New York: Ravishankar Bhooplapur has been unanimously elected as Chairman of the Association of Indians in America (AIA). “We are proud of his outstanding contributions to society, and under his leadership, AIA will continue to advance its mission and expand its positive impact within the community," said AIA-National President Nilima Madan, announcing the nomination.
Bhooplapur has long been a dedicated member of AIA, having served on the National Executive Committee (NEC) and as Chair of the organization’s 40th and 50th Year Celebrations. He currently serves as an AIA Trustee and has been a steadfast supporter of all AIA initiatives since 1993.
Bhooplapur is an educational leader and humanitarian whose work has significantly expanded access to healthcare and higher education for underserved communities worldwide.
Often described as “a man with the Midas touch who works silently,” he is known for transforming ideas into impactful institutions and programs without seeking personal recognition.
As Founder and President of Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba since 2008, he has built a mission-driven institution that has graduated more than 1,300 physicians who serve in hospitals and clinics across the United States and around the globe. Under his leadership, the university has achieved full accreditation and recognition by key regulatory bodies.
His educational and philanthropic leadership has earned international recognition, including feature profiles in Forbes India (November–December 2025) and Outlook Magazine. Bhooplapur was featured as “The South Asian Times-Person of the Year 2021”.
In 2004, Bhooplapur and his wife Jaya were inducted into the Hall of Fame of Rotary Foundation, and he is one of the Legacy Club members in Rotary Foundation.
He is recognized by Rotary Foundation with the highest honor, “Service Above Self Award”. He also received the “Ellis Island Medal of Honor”. Congressman Gary Ackerman presented the proclamation in 2008.
In 2023, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Karnataka University, India, for his outstanding social services.
A long-standing trustee of SUNY Old Westbury and co-chair of its fundraising committee, he has helped mobilize resources for students and campus development. He also played an instrumental role in creating the 50-acre Mahatma Gandhi Peace Garden, an enduring symbol of peace, nonviolence, and intercultural understanding.
His leadership roles with the Stony Brook University Center for India Studies, the India Center at Jefferson University, and several community organizations further demonstrate his belief in education as a bridge between societies.
Bhooplapur was one of six members for the Rotary Foundation investment committee from 2016-2019, which managed $1.2 billion, and also served on the Finance committee, which oversaw an annual budget of $150 million dollars.
Equally distinguished is Bhooplapur’s humanitarian record. As Founder and Chairman of Gift of Life India and the Gift of India Project, he has helped more than 6,500 underprivileged children with congenital heart disease receive free, life-saving heart surgeries at major hospitals across India and neighboring countries.
He has also spearheaded major health projects, including the establishment of a 100-bed charitable hospital in Ghataprabha, supporting blood banks, donating ambulances, a mobile cancer care unit, and funding a Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer treatment. His philanthropic initiatives have extended to more than 16 countries, providing vital medical equipment, disaster relief aid, and COVID-19 emergency support.
Bhooplapur exemplifies visionary leadership grounded in compassion and purpose. His appointment as Chairman marks an inspiring new chapter for AIA, and we look forward to the continued good he will help bring to communities across the globe, Nilima Madan said.
