LONG ISLAND, NY(TIP): The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (AIA-NY) held its Benefit Gala in support for its 31^st Annual Deepavali Festival at Leonard’s Palazzo in Long Island on September 22, 2018. The Gala was attended by numerous respected individuals, past presidents of AIA, Community Leaders and dignitaries including members of the media and sponsors that have showcased their continued commitment and support for the Deepavali Festival. Among the prominent people attending the Gala were Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parekh, Mr. Chintu Patel, Co-Chairman of Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Regional Manager Air India, Mrs Vandana Sharma.

 The 31^st Annual Deepavali Festival will take place at the South Street Seaport on Sunday October 7^thfrom 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Fireworks. The event is one of the largest in the tri-state area, attracting over 70,000 to 100,000 people. Festival of Deepavali meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’.  It signifies the triumph of ‘Good over Evil’. The festival will be a full day celebration with numerous corporate booths, food & clothing vendors, performances and activities for the whole family including a live grand display of fireworks.

Among the individuals honored at the Gala were CEO of Sun Development and Management Corp, Mr. Bharat Patel; Cardiologist, Professor and Associate Dean at the Icahn School of Mount Sinai, Dr. Jagat Narula; President and CEO of Unique Comp Inc., Ms. Kalpana Patel and Gastroenterologists and President & CEO of Digestive Disease Care; Drs. Nilesh and Preeti Mehta. Special Recognition Plaque for Innovation and Entrepreneurial ship was awarded to a young founder of a non-profit Venture called “Maker’s Asylum”; Mr Vaibhav Chhabra. Distinguished Community Service Award was presented to Asmita Bhatia and DIVYA Shah for their exemplary service of over 25 years. The evening comprised of cocktails, light entertainment and special performances followed by sumptuous dinner.

This is the 31^styear of Deepavali of the Association of Indians in America. The highlights of 31^stDeepavali 2017 will include Naach Inferno returning to the stage of Deepavali with college and university teams from around the Tri-State area as they showcase dances fusing both East and West cultures. Presented by Star Bharat, the competition will be showcased globally.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians in America founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in the United States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage and American Commitment.

This year, AIA-NY’s 31^st Deepavali celebrations are going to be held on Sunday Oct 7, 2018 at the South Street Seaport. While Ronald McDonald personally coming to entertain the kids, the Young Celebrity Singers Jaz Dhami, famous for his Bollywood Hit Song “High Heels” and Shilpi Paul, famous for her “Naughty Billo” Hit song are going to entertain their parents and rock the stage.

For more info, please find us on Facebook and visit our website at www.theaiany.org.

(Based on a Press Release)