The Indian Panorama

Tag: The Association of Indians in America

  • Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrates 50th Anniversary

    Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrates 50th Anniversary

    GARDEN CITY, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, the grassroot  national organization   had  a fabulous  Celebration  to mark its   50th  Anniversary  on Dec 1st  at Garden City Hotel,  Long Island NY.

    About 400 people attended the event. The event was graced by Congress man Tom Suozzi, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi , Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty  and Padma  Bhushan Anupam Kher

    Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy,
    Congressman Tom Suozzi
    Dr. Urmilesh Arya President national AIA
    Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty,

    The event  started with Invocation by   Mrs.  Geeta Setia, followed by  American Anthem by  Riti Sunshine Bhalla and Indian Anthem by a group of Indian ladies

    Chairperson and MC Ravi Bhooplapur  was introduced  by Dr. Budhadev Manvar. He described  the achievements of the gala chair. 

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated AIA in  a special message of greetings on the occasion. He praised the Association for its pioneer work for Indian community in America and its projects for India

    President of the Association Dr. Urmilesh Arya was introduced by  Past Board of Trustees and past president  Animesh Goenka who said  Dr. Mrs. Arya has passion for philanthropy, charity and community services. 

     President  Urmilesh Arya said in her address that  AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those  immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian heritage and American commitment.   She said this celebration is a special occasion of remembrance and reflection,  a time to revisit the vision of founders. 

    Immediately after founding the Association, the primary goal was to develop a vision and a mission to provide a unique service impacting life of each and every member of the  Indian immigrant community. She  said, “We are proud of our past accomplishment   and are aware of the future challenges”. 

    She said our community has been very successful, because of highly educated, motivated and talented individuals.

    India has placed highest premium on scholarship. Bhagvat  Gita says Na hi Jnanena sadarsham pavitraihe vidyate, means nothing purifies like knowledge  

    (L to R): Mr Ravi Bhooplapur, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Mr Anupam Kher, Dr Budhadev Manvar, Mr Surinder Rametra, Dr Yashpal Arya

    AIAhas played crucial role in getting minority status and reclassification for Indian immigrants 

     She further explained how AIA has been a pioneer in serving causes of Indians in America, addressing their issues related to professional licensing, immigration, racial and professional discrimination, civil rights and many more.

    The association  has raised a substantial funds for natural calamities in India  and USA and sent medical equipment to various needy hospitals  in  India. Its PROJECT  INDIA   has been actively involved in HIV prevention and treatment in India. 

    She emphasized and encouraged the youth to get involved with the association so that the AIA  torch can be transferred to them. 

    She explained her future plan for prevention and treatment of Blindness in children in India especially those who are underprivileged and women empowerment in remote villages of India further enhancing children’s   wellbeing.

     Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted the  improvement in the economy of India and the strong relationship between  India and America. He applauded  the achievements of  Indians in America in all walks of life , praised the good work the  AIA  is doing  and  sais  his office is open for any help the consulate can give .

    Congressman Tom Suozzi explained about the hardships and discrimination faced by most of the first immigrants from various countries like Italy , Greece,  etc., in America. But their  hard work made their dreams come true.

    Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy was the keynote speaker. He advised and stressed upon participation in the political process. He said at present there are 4 Indian in the US Congress. He hoped s that he will see more Indian origin faces in the Congress in coming years.

    Assembly member Andrew Raia from District 12, and Town Supervisor of Huntington   NY   Chad Lupincci  also joined , and appreciated the work of  Indian community in America . They said America is a melting pot  where people from different countries  and different cultures come and become part of   American life.

     Dr. Arthur A . Klein was honored in absentia. He  was held back because of a family emergency. His award was received by  Vice president of Mount Sinai Health Network  Mr. Sean Healy

    Past Trustee of the Board and past president Dr. Narendra  Kukar awarded  for his dedicated services to AIA . In his address, he gave the history of AIA. 

    Guest of honor Padma  Bhushan Anupam Kher  entertained the audience with his childhood stories and advised not to get depressed in the face of  failure,  but make it an incentive. He said, “Success then will be yours”.  

    A Video projection  on history of  AIA  and an instrumental performance of Rudra Band were greatly appreciated. 

    The  Herculean task of fundraising was done by Dr. Yash Pal Arya. Chairperson of the Media Committee Smiti  Khanna and Co-Chair Indu Jaiswal  coordinated  well with  media. The event was well organized  and coordinated  by Chairperson Ravi Bhooplapur , Co-chair  Dr.Buddhadev  Manvar and   Surinder  Rametra 

    The Association of Indians in America is extremely thankful to the Sponsors –  Mt. Sinai  Hospital and Wyckoff Heights  Hospital.  

    (Based on a Press Release)

     

          

     

      

     

     

      

     

       

  • Bharat Patel, Dr. Jagat Narula, Ms. Kalpana Patel, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, Dr. Preeti Mehta, Vaibhav Chhabra Honored at AIA-NY Deepavali Benefit Gala

    Bharat Patel, Dr. Jagat Narula, Ms. Kalpana Patel, Dr. Nilesh Mehta, Dr. Preeti Mehta, Vaibhav Chhabra Honored at AIA-NY Deepavali Benefit Gala

    LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) held its Benefit Gala in support for its 31st Annual Deepavali Festival at Leonard’s Palazzo in Long Island on September 22, 2018. The Gala was attended by numerous respected individuals, past presidents of AIA, Community Leaders and dignitaries including members of the media and sponsors that have showcased their continued commitment and support for the Deepavali Festival. Among the prominent people attending the Gala were Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parekh, Mr. Chintu Patel, Co-Chairman of Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Regional Manager Air India, Mrs Vandana Sharma.

     The 31st Annual Deepavali Festival will take place at the South Street Seaport on Sunday October 7thfrom 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks. The event is one of the largest in the tri-state area, attracting over 70,000 to 100,000 people. Festival of Deepavali meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’.  It signifies the triumph of ‘Good over Evil’. The festival will be a full day celebration with numerous corporate booths, food & clothing vendors, performances and activities for the whole family including a live grand display of fireworks.

    Among the individuals honored at the Gala were CEO of Sun Development and Management Corp, Mr. Bharat Patel; Cardiologist, Professor and Associate Dean at the Icahn School of Mount Sinai, Dr. Jagat Narula; President and CEO of Unique Comp Inc., Ms. Kalpana Patel and Gastroenterologists and President & CEO of Digestive Disease Care; Drs. Nilesh and Preeti Mehta. Special Recognition Plaque for Innovation and Entrepreneurial ship was awarded to a young founder of a non-profit Venture called “Maker’s Asylum”; Mr Vaibhav Chhabra. Distinguished Community Service Award was presented to Asmita Bhatia and DIVYA Shah for their exemplary service of over 25 years. The evening comprised of cocktails, light entertainment and special performances followed by sumptuous dinner.

    Honorees

    This is the 31styear of Deepavali of the Association of Indians in America. The highlights of 31stDeepavali 2017 will include Naach Inferno returning to the stage of Deepavali with college and university teams from around the Tri-State area as they showcase dances fusing both East and West cultures. Presented by Star Bharat, the competition will be showcased globally.

    The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

    This year, AIA-NY’s 31st Deepavali celebrations are going to be held on Sunday Oct 7, 2018 at the South Street Seaport. While Ronald McDonald personally coming to entertain the kids, the Young Celebrity Singers Jaz Dhami, famous for his Bollywood Hit Song “High Heels” and Shilpi Paul, famous for her “Naughty Billo” Hit song are going to entertain their parents and rock the stage.

    For more info, please find us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theaiany.org.

    (Based on a Press Release)

  • AIA Organizes Desi Next Bowling Event to promote networking among young families

    AIA Organizes Desi Next Bowling Event to promote networking among young families

    LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) organized its first Bowling Event under its recently launched cultural exchange group called “Desi Next” at AMF Syosset Lanes in Long Island on Saturday March 31, 2018 to promote Networking within young families while having fun in relaxed environment. Over 100 young enthusiasts along with their families and children attended the event. All guests were introduced with each other and their families to encourage conversation between them and get to know each other while bowling and having food and fun. Everybody enjoyed a lot and complimented the organization and the young team of Rajeev, Anuj and Atul for arranging such fun filled event, which was a huge success.

    AIA NY Chapter has been striving hard to bring programs focused on young generation with a view to attract children and youth population. To name a few, Activities like the Intercollegiate Dance Competition called “Naach Inferno”, and bringing Neel Sethi, the Hollywood child star of the Disney movie “The Jungle Book”.

    We have been trying to continue to expand and strengthen youth development programs and activities and have been working towards energizing our youths, while understanding their concerns, said Gobind Munjal, the president of AIA NY Chapter. We try to give the young adults the autonomy to build their programs that suits and attracts the younger generation. Keeping this in mind, AIA NY Chapter launched “Desi Next” in January 2017 to provide a platform for the younger generation where they can socialize, interact, address their issues and concerns and develop programs to suit their need. We appointed young individuals Anuj Goenka, Atul Kukar and Rajeev Chaudhri to lead the charge for these youth programs. On January 22nd, 2017, we managed to arrange the very first program under Desi Next and it was a huge success with 150 young adults and their children attending the event. Desi Next plans to bring Young Indian families, youth and kids together through Sports, Family get-togethers and Community outreach activities.

    We are soon going to have a membership drive for the young adults and we plan to add many new young members this year. With that in mind, our young Desi Next team Rajeev Chaudhary, Anuj Goenka & Atul Kukar did a fantastic job in organizing this Bowling event, which got rave reviews. We are encouraged by the tremendous success of this event and we are going to have many more such programs in the coming months. One such program being planned is to give free Golf lessons to the younger generation in the coming few months and the other a family picnic for them.

    AIA NY Chapter other upcoming programs are as follows:

    • Investment Seminar on May 17, 2018
    • Fundraiser Event for our Project India Charity Program on June 9, 2018 in Manhattan.
    • Benefit Gala on Sept 15, 2018 for the 31stDeepavali Festival.
    • 31stDeepavali Festival Celebrations on Oct 7, 2018 at the Iconic South Street Seaport in Manhattan, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks.
    • Children Deepavali in Libraries around end of October 2018.

    The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

    For more info, please find us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theaiany.org.

    (Press Release)