AIA-NY honors six at glittering Benefit Gala

The gala at Pearl Banquet Hall, Hicksville, was attended by over 200 prominent people including past presidents of AIA

Guests at AIA-NY gala event / Image: AIA-NY

The Association of Indians in America (AIA-NY) hosted a benefit gala earlier this month to raise funds for its Deepavali Fest which will be held at South Street in Manhattan on October 1.

The gala at Pearl Banquet Hall, Hicksville, was attended by over 200 prominent people including past presidents of AIA and advisory board members. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Asmita and Arun Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Arun Bhatia Development Organization. Excellence in Healthcare Administration Award was given to David Seligman, Deputy Regional Executive Director for Northwell Health Western Region.

Dr V. K. Raju, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at West Virginia University was honored for Excellence in Ophthalmological Surgery & Prevention of Childhood Blindness. Dr Subhash Kini, Director, Center for Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Icahn School of Medicine, received the Excellence in Bariatric & Minimally Invasive/Robotic Surgery Award. Businesswoman/Entrepreneur Award went to Sharda Haridas Kotahwala, for their family business in Diamond & Precious Stone Jewelry business. Dr Saurabh Lodha, of the Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, was given the Excellence in Dermatology - Special Young Physician Award.

In his remarks, AIA-NY president Dr Jagdish Gupta emphasized that AIA has been organizing the Deepavali Festival in New York for the past 36 years. Over the years, the event's popularity increased and it has been attended by thousands of people from the Tri-State area, including both Indians and non-Indians, he highlighted.

Honorees at the event, Image: AIA-NY

“Over the years, it has come to symbolize our culture and heritage in the USA as Diwali is a manifestation of Indian culture.” Dr Samin Sharma, advisor and chairman of the Board of Trustees of AIA-NY, said in his address. He highlighted and lauded the stellar achievements and contributions of Indian Americans, particularly in the healthcare field.

According to a release, shared by the organization the Deepavali Fest, which will be held at South Street Seaport, will include a Children’s Program, Nach Inferno, VIP Hour and Fireworks on East River. Several lawmakers, dignitaries and entertainers are expected to grace the event with their presence.