Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrates 50th Anniversary

(L to R): Dr. Urmilesh Arya President national AIA , Mr Sean Healy, VP, Mt Sinai Health Network, Dr Samin Sharma, Chair Board of Trustees, AIA

GARDEN CITY, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, the grassroot  national organization   had  a fabulous  Celebration  to mark its   50th  Anniversary  on Dec 1st  at Garden City Hotel,  Long Island NY.

About 400 people attended the event. The event was graced by Congress man Tom Suozzi, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi , Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty  and Padma  Bhushan Anupam Kher

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy,
Congressman Tom Suozzi
Dr. Urmilesh Arya President national AIA
Consul General of India Sandeep Chakravorty,

The event  started with Invocation by   Mrs.  Geeta Setia, followed by  American Anthem by  Riti Sunshine Bhalla and Indian Anthem by a group of Indian ladies

Chairperson and MC Ravi Bhooplapur  was introduced  by Dr. Budhadev Manvar. He described  the achievements of the gala chair. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated AIA in  a special message of greetings on the occasion. He praised the Association for its pioneer work for Indian community in America and its projects for India

President of the Association Dr. Urmilesh Arya was introduced by  Past Board of Trustees and past president  Animesh Goenka who said  Dr. Mrs. Arya has passion for philanthropy, charity and community services. 

 President  Urmilesh Arya said in her address that  AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those  immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian heritage and American commitment.   She said this celebration is a special occasion of remembrance and reflection,  a time to revisit the vision of founders. 

Immediately after founding the Association, the primary goal was to develop a vision and a mission to provide a unique service impacting life of each and every member of the  Indian immigrant community. She  said, “We are proud of our past accomplishment   and are aware of the future challenges”. 

She said our community has been very successful, because of highly educated, motivated and talented individuals.

India has placed highest premium on scholarship. Bhagvat  Gita says Na hi Jnanena sadarsham pavitraihe vidyate, means nothing purifies like knowledge  

(L to R): Mr Ravi Bhooplapur, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Mr Anupam Kher, Dr Budhadev Manvar, Mr Surinder Rametra, Dr Yashpal Arya

AIAhas played crucial role in getting minority status and reclassification for Indian immigrants 

 She further explained how AIA has been a pioneer in serving causes of Indians in America, addressing their issues related to professional licensing, immigration, racial and professional discrimination, civil rights and many more.

The association  has raised a substantial funds for natural calamities in India  and USA and sent medical equipment to various needy hospitals  in  India. Its PROJECT  INDIA   has been actively involved in HIV prevention and treatment in India. 

She emphasized and encouraged the youth to get involved with the association so that the AIA  torch can be transferred to them. 

She explained her future plan for prevention and treatment of Blindness in children in India especially those who are underprivileged and women empowerment in remote villages of India further enhancing children’s   wellbeing.

 Consul General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted the  improvement in the economy of India and the strong relationship between  India and America. He applauded  the achievements of  Indians in America in all walks of life , praised the good work the  AIA  is doing  and  sais  his office is open for any help the consulate can give .

Congressman Tom Suozzi explained about the hardships and discrimination faced by most of the first immigrants from various countries like Italy , Greece,  etc., in America. But their  hard work made their dreams come true.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy was the keynote speaker. He advised and stressed upon participation in the political process. He said at present there are 4 Indian in the US Congress. He hoped s that he will see more Indian origin faces in the Congress in coming years.

Assembly member Andrew Raia from District 12, and Town Supervisor of Huntington   NY   Chad Lupincci  also joined , and appreciated the work of  Indian community in America . They said America is a melting pot  where people from different countries  and different cultures come and become part of   American life.

 Dr. Arthur A . Klein was honored in absentia. He  was held back because of a family emergency. His award was received by  Vice president of Mount Sinai Health Network  Mr. Sean Healy

Past Trustee of the Board and past president Dr. Narendra  Kukar awarded  for his dedicated services to AIA . In his address, he gave the history of AIA. 

Guest of honor Padma  Bhushan Anupam Kher  entertained the audience with his childhood stories and advised not to get depressed in the face of  failure,  but make it an incentive. He said, “Success then will be yours”.  

A Video projection  on history of  AIA  and an instrumental performance of Rudra Band were greatly appreciated. 

The  Herculean task of fundraising was done by Dr. Yash Pal Arya. Chairperson of the Media Committee Smiti  Khanna and Co-Chair Indu Jaiswal  coordinated  well with  media. The event was well organized  and coordinated  by Chairperson Ravi Bhooplapur , Co-chair  Dr.Buddhadev  Manvar and   Surinder  Rametra 

The Association of Indians in America is extremely thankful to the Sponsors –  Mt. Sinai  Hospital and Wyckoff Heights  Hospital.  

(Based on a Press Release)

 

      

 

  

 

 

  

 

   

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