PTI Senior Correspondent Yoshita Singh Honored

EDISON, NJ(TIP): The Annual General body meeting of the Federation of Indian Associations (Tri-State) was held on Wed, December 8th, 2018 at the Royal Alberts Palace, Edison, NJ. The Agenda included the overall performance and activities of FIA during the year 2018 and included (Daxa Amin) General Secretary’s report as well as the fiscal year’s financial reports (prepared by KP-CPA LLP & presented by Treasurer Himanshu Bhatia). These reports were made available, were reviewed and unanimously approved. The meeting also made the formal announcement of the newly elected Executive Committee for the upcoming year of 2019.

Srujal Parikh, the reigning President of FIA (for 2018) presided over the meeting accompanied by his Executive Committee of 2018 namely, Alok Kumar (Executive Vice President), Daxa Amin (General Secretary) & Chhavi Dharayan (Vice President), Himanshu Bhatia (Treasurer), Haresh Shah (Jt. Secretary) & Andy Bhatia (Past President).

Parikh welcomed all attendees in the meeting, which included Board of Trustees (BOT), Board of Directors and the 2018 Committee members and complimented the work of the executive committee and the 2018 committee. Gratitude and compliments were extended to FIA supporters and sponsors for their generosity and support shown during the 2018 calendar year.  Parikh provided highlights of major events in a chronological order during the calendar year and shared the grand success of multiple events with the attendees.  This included the Lighting of the Empire State Building (ESB) in NYC (ESB is the official Lighting Partner of FIA), now a tradition and its 6th year as well the historic Diwali day Lighting of ESB in diya colors, a first for ESB celebrating the festival of lights. After pointing to the array of events, he led to the highlight of FIA’s flagship event, the 38th India Day Parade in NYC on Aug. 19th, which was marked by the presence of Grand Marshal Kamal Hassan along with Chief Guest Star performer Padma Shri Kailash Kher, Legendary Cricketer Sir Viv Richards, Guest of Honor Shruti Hassan, singing sensation Shibani Kashyap among a host of other notable celebrities.  The group cheered efforts that brought the success of the Indian Independence Day Anniversary celebrations which was held with its own set of multiple programs like the cultural program with multiple on-stage performances and ‘Fun Fair’ consisting of concession stands of various kinds mentioned Parikh pointing to the festivities that transpired. The success of FIA’s Grand Gala Reception held at The Royal Albert’s Palace in the honor of the Grand Marshall and the supporters were also applauded by Parikh.

Chairman  Ramesh Patel applauded Parikh for his leadership and service to the organization and pointed to the newly elected team as a reformation of FIA with 2nd generation of volunteers assuming leadership roles.  He proceeded with handing over the progression to the election commission chair, Jayesh Patel joined by Yash Paul Soi, also a member on the election commission. They collectively announced the newly elected 2019 FIA team along with explaining the formal process that was followed leading the election results. All Nominees were unanimously elected and approved for their respective positions. The 2019 team comprises of Alok Kumar on the top spot as the President along with Himanshu Bhatia as Executive Vice President, Saurin Parikh as Vice President, Amit Yadav as General Secretary, Mardari Patel as Joint Secretary, Amit Ringasia as Treasurer and Srujal Parikh as the immediate Past President.

Alok Kumar, who credits his origins for his interest in serving the community has roots in Darbhanga, Bihar.  Kumar,  an IT professional,  has been residing in the USA close to 15 years.  He has been an integral part of the FIA Executive Committee since the past 4 years and brings along a highly in-depth and professional experience to the top spot of FIA. He concluded highlighting his confidence in the elected team and thanking FIA, BOT and the Member Organizations for trusting and showing faith in his leadership.

FIA also recognized and honored the voluntary efforts and support of Yoshita Singh, UN correspondent for PTI, who has dedicatedly guided and supported FIA with her vision and expertise.

Established in 1970, FIA is a premier oldest and largest non-profit grassroots umbrella organization comprising of diversified Indian Associations here in NY NJ & CT.

For further info. Please visit our website  www.fianynjct.org or Email : info@fianynjct.org

(Press release)