Several Indian-Americans, others, honored on Human Rights Day in New York

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New York, N.Y. — The Arts4All Foundation along with the  Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and representatives from the United Nations observed International Human Rights and Peace Day, on Dec. 10, 2021, which marks the day that the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Numerous people were recognized for their commitment to human rights and lifelong service to communities.

Dr. Sumita Sengupta, founder of Arts4All described the honorees as “very special” people. “Each person here has dedicated their life to helping society globally, in their own community, and in their own society,” she said, something that goes well with the theme of the event, “Inspire Good”.

“Seventy-three years ago, after the world united against the oppression, genocide and atrocities of the Second World War, we reaffirm our committed to preserving and upholding the universal rights of all people,” Dr. Sumita Sengupta, the founder of Arts4All Foundation said during the event. “From former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to the human rights activists today, on Human Rights Day we honor all of the brave individuals who during the global pandemic risked their lives to continue to support one another in preserving freedom, justice, liberty, equality, common dignity and advancing human rights for all,” she added.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer said, “Whether it is welcoming refugees from totalitarian regimes, promoting economic and racial justice, celebrating diversity, LGBTQ rights, religious freedom and gender equality or condemning violence, New Yorkers have a long history of defending human rights and fighting against oppression. Today, I am proud to honor our fellow New Yorkers on Human Rights Day who dedicate their lives to laying the foundation of peace, justice and freedom through their advocacy.”

A historical video clip was shown of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt speaking about the genesis of the idea of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dr. Sudhir M. Parikh, chairman of the Center for Asthma & Allergy Associates of Murray Hill, chairman & publisher-Parikh World Wide Media, ITV Gold, was the recipient of the Human Rights Leader of the Year Award, at the event.

In his speech at the event, Dr. Parikh noted that Eleanor Roosevelt had been a patient at his practice. Apart from running a medical practice, Dr. Parikh is the President of Life Global USA, Patron Trustee and Senior Advisor of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Charitable Foundation, among other volunteer and philanthropic organizations. His media acquisitions, both print and television, were mainly to help the community, he said, and he offered his assistance on issues of human rights.

“Growing up in the world’s largest democracy, the country that has inspired non-violent movements around the world, shaped how we view the value of human life, equality and peace, I continue to build upon the legacy of India through my work as a physician, philanthropist and community leader around the world,” said Dr. Parikh.

Several others were honored at the event, including a number of  Indian-Americans – Dr. Arvin Ghosh, author of 19 books, and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Economics, Finance, and Global Business at William Paterson University; Dr. Susmita Jasty, director of Outreach of the Art of Living Foundation; Dr. Babu Jasty, board member of Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan; Dr. Urmilesh Arya, national president of the Association for Indians in American; and Dr. Dhanonjoy C. Saha, director of the Office of Grant Support and Research Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, who was co-chair of the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning also spoke at the event. “Every day we grow stronger because of the honorees in this room who are leading by example to make the world a more equitable place,” Sen. Cleare said.

She described the awardees as “amazing people” who do things “when no one is watching.”

This year’s celebration was organized by Arts4All Foundation, which describes itself as a human rights organization working to preserve the arts while also providing humanitarian programs and services to improve lives locally, in New York, and globally.

The theme of the Human Rights Day Celebration and Awards Ceremony was “Inspire Good – transformative leadership for a better future and world.”