GREAT NECK, NY(TIP): India Association of Long Island (IALI), one of the oldest, largest Indian Non-Profit Organization, representing all regions of India and serving the Indian community, held its Annual Gala to celebrate the 40^thAnniversary on Saturday, June 30, 2018.

Five very deserving, hard-working, and outstanding individuals were honored at the 40^thAnniversary gala for their achievements and exemplary service to community:

• Dev R. Chitkara, MD, FACS
• Vishnu Dayal, Ph. D
• Neeta Jain, Ph. D
• Jagga Rao Alluri, MD
• Founders of Human Care Medical Charitable Trust

Dr. Nirmal Kumar, Dr. Ish Kumar & Mr. Sanjay Khurana

The festivities were graced by the presence of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor, Joseph Saladino, who presented citations to all the esteemed Honorees for their outstanding accomplishments, dedication and service to the community. He also praised Indian Community for its increasing presence and contributions to the region.

The program commenced with opening remarks by IALI Secretary Shashi Malik, followed by IALI Cultural Chair Amita Karwal who introduced a dance program, “Jhalkiyan” – a medley of dances from different regions of India starting with Ganesh Vandana, Ghoomar from Rajasthan, Lavani from Maharashtra, Kathak classical dance from North India and Bhangara from Punjab, exquisitely performed by Jyotika Patel, Neelam Modi, Vrinda Shorewala, Manjari Parikh respectively.

IALI President Gunjan Rastogi in her speech spoke eloquently and walked the audience through a well thought out presentation that highlighted all the IALI forums and IALI events held so far in 2018. She thanked all the attendees for their support and specifically gave a very big thank you to Advertisers of the Journal. A heartfelt thank you was given to the donations made by the Benefactor Sponsors and Patron Sponsors for 40^thyear of IALI Celebration. The president thanked the TV and Print Media for their support to IALI. She reminded all to come and join IALI’s signature event – IndiaFest on Sunday, 23^rdSeptember 2018, being held at North Hempstead Park (BAR Beach) Port Washington, NY, a free event for the community, being held at the same location where the first event took place in 1990.

The event was very well attended by IALI Members, Honorees’ families and friends, Community Leaders and representatives of many organizations namely – AIA, AIF, APPI-QLI, Arya Samaj of Long Island, Children’s Hope, Domestic Harmony Foundation, Hindu Center, India Home, Kannada KOOTA, Nargis Dutt Foundation, NIAASC and TLCA. Last but not the least, 14 out of 28 past presidents also attended the affair to celebrate the 40^thAnniversay Gala Luncheon.

The program was wonderfully emceed by Mrs. Swati B. Hofmann and following the speeches, the floor was opened for all to join to energetic beats of DJ Azi ramping up the sound. A delicious, sumptuous and extravagant lunch was catered by Tandoor Restaurant. The ballroom was beautifully and elegantly decorated by Glamorous Event Planners and Productions. The program ended with a Vote of Thanks by IALI Secretary Shashi Malik.

(Based on IALI Press Release)