The Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrated their 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee Gala on December1st,2018 at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City, New York USA.This was a sold out black tie dinner event that was attended by 400 people. The gala was well organized and coordinated. Credit goes to Ravi Shankar Bhooplapur ( Gala Chairman ),President Dr.Urmilesh Arya, Co-chairs Dr Buddhadev Manvar, Surinder Rametra ,Dr.Yashpal Arya and the Banquet Committee.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a special message of greetings for the occasion, applauding the organization for “delivering a pioneering role in the promotion of the interests of the Indian community in America and in celebrating the unique identity and culture of the community.”

The President of the Association of Indians in America, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, addressed the audience. She said “This celebration is a special occasion of remembrance and reflection of a time to revisit the vision of the founders”. She highlighted achievements of the Organization in past half century including a launch of Diwali celebration in New York and White hous, nationwide voter registration drive and a successful campaign to get the United States Postal Services to issue Diwali Celebration Stamp. She mentioned about charitable works in India during Floods in Bengal, Bhopal Gas Leak Disaster and Gujrat Earthquake. She also spoke about Project India’s relief work for victims of HIV.

Dr. Arya stressed upon developing unity among organizations. She said “Her goal is to focus on women empowerment and to help children in India, as well to continue to support and help the Veterans of the United States.”
Dr.Narender Kukar, a past president of AIA and a past Chairman Board of Trustees received the lifetime achievement award for his dedicated and untiring contributions to the organization. Dr. Kukar commented briefly about how much AIA has grown in the past 50 years with local chapters from New York to California. He highlighted the ground breaking work the organization has done to get minority status for Indians in 1993, and about charitable works, in USA and INDIA.

Dr. Arthur Klein, the President of the Mount Sinai Health Network, New York, was honored, with an award from The Association of Indians in America for being an outstanding provider of health care services in New York USA
Honorable Congressman Tom Suozzi attended the Golden Jubilee Gala and thanked The Association of Indians in America for their contributions and the commitment they have shown to the country.

Honorable Counsel General Sandeep Chakravarty addressed the audience and highlighted the strong commitment of Indian Americans to this Nation and how this will continue to strengthen and grow more in the coming years. He said “By the year 2030 India will have the 4th largest GDP, in many sectors including Information and Technology, Medicine, Research and Defense. India will work hand in hand with the United States.” He noted the good days ahead for both countries and thanked the founding members of the organization.

The Honorable Congressman Raja Krishnamoorty spoke about his parents and his education, and gave an inspiring talk to the audience. In his speech he requested all to participate as much as possible in the political process and highlighted the four Indian American Congressmen currently representing the country. He hoped that in the coming years he will see more political participation and representation at the highest level
The Guest of Honor Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher was introduced and gave an inspiring speech to the attendees. He spoke of his struggle as an actor in the 1980’s and shared memories of his parents and how he grew up. During his speech he talked about how he struggled in school as a child and how he overcome that to become a successful actor. His speech to the audience was very moving and empowering.

The evening entertainment was performed by the Rudra Band and DJ Kucha. The Association of Indians in America would like to thank all of the donors, participants and sponsors for this successful event.