Over 300+ attendees felt a moment of pride and honor as Indian American Forum (IAF) honored some distinguished women with the highest caliber this past weekend at the Metropolitan Caterers in Long Island. Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, known for their strong commitment and dedication to the community cause, along with the entire team of IAF, were the organizing force behind the Gala, celebrating the success of the outstanding achievements by these distinguished personalities in the presence of many accomplished guests and community leaders.
They welcomed all the guests, congratulated all the honorees and praised their efforts in achieving such success.
Special Women Elected Officials New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava, respectfully invited and welcomed by Dr. Bobby Kalotee, portrayed the women’s empowerment and success. The community stood together in joy and pride at the celebration of the 12th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Gala, part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations.
Starting with the beautiful décor of Passion color theme and spring flowers, Sunita Sadhnani also rocked the audience with her melodious singing.
The evening started with American National Anthem by Geeta Sethia followed by Indian National Anthem by Jyoti Gupta. A traditional Diya Lighting ceremony by the Board of Directors/Trustees & Members followed by traditional performances by Desi Beats and Angel Shah spreading the significance of Holi – the festival of colors, truly spreading the colors of joy and happiness.
Five distinguished women who had excelled in their profession and community services were presented with Outstanding Women’s achievements Awards. They were also presented with citations from Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby from the Town of Hempstead, Joseph Saladino, Supervisor Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County Comptroller Office Elaine Phillips, Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.
Honoree Sandhya Bhatia, Branch Manager, Vice president ·of Flushing Bank is an experienced branch manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. She is skilled in Portfolio Management, Business Relationships, Risk Management, Banking, and Strategic Planning.
Honoree Nayana Brahmbhatt – a BAPS volunteer, is involved with BAPS since 1989 and has volunteered in various capacities within the organization, including community outreach, public relations, hosting annual women’s conferences, serving in the kitchen department and being involved in training and nurturing the young girls Diwali events and organizing mandir activities and events. Also, a tennis player and helping young students.
Honoree Vandana Jauhar is a leading musical artist and singer with her popular albums “Albela” and “Papa”. Check her melodious singing on https://vandanajauhar.hearnow.
Honoree Dr. Parul Dua Makkar is the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, NY. She has co-authored the book ‘Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide’ which is a winner for the Best Inspirational/Motivational CIPA Evy Award. Dr Dua also is involved in workshops and programs for the prevention of Oral Cancer.
Honoree-Dr. Purvi Parikh is an allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill. She is currently a faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Parikh has published articles in allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency syndromes in various peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. Dr Parikh is also involved in local and National Medical Societies.
Young Achiever-Ria Parashar is a volunteer at Children’s Hope and helps the Special Needs Community. The honorees were graciously moderated by Ratna Bhalla, Inesha Joneja, Chanbir Sethi, Roopam Maini, Dr. Prachi Dua, Dr. Pallavi Singh and Sunita Manjrekar.
This was followed by a special Bare Foot -Special presentation By Nilima Madan. Bare Foot Empress follows the remarkable journey of Karthyayani Amma, who had never access to education as a girl finally gets to join a first-grade class at the age of 96 years. Written and directed by Michelin Star awarded Chef Vikas Khanna produced by Oscar-nominated Doug Roland. Video clips were provided by well-known TV anchorwoman Renee Mehrra.
Among those present during the event were Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Sudha Parikh, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Founder of IAF, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Surinder Rametra, Beena Kothari, Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Sanju Sharma, Jasbir Jay Singh, Flora Parekh – President of Gift of Life USA, Anil Shah from VTNY, Sunil Jain from Vass Pipe, Rizwan Qureshi from HAB Bank, Madhu Pareek from Navika, Anuj Rihal, Dr. Harshad Bhatt from BAPS, Gobind Munjal President National AIA, Smiti Khanna, Dr Dina Pahlajani President Children’s Hope, members of AAPIQLI, Harry Malhotra, Jasbir Jay Singh several past honorees and many distinguished community and organization leaders. Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event. The entire IAF team with several volunteers was instrumental in making the event a grand success.
Additional information can be found on website www.indianamericanforum.org.
