NEW YORK (TIP): The Federation of Indian Associations of USA (FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE) has completed its annual internal review and selection process, led by the independently appointed 2026 Election Commission consisting of Alok Kumar, Jayesh Patel and Kenny Desai. The Commission’s recommendations received full board approval, and the newly confirmed 2026 Executive Team will assume office on January 1, 2026.
Sreekanth Akkapalli was unanimously selected to lead the 2026 Executive Team, succeeding outgoing President Saurin Parikh. Continuing in their roles from the previous team are Vice President Priti Ray Patel and General Secretary Srishti Kaul Narula. As part of this year’s restructuring, the Election Commission and FIA Board streamlined the Executive Team and will expand the Council. Shah Accountants, an independent CPA firm, will serve as the organization’s treasurer.
FIA Board of Election
Akkapalli is a distinguished entrepreneur whose portfolio spans real estate development, technology, media, and diaspora engagement in both the United States and India. His business ventures encompass multinational software development, transit technology consulting, life sciences, IT and cloud computing, sports manufacturing, and premium furniture design, demonstrating both strategic vision and strong operational leadership.
In his remarks as President-Elect, Sreekanth expressed gratitude for the Board of Trustees’ support, noting that he felt “blessed and happy” to receive their confidence. He thanked Chairman Ankur Vaidya for welcoming him into FIA and helping him find “a larger family” within the organization, and extended his appreciation to the Board, Trustees, advisory members, and executive colleagues for their warm reception.
Recognizing the historic significance of becoming the first individual from his home state to hold this position, he affirmed his commitment to serve with integrity and purpose. Akkapalli assured the Board and the wider FIA community of his dedication to advancing the organization, strengthening its flagship initiatives, and developing programs that foster deeper community engagement.
Senior leaders and long-time members warmly endorsed his selection, with one veteran member praising Mr. Akkapalli’s honesty, hard work, integrity, and long-standing commitment, and calling his appointment a historic and forward-looking step that reflects FIA’s growing regional diversity in leadership.
300 community members in New Jersey gathered to showcase unity, cultural pride, and recognition of diaspora leadership.
EDISON, NJ (TIP): The Indian American community delivered a powerful testament to cultural unity and national pride on September 22, 2025, as distinguished leaders gathered in New Jersey to honor Shri Parshottam Rupala, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister. The exclusive Community Reception transformed a prestigious gathering into an extraordinary celebration of enduring bonds connecting India’s diaspora to their homeland.
The atmosphere pulsed with energy as community leaders, professionals, and families converged, their collective achievements serving as living proof of the Indian American success story. The event brought together an impressive roster of dignitaries and respected community stalwarts.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, revered as the “Lion of Saurashtra” for his three decades of unwavering public service, delivered a compelling address that resonated deeply with attendees. “You embody the spirit of modern India,” Shri Rupala declared. “Your achievements on American soil reflect the limitless potential of our motherland and strengthen the ties that bind our nations together.”
Happy Birthday to Shri Narendra Modi
Mr. Ankur Vaidya, Chairman of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, offered passionate remarks in Gujarati, honoring Shri Rupala’s dedication to Gujarat and India. Vaidya’s heartfelt address highlighted how the Modi government’s visionary diaspora policies have revolutionized India’s relationship with its overseas communities, creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration.
Mr. Kenny Desai, Past President of FIA, delivered an emotionally charged tribute, recounting Shri Rupala’s journey from his early inspiration during the “Jan Seva Yatra” at age 13 to his current parliamentary role. Desai captured the essence of Shri Rupala’s philosophy through Zaverchand Meghani’s poetic wisdom: relentless progress “one step ahead, beyond the chest of the sea,” symbolizing unwavering commitment to national service.
Dr. H.R. Shah, Chairman of TV Asia, brought historical perspective, tracing Gujarat’s proud legacy of producing national leaders. His remarks connected Gujarat’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle with its continued leadership in the modern era, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Mr. Piyush Patel emphasized how under Modi’s leadership, Gujarat has achieved the distinction of being India’s number one state. He praised Shri Rupala’s 34 years of dedicated political service, highlighting his unwavering commitment as a “pure BJP man” who has consistently served party and nation with distinction.
FIA President Saurin Parikh added his voice to the testimonials, reinforcing the community’s unified support for India’s parliamentary leadership, while FIA Convenor Mr. Sreekanth Akkapalli warmly welcomed attendees during the Navratri season, emphasizing how the community’s presence transformed the reception into a genuine homecoming.
Dr. Avinash Gupta, Past President of FIA, represented the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple USA and multiple community organizations, bringing scholarly perspective and emphasizing the importance of preserving the Indian American narrative for future generations. The cultural richness was enhanced by Abhesinh Rathod’s stirring rendition of the beloved Gujarati song “Mor Bani Thangat Kare,” which speaks to cultural pride and resonated deeply with the diaspora audience.
The reception, meticulously organized by Federation of Indian Associations NY NJ CT NE in collaboration with prominent organizations including Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, GANA, BJANA, TV9 USA, TV Asia, Parikh Worldwide Media, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple USA, UPFNA, FISANA, World Vegan Vision, Sai Datta Peetham and SPCS, represented more than ceremonial recognition. It embodied the living relationship between India and its diaspora – a community excelling in their adopted homeland while remaining deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister is being honored. Seen in the picture, from L to R: Ankur Vaidya, Kenny Desai, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Saurin Parikh
The highlight came with the presentation of a special proclamation to Hon. Rupala, acknowledging his tireless service and role in strengthening India-diaspora relations.
As attendees departed with renewed appreciation for their dual identity as proud Americans and passionate advocates of India, the event reinforced that the Indian American community continues serving as cultural ambassadors, strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
This gathering demonstrated how shared values of excellence, service, and cultural pride drive the community’s remarkable success story, ensuring distance cannot diminish the bonds uniting India with its global family.
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Federation of Indian Associations (NYNJCT&NE) warmly welcomed the new Consul General of India, New York, Shri Binoy S. Pradhan. The FIA delegation first extended a heartfelt welcome to the Honorable Consul General on behalf of Chairman Ankur Vaidya and the entire FIA team in New York. The delegation comprised President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Kenny Desai, Anil Bansal, Anand Patel, and Alok Kumar. The FIA team has pledged its full support to the Consul General, assuring him that they will stand behind every initiative that benefits the community. Consul General Mr. Pradhan reciprocated, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the consulate remains accessible to the community under all circumstances.
Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph informed the Honorable Consul General about the overwhelming support from the larger community towards the consulate. He also highlighted the significant contributions made by FIA to the community and their steadfast support.
Dr. Avinash Gupta extended an invitation to Hon. CG and DCG to participate in the “Dance Pe Chance” event on February 10th, one of the largest dance competitions organized by a community organization. The event aims to connect the younger generation with our culture and celebrate Republic Day.
Hon. Consul General Shri Binaya S. Pradhan expressed gratitude to all team members for braving the inclement weather to visit the consulate and extend such a warm welcome. Dr. Parikh assured the CG of FIA’s unwavering support to the consulate.
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