Celebrating academic and community excellence of Indian American youth
By Krishiv Shah
Hicksville, NY — On September 14, 2024, the Indian Association of Long Island (IALI) held its annual scholarship ceremony, recognizing junior high, high school, and college students who excelled academically and demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. The event celebrated students with impressive GPAs and test scores, alongside their dedication to giving back to their communities.
The winners included: Ria Bahl, Jaskirat Singh, Rajvir S. Masaun, Nikhil Janda, Krishiv Shah, Karishma Pahuja, Kirpa Kaur, Navya Gupta, and Janessa Sondhi.
IALI's mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate India's culture and heritage through cultural events, educational initiatives, and other activities. These efforts aim to foster a deeper
understanding of India’s rich traditions and diversity, not only within the Indian-American community but also among the broader Long Island population.
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(Photo provided by the author)
The 2024 IALI President, Pradeep Tandon, awarded scholarships ranging from $250 to $500 to the students, reinforcing the importance of continuing to excel in their endeavors. During the ceremony, Mr. Tandon stated, “This is a recognition of your potential to give back as you grow and succeed. We encourage you to join IALI and help take this organization to greater heights. We are confident you will continue to excel, and we are proud and excited for your future.”
The event also featured special guest Ragini Srivastava, the Town Clerk of North Hempstead. A respected leader in the South Asian community, Srivastava has served on the Nassau County Comptroller’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Council, where she has promoted equitable opportunities for underrepresented businesses.
Families of the scholarship recipients attended the ceremony, which included a luncheon. It was a heartwarming event that highlighted the achievements of Indian-American youth in the community and their passion for academic excellence, leadership, and service.
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(Krishiv Shah, the founder and submission coordinator of Kaleidoscope, is an Indian-American senior at Syosset High School with aspirations to pursue a degree in South Asian Studies and Business.)
