NEW YORK (TIP): Mihir Patel took over from Nayan Parikh the reins of SIAEA for a two year term, March 16, 2013. Mihir was sworn in at a well attended lunch meeting by the former Consul General Prabhu Dayal. Later, Mihir administered the oath of office to his Executive. Mr. Dayal described himself as a long time friend of SIAEA. He said he was invited “as a family member of society”. Praising the society, Mr. Dayal said, “I find SIAEA the most homogenous society. No ego hassles, no backbites”. He said, “This is how I would like to see all Indian organizations working.

Speaking about the great contribution of the Indian American community in fostering better relationship between India and the US, Mr. Dayal said, ” You, members have the great goal of promoting and strengthening relations between India and US. Continue to do the great work”. Turning to Mihir, Mr. Dayal said, ” I wish the new President all the best”. Mihir Patel in his first address as President of SIAEA turned to his predecessor Nayan Parikh and commented that Nayan’s two years passed by very quickly. He said he would need the support of all past presidents and members as also his team to take the SIAEA forward to achieve higher goals.

He spoke of the enormous work ahead. Mihir had a word of appreciation for RajivBhagat, the new Secretary when he said, “Keep up the good work, Rajeev”. The gathering included a number of past presidents of SIAEA that included the Founder President Mohan Jethwani, Jack Kapur, Bansi Shah, Ravi Shenoy and Nayan Parikh. We present here a picture gallery of the event.