Election Candidates 2026-2027
Presidential Candidates
Harish Thakkar (NY)
For the past 21 years, I have been actively involved with AIA, extending my work beyond IT into community service and cultural preservation.
My Journey with AIA & Community
I was the President of the Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter from 2019 – 2022. I also serve as a committee member of the Project India team. I also started spreading the awareness of Diwali in NY Public Schools and hosting the Children’s Diwali celebration at the Queens Public Libraries for the last 16 years.
During my presidency covid 19 pandemic times myself and my team have been stepping in to supply hundreds of families with food and hygiene provisions. On May 3rd Sunday, NY Police appreciated our gesture of bringing in food for the police personnel at the precinct. also distributed meals for the compassionate healthcare workers at White plain and Jamaica hospitals. Also, AIA NY displayed Happy Diwali & Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India message for the entire world in Times square on Nasdaq Billboard 43rd street & Broadway, for 5 days.
September 2022 celebrated azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav event with U.S. Representatives and Senators in Capitol Hill in Washington DC.
First time AIANY picnic and blowing event organised for youth,
My Vision for AIA National
I will work with my new team to energize, elevate, and expand AIA’s impact on the Asian Indian community.
Our key initiatives include:
Launching a Youth Educational Scholarship Program
Strengthening engagement across all chapters with regular communication.
Creating integrated, collaborative activities across chapters for greater visibility and community impact.
Ensuring financial and administrative transparency in all operations.
We are committed to driving AIA toward a brighter and more impactful future.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. I look forward to working with you in service of our community.
Nilima Madan (NY)
Nilima has a distinguished record of leadership, service, and dedication to AIA with extensive experience at both National and NY-Chapter levels.
Having worked closely with two National Presidents and two New York Chapter Presidents, Nilima has deep understanding of AIA’s operations, priorities, and community impact. She built relationships with AIA Trustees, National Chapter Presidents, and members across the country.
Key Leadership Roles at AIA National and NY Chapter
- Banquet Chair, National AIA Medical Council Gala, Cipriani NY (2025)
- Vice President, AIA NY Chapter (2025); Organizer, 38th AIA Deepavali Festival (2025)
- Chair, 36th Deepavali Gala at Pearl-LI, AIA NY Chapter (2024)
- Coordinated two National President’s oath ceremony and one for NY Chapter President
- National Vice President (2022–2023); Co-Chair, 2023 National Honor Banquet, NY
- National General Secretary (2018–2019)
- Event Coordinator, AIA 50th Anniversary Celebration at Garden City Hotel NY
- AIA Life-Member since 2017, continuously serving key leadership roles.
Vision and Commitments
- Practicing collaborative, inclusive leadership that honors AIA’s legacy and mission.
- Empowering Chapters Nationwide, to add members and expand in compliance with bylaws.
- Mentoring young leaders, re-energizing chapters, adding new ones by engaging young professionals.
- Strengthen engagement, across diverse Indian-American communities by organizing conventions
- Prioritize, efficiency, communication, automation and administration with financial transparency.
Uphold “Indian Heritage and American Commitment”
Professionally, Nilima an independent financial advisor with decades of expertise and experience from major U.S. banks and Indian corporations (Tata and Modi). President, Treasurer, Grants Committee in Rotary/District, VHI Trustee, OFBJP-NEC, IDP-USA Senior Vice President. Organized several cultural programs. Was TV host and guest. Did radio programs during COVID. Received multiple proclamations and citations from elected officials, including the NY Governor and Mayor for her community leadership.
” Vote and support Nilima Madan to take charge as National President for AIA with vison and focus.”
Vice President Candidates
Dr. Binod Verma (NY)
Community & Cultural Service
- President, IALI – Directed major cultural, educational, and community programs supporting the Indian-American diaspora.
- Trustee, Hindu Center – Supported religious, cultural, and educational initiatives benefiting families and youth.
- Member-at-Large, National AIA – Actively participated in national initiatives and long-term organizational growth.
Commitment to AIA & Public Service
- Demonstrated consistent dedication to strengthening the Indian-American community at local, state, and national levels.
- Engaged in long-standing community service alongside spouse Meena Verma, herself a former Vice President of IALI.
- Committed to enhancing AIA’s mission through transparency, unity, and expanded national visibility.
Professional Leadership
- President, New York Academy of Dentistry – Led initiatives to advance dental education, ethics, and community outreach.
- President, Nassau County Dental Society – Promoted professional development, public health programs, and member engagement.
- Board Member, Nassau County Dental Society & New York State Academy of Dentistry – Contributed to strategic planning and organizational governance.
- Delegate, American Dental Association & New York State Academy of Dentistry – Represented regional interests at national and state levels.
Jagdish Gupta (NY)
Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta is a nationally respected physician, educator, and community leader whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to medicine, community service, and organizational leadership. A proud AIA member since 1987, he began active participation under the mentorship of Drs. Kukar, Mattoo, and Manvar during the 50th anniversary celebration of India’s Independence in 1997. He has since served in numerous leadership capacities for both the AIA–National Executive Committee and the AIA–NY Chapter, culminating in his term as President of the AIA–NY Chapter in 2023–24—an opportunity for which he remains deeply grateful.
Professionally, Dr. Gupta has held influential roles including Medical Staff President, member of the Board of Trustees of a major hospital and the Continuum Health Care System, and President of several medical organizations: the Medical Society of the County of Kings, the Bay Ridge Medical Society of Brooklyn, AAPI of Queens and Long Island, and the AIIMS Alumni Association of USA.
His community service includes top leadership positions at the Nargis Dutt Memorial Cancer Foundation, the India Association of Long Island, and board membership at the Hindu Center and the Academy of Medicine, Brooklyn. He has also served as Honorary Surgeon to the New York Police Department.
He humbly requests your Support and Vote to continue serving AIA nationally as Vice President from New York.
Dr. Sunil Mehra (NY)
Dr. Sunil Mehra, MD, FACP, FCCP, is a distinguished pulmonologist, educator, and community leader with more than four decades of dedicated service. He joined the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as a Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, bringing extensive clinical and academic expertise. After earning his medical degree from University Medical College in Amritsar, Dr. Mehra completed his residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care at LIJ Hillside Medical Center as Chief Fellow. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Geriatrics, his clinical interests include sleep apnea, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer. Multilingual in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Spanish, he is deeply committed to patient centered care.
Dr. Mehra is Past President of IALI, AAPI–QLI, and the Indo-American Lions Club, and has served the AIA at both the New York and National levels for more than 40 years, including as Vice President. He remains actively involved in community service through the Interfaith Nutrition Network, RotaCare, and Lions Club initiatives. A former Chief of Pulmonary Medicine and Director of the MICU at LIJ–Forest Hills, he continues to mentor, serve, and inspire through medicine and volunteerism
Sushma Kotahwala (NY)
As we embark on 2026, I want to thank all our members for their support of Association of Indians in America over its history. I sincerely seek your support to allow me to help create another successful year. I have been president of AIA New York Chapter during 2009-10 term. My multi-faceted personality, perseverance, and work ethic were the reasons the “Deepavali Festival at South Street Seaport” was a success during that time.
During my presidency, I introduced new American corporate sponsors such as PepsiCo, Walmart, & State Farm. Since then and till now I have propagated and promoted various aspects of the Indian American diaspora. The success of these projects is proof in the over ten citations, proclamations and commendations I have received from the leaders in our New York government, such as Grace Meng and Micheal Bloomberg. I have also been recognized by the Indian consulate, receiving the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2020 award.
I wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year and thank you for your support.
Salil Mishra (IL)
Professional & Financial Leadership
- Chief Lending Officer and board member at Millennium Bank; former Deputy General Manager at SBI, Chicago.
- Extensive experience in banking, finance, and strategic leadership.
AIA Leadership & Contributions
- Held key leadership roles: President of AIA Illinois Chapter, Secretary and Vice President.
- Currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AIA Illinois Chapter.
- Leads and supports numerous annual events, including Independence Day, Youth Dance Festival (300–500 participants), Gandhi Jayanti observances, and Business Networking Gala (300+ dignitaries).
Community & Cultural Leadership
- Founding member and trustee of the National India Hub in Chicago, recognized as the largest Indian cultural center outside India.
- Supports ~200 organizations offering dance, yoga, healthcare, STEM training, and networking events featuring celebrities like Hrithik Roshan and Yuvraj Singh.
- President of the US India Chamber of Commerce Midwest.
- Actively involved in multiple charitable organizations promoting education, culture, and community engagement.
Recognition & Impact
- National India Hub: serves as a cornerstone for the Indian diaspora in the United States.
- Leadership reflects a strong commitment to cultural preservation, community building, and fostering connections between Indian and American communities.
Nalini Shah (NJ)
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BIO COMING SOON
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Ramnarayan Tirumala (NJ)
Leadership & Public Service
- AIA member since several years and served as President, AIA New Jersey Chapter.
- Elected Board Member, North Brunswick Township Schools.
- Fellow, Leadership New Jersey, focusing on public policy and civic engagement.
Professional Background
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Civil Engineering with extensive experience in geotechnical and environmental engineering.
- Founder & Principal of Distinct Engineering Solutions, Inc. (DESI), specializing in skilled services, and construction quality inspections.
- Led engineering contributions to major New York metropolitan infrastructure projects, including:
Second Avenue Subway
East Side Access Tunnel to Grand Central Terminal
No. 7 Subway Extension
LIRR Main Line Expansion
MNR Penn Station Access Project
Awards & Recognition
- Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award (2007).
- Engineer of the Year, Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (2008).
Cultural & Community Involvement
- President, Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, promoting classical arts and culture.
- Board member for several community and religious institutions, including:
Ranganatha Temple, Pomona
Monmouth University
Construction Committee, Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Bridgewater, NJ
Vishnu Sharma (FL)
I am proud of my Indian Heritage and have sought my entire life to be accepted as an Indian and a Hindu. I taught Bal Vikas at our local temple in South Florida for 20 years and inculcated to each child that they are each an ambassador of our culture. My father was a Pundit and Community Leader in South Florida and raised us to respect all cultures and religions but always be strong in our identity. AIA has a powerful platform to unite Indians across this country and have that voice be heard. We inspire responsible citizenship, leadership and unswerving fidelity to our heritage. AIA has the potential to do make a difference and regain its true place as the leading national Indian Organization in the USA.
PROFESSIONAL
- Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner
- Founded my own CPA firm grew it into major firm and merged it into software company
PUBLIC SERVICE
- Treasurer, AIA Florida Chapter 2016-2025
- Community Association National, Falls Church, VA [52,000 member Non-Profit]
- Past President 2023
- Past Board of Trustees 2018-2023
- Florida Institute of CPA, Tallahassee, FL
- Past Chair CIRA Committee, Current active Committee member
- Florida Hindu Organization, Oakland Park, FL
PERSONAL
- Married the girl of my dreams 33 years ago, and we have raised three beautiful children and three even more amazing grandsons.
Treasurer Candidates
Gobind Bathija (NY)
Professional & Financial Leadership
- Current National Treasurer, AIA; CPA and financial strategist with a Master’s in Accounting providing strategic insight, fiscal governance, and long-term accountability.
- National AIA Member-at-Large and AIA member member for several years.
- President & CEO of GB Enterprises Inc. (20+ companies), Dunkin’ Brands franchises, and GBN Capital Group LLC, driving multimillion-dollar growth and global investment.
- High-stakes international trade experience in supplying automotive parts to U.S. and European markets.
Entrepreneurship & Business Ventures
- Developed specialty retail enterprises on Canal Street, key cultural and economic hubs for New York’s Indian-American community.
- Business ventures span luxury fashion, Indian film distribution, real estate, financial markets, garment retail, and food service.
Community & Cultural Leadership
- Founded Asamai Temple (Flushing) and Hindu Community Center/Asamai Temple (Hicksville).
- Founding Member: Indo-American Lions Club, Indian American Community of Long Island, Rotary Club of North Shore.
- Past President: Indian American Chamber of Commerce, NY; former International Officer, Rotary Club of Lindenhurst.
- Chairperson & Founding Member, Hindu American Advisory Board for Suffolk County.
Recognition & Awards
- Honored with 50+ proclamations and awards from city, state, and federal officials for contributions to business, culture, and community.
Shashi Malik (NY)
Shashi Malik is a business woman and she manages her own IT Software Company, SD Services Inc. She has a master of arts degree and she is a Senior System professional with experience in all aspects of Information Technology over the past 30 years. Her past assignments were as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Vice President, Director and Manager for several Fortune 1000 companies.
She is actively involved in the Indian community providing volunteer services to several non-profit organizations, (IALI),(AIA),(IDP),(IAF), NDMF, Vegetarian Vision, Gift of Life USA, RotaCare NY, Mary Brennan INN Soup Kitchen, United Methodist Church, India Vision Foundation G30,(ASLI), and Friends of Good Health. Advisory Member of Human Rights Commission, Asian American Advisory Council and United Way Community Impact Council. Founder of Seva center for Humanity (SCH), She believes that helping our community should be one’s life goal.For her contributions, she received recognition from New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction 2025” in Albany on May 13th, 2025.
https://youtu.be/A61UGhus8sc and The President’s Volunteer Service Award for her “Excellent volunteer services” to the community. In 2013, she also received from President Barack Obama.
Shashi has a Master’s Degree and worked in the Indian Army prior to coming to the USA.