NEW YORK (TIP); The Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut honored six distinguished Indian American women and a group called “Mask Squad” at an International Women’s Day celebration. FIA hosted the commemorative ceremony on the footsteps of the historic Brooklyn Borough President’s office with Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal on Monday, March 8, according to a media release.

Consul General of India in New York Randhir Jaiswal presented the distinguished awardees with mementos and applauded their efforts, resilience and dedication to their respective causes, fields and careers even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams also extended his greetings to the honorees and presented mementos through Dilip Chauhan, who handles South Asian affairs for him. The seven awardees were:

Tejal Amin, A Gold medalist and Visharad in Bharat Natyam, founder of Ghargharika, Chairperson of Navrachana Education Society, Brand Ambassador of the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, awardee of Glory of Gujarat, founding director and chairperson of Vadodara Marathon, Brand Ambassador for MG Motors’ ‘MG Drive Her Back.’

Uma Rani Madhusudana, serving at the health care frontline in Hartford healthcare, she became a Frontline Warrior and was recognized as an unsung hero during the pandemic.

She also assisted with protocols regarding plasma- therapy in India and will be featured in a documentary, “Pandemic away from the motherland”, which has been shortlisted for Oscar academy awards.

Dr. Abha Jaiswal, dentist, Master in Sociology and Public Health, she was recognized for playing a pivotal role of supporting her spouse on diplomatic assignments.

Speaking seven languages, Jaiswal has lived and learnt in culturally diverse societies in Asia, Europe, and America.

Rashmi Aggarwal, healthcare first responder provided dedicated support and service as a nurse to her peers and patients impacted by the pandemic, sacrificing family life and personal time.

Sabina Dhillon, community attorney was lauded for her pro bono services to the victims of the community and her selfless advice and legal guidance to those who can’t afford professional legal services.

Rashaana Shah, producer, actress and founder and managing director of Mulberry Films, a TV and film development company.

Her work with kids’ programs includes launching a channel (Indika) in an effort to provide children spiritual content thru Vedic science.

Mask Squad – A group of 40 organizations of likeminded women across the country, who came together to help the community in need by sewing 3,200 masks and sharing them with the first responders and the most needy at the height of the pandemic.

From donating masks to food to helping domestic violence survivors in emergency situations, the Mask Squad has made an impact.

The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a private dinner for the awardees.

Smita Miki Patel, Rohi Singh and the International Women’s Day team were applauded for putting together the show during the pandemic.

Jayshree Patel of New Jersey and Saku Patel of Connecticut were applauded for their generous support and sponsorship to make the event a grand success, the release said.

(Based on a Press release by FIA)