Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Gala also featured the presentation of the prestigious 2024 IACCGH Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions

The event attracted over 700 attendees, including business leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests. / Courtesy Photo

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) marked its 25th anniversary on Sep.21 with a grand Silver Jubilee Gala at the Hilton Americas, celebrating decades of fostering business growth, enhancing trade with India, and creating local job opportunities.

The event attracted over 700 attendees, including business leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests, underscoring the Chamber’s enduring impact on the Indo-American business community.

The evening began with a VIP reception in the Grand Ballroom, where Congressman Al Green and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis highlighted the contributions of major event supporters such as Nick Dhanani and Wallis Bank. Special recognition was given to IACC India secretary general Kamal Vora for his long-term partnership in advancing Indo-American business relations.

Following the reception, guests gathered for a formal program, which began at 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. The program featured keynote addresses from John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston, and D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, both of whom praised the Chamber's efforts in strengthening economic ties between the United States and India.

Jagdip Ahluwalia, executive director of IACCGH, delivered the opening remarks, followed by a welcome address from Rajiv Bhavsar, president of IACCGH. A panel discussion titled "25 in 25 – A Legacy in Progress," moderated by Sanjay Ramabhadran, showcased the Chamber’s key milestones over the past 25 years. The panel featured notable figures such as Dr. Durga Agrawal, IACCGH founding president; Paul Hamilton, former president of Shell USA; and Dr. Renu Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston System.

Power Panel at the event. / IACCGH

Also contributing to the discussion were Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Harris Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Port of Houston chief equity officer Carlica Wright, Former GHP president Jeff Moseley, and Asif Dakri, CEO of Wallis Bank. IACCGH president-elect Malisha Patel closed the panel by outlining her vision for the Chamber’s future, particularly its engagement with the "Now Generation."

A highlight of the evening was the Silver Jubilee Cake Cutting Ceremony, led by former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other dignitaries, commemorating the Chamber’s 25 years of service to the community.

The Gala also featured the presentation of the prestigious 2024 IACCGH Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions. Col. Raj Bhalla received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy and Community Service, while Judge K.P. George was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service.

Rajender Singh of Star Promotions was awarded the Pioneer Award in Entertainment, and JSW USA Baytown earned the Inbound Investment Award. Sindhu Menon, executive director and CTO of Harris County, was named Professional of the Year, and Miraj Patel, chairman of AAHOA, was recognized as Businessperson of the Year.

The evening concluded with dinner and live entertainment, as guests celebrated the Chamber’s accomplishments and reflected on its significant role in driving economic growth within the Indo-American community.

In his closing remarks, Jagdip Ahluwalia expressed gratitude to the Chamber’s sponsors, partners, and members, whose unwavering support has been essential to its success. He also shared optimism for the future, as IACCGH embarks on its next chapter of fostering excellence in the Indo-American business community.