LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The India Association of Long Island (IALI) held its 34th Annual Awards Dinner Gala on June 9th at the Hilton, Melville, NY. Dr. Kishore Kuncham, President of IALI, in his opening remarks said, “Tonight, we pay tribute to our global change-makers in the Indian-American community.

We recognize them with the India Association of Long Island Pioneer Award to acknowledge their inspired leadership as they continue to enthuse others, deepen the meaningful work that is already in progress, and advance the common good with the vision of ‘one world family’- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to make the world an even better place. Let us celebrate life as we proudly honor our friends and families and esteemed honorees.”

The 2013 Pioneer Awards were presented to nine most influential persons in the Indian American community. They included Purnachandra Aramalla, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Business Leadership; Gobind Bathija, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Community Service; Hussain Baqueri, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Aviation Leadership;. Pavankumar Darisi, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Community Service; Dr. Arti Datta, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Performing Arts; Mrs. Daman Dutt, Pioneer Award 2013 Young Entrepreneur; Dr. Madhu Korrapati, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Community Service; Kanwal Sra Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Business Leadership and Sudhir Vaishnav, Pioneer Award 2013 for Excellence in Media & Entertainment.

Dr. Kishore Kuncham, introduced each of the nine honorees highlighting their achievements and contributions to the Indian-American community and their global impact. Congressman Steve Israel and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano graced the evening with their presence and each eloquently addressed the audience. Last, but not the least, there was a special recognition of Arvind Mahankali, the 13 year old Long Island native who recently won the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship.

Congressman Steve Israel congratulated all the honorees and spoke of his “first hand” experience with the critical relationship between the United States of America and India.. He said it was important to address any challenges and “deepen our ties.” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was warmly introduced by Dr. Kuncham who commended him for his support for many of the key intitatives of IALI.

He thanked Mangano for the cricket pitch at the Cantiague Park and for agreeing to provide a bus to transport seniors to seniors programs. Most importantly, Dr. Kuncham thanked the County Executive for having his entire team meet with him and his committee to discuss the use of a county facility that could serve as “India House,” a permanent home and a cultural center County Executive Mangano in his remarks said, ” It is the greatest honor to partner with this organization.

It is my hope that we do come together to get the “India House” done. We have made great progress along the way.” He congratulated all the honorees who have distinguished themselves and stated that it was his honor to join this ceremony to recognize them. On behalf of India Association of Long Island, President Kishore Kuncham presented “Lifetime Achievement” Awards to Congressman Israel and Nassau County Executive Mangano for their vision, outstanding leadership and extraordinary services to the people of Long Island and the Indian-American community.

Dr. Kuncham thanked everyone for their support with special thanks to the Grand Sponsor of the Year, Salil Zaveri, Zaveri Insurance Co. and all other sponsors. He conveyed sincere appreciation to Gupta, Finance Chair, Mrs. Jharna Jaisinghani, Event Coordinator, and the members of the Executive Council of IALI. The event was emceed by Mrs. Mehar Bhasin and Vibhuti Jha. Mint Restaurant provided a spectacular array of exotic foods.

A very lively entertainment was provided by Medley Entertainment. A $10,000 donation was announced to support the Interfaith Nutrition Network and Peter Bheddah was thanked for continuing to be a grand sponsor again. Other key partners including Patel Brothers, JHS Capital Advisors, Sagarsoft/Amicus Systems and Media were recognized from the podium. The gathering included people from various walks of life, including politicians and town and county officials.