FLUSHING, NY (TIP): Several South Asian leaders of  the Queens Borough Community were recognized for their services to their communities as well as for their contribution for  the betterment of neighborhoods and for  promoting   environment and quality of life at  a crowded ceremony attended by many elected officials which included  Senator Roxanne Persaud, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Council Member Peter Koo,  Council Member Costa Contantines and Council Member Paul A Vallone.

Amongst those recognized were Indian American South Asian leaders Harbachan Singh and Malini Shah.

Harbachan Singh is a former Chairman of the United Nations Headquarters Committee on Contracts and since his retirement has been a civic activist in Queens for the past several years.  He served as a President of several organizations including the Sikh American Friendship Foundation, the Queens Civic Congress, the Saul Weprin Democratic Club, the Holocaust Center at the Queens borough Community College and on the Boards of Queens Borough President’s General Assembly, Queens District Attorney’s Advisory Council, Committee Chair of Community Board 8 and First Vice President of Queens Hospital Center’s Advisory Board. His activity involves giving testimony at the NYC Council Hearings, addresses at Churches and government agencies or institutions and fighting for the Queens residents vis a vis the authorities.  He is a recipient of numerous accolades for his work and Contribution

Malini Shah is Community and Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Vallone. She Volunteered and served as representative for NYC Speaker Melissa Mark-Vivirito to the Museum of Arts and Design Board of Trustees in Manhattan and continues to volunteer and serve as a representative for the NYC Speaker Corey Johnson to the Museum of Arts and Design.

Malini also serves on The Clinton Democratic Club, Executive Board as Membership Chair.

She is a prominent and well -known community leader who is currently President of a diamond company, Difference Inc. In addition to running a successful jewelry business, Malini is the founder of Nritya Kala Kendra, Inc., and Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum. a cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient and modern arts of India. Through classes, workshops, lectures, visiting artist programs, Nritya Kala Kendra presents numerous educational programs all around New York City and abroad and has assisted with event such as “Year of India” at Queens College and International children’s Day to name a few.