. Twin Green, CEO of THE LINK & OPTION Center, South Holland, IL as C.A.A. B.H.’s Ambassador for Southland of Illinois at the closing session of the Summit. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar thanked Dr. Terrence Chiramel of American Association of Multi Ethnic Physicians AAMEP-USA, Ms. Alli Dhanaraj of American Multi Ethnic Coalition AMEC, Charlie Dressner , Chief of Business Development, MEDSTAR Laboratory, Hillside, IL, Ms. Neelam Desai, Manager, MAFS Naperville Office, Adam Feldman, Senior VP, Ensoftek Inc, and Anil Kumar of The Global Eye, Digital News Magazine for all their support in organizing this First Gandhi King Roundtable Summit.

    Consul General Of Japan at Chicago, Kenichi Okada presented the Congressional MEATF Citations to MAFS Mahatma Gandhi Medal of Excellence 2020 recipients and Dr. Mrs Santosh Kumar, Founder of MAFS honored eight individuals with the MAFS Gandhi Medal of Excellence 2020. The 2020 MAFS Gandhi Medal of Excellence recipients who were honored are Dr. Tariq Butt, President , Chicago Medical Society , Dr David Albert , Director, Division of Mental Health , Illinois Department of Human Services , Donald Dew , President, Habilitative Systems Institute, Chicago , Professor Benneth Lee, Founder National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated, (NAEFI ), Ms. Arloa Sutter, Founder-Executive Director, Breakthrough Ministries, Chicago , Albert Holmes, Founder CEO, Elite House of Sober Living, Chicago Heights, IL, Ms. Vinita Gulabani , President, Indian American Cultural Association, Downers Grove, IL and Luke Tharasri, President, Maximon Behavioral Health , Los Angeles. Dr. Sreenivas Reddy, Vice Chair, Illinois Physician Disciplinary Board in his Closing remarks envisaged that this Gandhi King Legacy initiative on Behavioral Healthcare should be implemented globally and thanked the organizers Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force of Congressman Davis (MEATF), Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) and THE GLOBAL EYE, Digital News Magazine for hosting this historic Summit. Dr Reddy further added that the presence of the Visionary Consul General of India Amit Kumar and the energetic Consul General Of Japan Kenichi Okada is the new beginnings for a global collective action on behavioral healthcare.

    (Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)