CHICAGO (TIP):  The Amritsar Medical Dental Association of North America (AMDAANA) held its 39th annual convention from July 13 to 17, 2017 at Hilton Oak brook resort & Conference Center, Oak Brook.  Delegates came to a full house from all over the world.

AMDAANA is a largest umbrella organization in North America of nonresident Indian medical (NRI) professionals largely from Amritsar, Punjab area.  This was one of the largest AMDAANA conventions outside India attended by over 250 delegates from USA Canada, and Europe, along with dignitaries and the faculty members from India. The AMDAANA’s mission goal is to foster for delegates to have platform to network, exchange ideas, attend educational seminars, hold business meeting and listen to renowned speakers along with memorable pleasurable entertaining and tranquil experience.

The need to belong and find one’s roots is an age-old human desire. It was the motivating force behind formation of Amritsar Medical & Dental Alumni Association of North America (AMDAANA). The idea of forming an association of Amritsar Medical graduates had repeatedly been mentioned at different occasions but lack of follow up action prevented its materialization. The subject surfaced once again at a dinner in Dayton, Ohio at the residence of Satinder and Raj Gupta on April 7, 1979. Besides the hosts, the following Amritsar graduates were present: Sher S Guleria, Kuldip Kaur, Nirmala Guleria, Amrit Chadha, Sukh Dev Sharma, Satwant Singh, Ved Vyas Gossain and Ravinder Pandhi. A serious discussion followed. It was felt that the time was ripe for action. Satwant Singh was “volunteered” to pursue the matter actively. The organization was tentatively named Amritsar Medical Alumni Association. A feeler was mailed on April 27, 1979 to prospective members. The response was slow but overwhelmingly positive. A follow up meeting was held at the residence of Sher & Nirmala Guleria in Urbana, Ohio on July 22, 1979. AMDAANA took its final form, with great pomp and show, on October 27, 1979 at the first annual meeting in Seven Springs, PA. Realization of this dream is a tribute to untiring efforts of all members, most of whom worked anonymously to spread the word around and recruit members.

On July 13th in open air patio of golf club, welcoming dinner was held. Friday events were highlighted by demonstration of Yoga by Nadja Lalvani, participated by many delegates. Evening was for social gathering meeting, exchanging sharing and entertaining nostalgic reminiscences from home etc.

Saturday, July 15th was highlighted by General Body meeting. Dr. Satwant Singh apprised every one of ongoing progress and current ongoing projects profiled by AMDAANA including financial assistance provided for enhancing educational to the needy students in the field of healthcare, providing charitable assistance to the various institutions providing healthcare and social assistance to deprive.

Dr. Jaspreet Kaur was nominated and unanimously elected as secretary for year 2019. Cooking class demonstration by celebrity chef Anupy Singla, golf outing and continuing medical education seminars were also held during the day. Elegant banquet in the evening was highlighted by participation by dignitary from medical faculty members from Medical and Dental collage of Amritsar. DR Navneet Kaur, vice president in her speech highlighted current state of affairs and progress of the Alma Mater. She was honored with a bouquet of flowers by executive members including immediate past president Dr. Inderjit Singh, President Raveen Kaur, Vice president Ripu Singh, Secretary Singh, Dr. Harjinder Khaira and secretary elect Dr. Rakesh Mehta. A life time achievement award was awarded to Dr. Sarjit Sigh who passed away recently. The award was received by his wife.

Other invited community leaders present included Businessman Darshan Dhaliwal, Dr. Bhupender Saini, Dr. Hargurmukhpal Singh, Dr. Sarabjit Bhandal, Dr. Mukhtiar Nandra, Hardial Deol  and others. Mayor of Oakbrook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani welcomed all participants and thanked AMDAANA to hold the convention in his home town.

Curtain fell after live music including mesmerizing engaging recreation by Dhol Music and vibrant colorful folk Punjabi dance by Ministry of Bhangra.

Next executive committee was announced, with President Dr Ripu Singh, Vice President Dr Harjinder Khaira, and Secretary Dr Rakesh Mehta. Entire event was broadcast live on You Tube by Asian Media USA, Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman.

The next conventions in New York/New Jersey area will be hosted by secretary elect Dr Rakesh Mehta.

Further information can be obtained from the website -www.amdaana.com.

(Photographs and Press release by Asian Media USA)