EDISON, NJ (TIP): On November 13, 2024, the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) convened for its 2025 Election Cycle Meeting at Akbar Restaurant. The Election Commission, led by Chair Jayesh Patel and Co-Chairs Anand (Andy) Patel and Alok Kumar, finalized the selection of the 2025 Executive Team. The selection was confirmed by FIA’s Voting Board Members, with trustees Srujal Parikh, Jayesh Patel, Anand Patel, and Dipak Patel in attendance. Senior advisors Dr. H.R. Shah and Dr. Sudhir Parikh were also present.

Board Chairman Ankur Vaidya expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Avinash Gupta for his dedicated leadership through a challenging 2024 and acknowledged the 2024 Executive Team for their hard work and commitment. He extended a warm welcome to Saurin Parikh, Sreekanth Akkapalli, and the entire incoming 2025 team, reiterating the FIA Board’s commitment to empowering women, and millennials and building a diverse, representative leadership within the FIA, including the Executive Team.

2025 Executive Committee Members:

– President: Saurin Parikh  (Native: Gujarat)

– Executive Vice President: Smita Miki Patel (Native: Gujarat)

– 1st Vice President: Priti Ray-Patel  (Native: Gujarat)

– 2nd Vice President: Deepak Goel  (Native: Punjab)

– Secretary: Srishti Kaul Narula (Native: Punjab)

– Joint Secretary: Mahesh Dubal  (Native: Maharashtra)

– Treasurer: Sanjeev Singh (Native: Bihar)

– Joint Treasurer: Haresh Shah(Native: Gujarat)

– Immediate Past President: Dr. Avinash Gupta  (Native: Jharkhand)

Saurin Parikh has been unanimously appointed as the 38th President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) for 2025. His selection reflects the FIA Board’s strong confidence in his commitment and dedication to this leading grassroots organization, which he has passionately and voluntarily served since 2008. Over the years, Saurin has contributed extensively to the FIA across nearly every committee, demonstrating a meticulous approach to both new and ongoing initiatives. His unwavering dedication has earned him the position of President of one of the oldest community nonprofit umbrella organizations in the USA. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, Saurin emphasized his readiness to elevate FIA’s mission through enhanced community engagement, innovative programs, and initiatives that strengthen ties between the USA and India. A licensed Professional Engineer, Saurin serves as the Chief of Collection Systems Investigation (CSI) at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), a role he has held since March 2019. With over 25 years of notable achievements in his professional career, he brings a wealth of experience and recognized accomplishments to his leadership at FIA.

The FIA has also affirmed the appointment of Mr. Sreekanth Akkapalli, who will join FIA in 2025 as the Convenor and Reception Chair. This marks Sreekanth’s first position within FIA’s leadership, though he brings valuable experience from leadership roles in various community organizations. As an established and successful entrepreneur from the Telugu community, Sreekanth through his expertise and business acumen will collaborate with the FIA Board, President-Elect Saurin Parikh, and the 2025 Executive Team to drive FIA’s initiatives forward and higher. In a remote message, he expressed his dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for the Indian diaspora and enhancing community engagement in upcoming events. Past President Dr. Avinash Gupta shared his pride in FIA’s accomplishments and pledged his support to the new leadership in the concluding remarks.

(Based on a press release issued by Srujal Parikh)