NEW YORK (TIP): The 32nd Gala dinner of Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation was held on September 22 at Long Island Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. The event, as usual, attracted a large number of Indian Americans sympathetic to the cause the NDMF has espoused for the last 32 years-providing help to medical fraternity in India to fight the terrible menace of cancer. Ms Priya Dutt, Member of Parliament, and Patron of the Foundation, who had flown in to New York to be at the event, in her presidential remarks, appreciated the generous contributions of the Indian American community to the Foundation which has helped it to make available to hospitals in India the much needed equipment to cure patients of the dreaded disease of cancer. She exhorted them to come up with ideas and funds to help the Foundation to continue with greater vigor the good work it has been doing. She congratulated the honorees for the honor conferred on them and said that each honoree has made a singular contribution in life for which they have been honored. She had a word of appreciation for the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, led by the President Sher Singh Madra. She said the hard work of the team is evident from the response of the community.

The Foundation President Sher Singh Madra thanked the supporters of the Foundation “for helping us to give the impoverished communities within India a fighting chance against cancer.” He said, “India has the highest incidence of cancer in any country in the world. Yet, there are many without the resources available to fight the disease. Your support tonight helps us to give back to the home of our hearts and for that, I, again, thank you.” Mr. Madra recalled with obvious satisfaction that the Foundation which is 32 years old has made significant achievements. He said, “During its history, it has provided valuable cancer detection and treatment equipment. For example, a radiation field analyzer was procured by the organization and sent to the Indore Cancer Hospital. The organization has completed over 50 projects of this type. Additionally, it has provided training to Indian doctors so that they increase their expertise in fighting cancer.” Welcoming Ms Priya Dutt, Mr. Madra said, “I thank Priya Ji, daughter of Sunil Ji and Nargis Dutt Ji and Member of Parliament of India for her continued support, guidance and involvement with the Foundation. She is the bridge from the founders of this organization to this organization’s foreseeable future. We greatly appreciate that she took time from her busy schedule to fly from India to be here with us.” The honorees included Mr. Harendra H Singh (Lifetime Achievement), Mr. Saleem Iqbal (Excellence in Finance), Mr. Chintu Patel (Business Entrepreneur), Vaijinath M. Chakotem MD (Excellence in Healthcare), Vijaypal Arya, MD (Excellence in Healthcare), Mr. Manohar S. Toor (Business Entrepreneur), and Prem C. Goel, MD (Lifetime Achievement).

Nassau County Chief Executive, Edward Mangano was the chief guest of the evening which witnessed the presence of a large number of who’s who of the Indian American community. A scintillating fashion show by Karamjit Singh Bhinder and a singing session provided an evening of entertainment. A profusely illustrated souvenir journal was brought out on the occasion. Mr. Peter Bheddah who was Chairman for the souvenir journal said it was “a great privilege and honor to be in charge of this year’s souvenir journal celebrating Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation’s 32nd Annual Dinner”. Mr. Gurdip Singh Narula, who has been the Treasurer of the Foundation since 2006 said he had played his innings well and wanted to retire. It is believed he has already made a request to the Board of the Foundation to be relieved of his responsibility. One of the founders of the Foundation, Mr. Inder Bindra was full of praise for the NDMF team who, he said, worked in close cooperation with each other to ensure the Foundation goes from strength to strength. Dr. Shakir Mukhi, a friend to late Sunil Dutt, suggested involvement of younger people in the activities of the Foundation. He said young people are more idealistic and better suited for the vision of the Foundation.