A former IALI President Gobind Munjal is sworn in as President
The Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter held an Inauguration / Oath Ceremony of the Newly Elected 2017-2018 Executive Committee at the Consulate General of India here.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Guest Consul General of India, Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Deputy Consul General Dr. Mohapatra, NYC Comptroller Mr. Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Mrs. Gale Brewer, Past Presidents of AIA National & Chapter Presidents, community leaders, Media and prominent guests from tristate area.
Ceremony was invoked with the Ganesh Vandana performed by Melana Krishna ofNritya Saagaram Dance Academy and an energizing performance by students of Nartan Rang Dance Academy of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, after the renditions of national anthems of USA and India by Gita Setia, ITV Host.
Immediate Past President Mr Sunil Modi, introduced by Asmita Bhatia, talked about accomplishments of his 4-year Presidency. Mr. Modi expressed his full confidence that AIA’s future under the new leadership of Mr Gobind Munjal is bright and that the NY Chapter will further flourish.
The Newly Elected President Gobind Munjal and the following Executive Committee was sworn in:
President: Gobind Munjal; Vice Presidents: Harish Thakkar, Dr Bal Gilja, Gitanjli Anand, Dr Jagdish GuptaMembers-At-Large: Gobind Bathija, Asmita Bhatia, Vinod Chand, Indu Gajwani, Jyoti Gupta, Usha Kapoor, Beena Kothari, Deepika Modi, Sudeep Jay Modi, Beenu Sabharwal, Nina Sahani, Shyam Gajwani, Divya Shah, Pushpa Shah, Avinash Suri, Hargovind Gupta, Anita Thakkar, Swati Vaishnav
NYC Comptroller, Mr. Scott Stringer saluted contributions of the Indian Immigrant community to the City of New York, and emphasised the importance of the diversity, while presenting the commendation certificate to AIA. Manhattan Borough President Mrs. Gail Brewer, a long-term friend of AIA, congratulated the team, and reinforced her support to the Indian community, citing examples of her support for the suspension of parking during Deepavali.
AIA National President Dr. Shashi Shah proudly shared AIA’s achievement such as obtaining the minority status and the inclusion in the census.
Mr. Munjal laid down his vision for expanding the youth programs and stressed the need for membership drive for the youths and get them involved. He expressed his commitment to upholding AIA’s objective of “Indian Heritage, American Commitment” thru expanded program such as Desi Next, a forum for the younger generation, commitment to local Philanthropic projects to serve the Indian community, in addition to the continued commitment to Deepavali Festival. AIA proudly celebrates its 50th year, and the program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Secretary Mr. Vimal Goyal.
The new President Gobind Munjal has for long been associated with many social and cultural organizations. He has been President of India Association of Long Island (IALI), a 39 year old organization of over 2,000 members and he successfully led a highly successful India Fest attended by an overwhelming crowd of over 10,000 people, which showcased the rich Indian Culture & traditions, Arts & Crafts, Fashion shows, Shopping, Mehndi, children games, and food stalls with different types of Indian cuisine.
In 2012, As Convener of the very first highly successful India Day Parade in Hicksville, Long Island, he raised substantial funds and help in bringing all the community based organizations together.
In 2014, as Chairman of the IALI India Center Committee, Mr. Munjal achieved the goal of owning the IALI India Center, a long-cherished dream of the Indian Community.
His spirit and passion for community service is never ending. He has been involved in various organizations; as a Secretary of the GOPIO, LI Chapter and Co-Chairperson of Indian American Night, which started Kite Festival. He has also been helping almost all other organizations like RANA, NFIA, India Home, Vegetarian Vision, etc. in whatever way he can.
The Indian Panorama sought views of Mr. Munjal on a couple of issues. We are glad he was good enough to respond promptly.
Here are the questions and their answers.
- What is your future Vision?
Mr. Munjal: My vision is to expand the youth programs and to stress the need for membership drive for the youths and get them involved. Desi Next has been launched to provide platform for the young Adults encouragement. He expressed his expanded program such as Desi Next, a forum for the younger generation, commitment to various local Philanthropic projects to serve the Indian community, the Children Diwali program in schools & Museums, recognition of Diwali holiday in Public Schools, in addition to the continued commitment to Deepavali Festival celebrations at the Iconic South Street Seaport in Manhattan.
- At the moment, AIA is known more for its cultural work of organizing the signature Diwali Mela. What will you do to make AIA socially more relevant?
Mr. Munjal: We are planning to add a few socially active programs like networking events, senior health information related seminars and TV interviews on latest community related topics of common interest to increase awareness, picnic and cruises etc. We would also look into helping in any way we can for the senior adult housing.
- Any plans to make it a political arm of the community, because all around we hear of ‘get involved’ and ’empower’ yourself.
Mr. Munjal: Although we are not a political organization, but we will try to bring the issues of the Indian Community to the forefront, especially issues of hate crime and discrimination etc. and help in any way we can to increase awareness and write to the appropriate authorities to take the strict steps to stop discrimination and the nonsense killings of the innocent people
About AIA
The New York Chapter of AIA was established in 1968 and is well known for its social, cultural and educational activities. Among its various activities, celebrating Diwali at South Street Seaport in New York City has become one of its major functions since 1987. AIA organizes Diwali celebrations on a grand scale, where more than 100,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life turn up to watch the splendor and glory of a showcase of Indian culture, arts and crafts, jewelry, Indian traditional clothes and a taste of Indian dishes from various regions of India. Political Dignitaries, senators, members of US Congress and Indian Diplomats are invited as Guest of honor at this function to promote better understanding between US and India. Topping it all, the program closes with a spectacular display of fireworks in the east river leading to a grand finale, watched by over a million New Yorkers.