Dinner Cruise: Indian-American engineers and architects enjoy networking on the Hudson

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Close to 300 professionals belonging to the Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA), enjoyed each other’s company in ideal weather condition on the Hudson River during the 2022 Annual Networking Dinner Cruise July 23, 2022.

Dignitaries present at the event included Consul (Political & PIC) of India-NY, Vipul Dev; Gordon Tung, vice president New York City School Construction Authority; Deputy Chief Engineer, Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J., Rizwan Baig; Mark Ebrahim, chief of the mentor program at NYCSCA and Padma Shri recipient Dr Sudhir Parikh, founder and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media. A press release from SIAEA said 280 guests were present at the networking cruise.

Ketan Shah, president of SIAEA, welcomed the gathering and shared the accomplishments and highlights of the organization since it was established in 1981 with just 20 members who now number more than 1,200.

Member include professional engineers and architects of Indian origin, including those from the second and third generation who were born in the United States. Members represent the private and public sector who have “made tremendous contributions in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, contracting, and construction related specialty services, a press release from SIAEA said. The organization has provided a platform for professional development and collaboration.

To date SIAEA has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to engineering and architectural students; introduced a Technical Seminar program, raising professional education levels; held a number of networking events throughout the year creating opportunities for new professional relationships.

It also carried out philanthropic work during the peak of the COVID pandemic, raising $100,000 to send medical supplies to India to meet the needs of heavily impacted areas.

Several special guests spoke during the cruise praising SIAEA for its contributions.

Consul Dev, who is also an architect by training, congratulated SIAEA and its members for the vital role they play in building the city and keeping the infrastructure running smoothly, and providing a platform for Indian-origin professionals in its field.

Gordon Tung, Vice President New York City School Construction Authority, outlined the opportunities available to ‘Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises’ and present the ways in which NYCSCA could render assistance in a wide range of ways, from mentoring small emerging businesses to full blown General Contractors or Design A/E firm like Ashnu Int’l.

Deputy Chief Engineer, Port Authority of NY & NJ, Rizwan Baig, spoke of the billions dollars budget available to PANYNJ for engineering and construction opportunities especially renovation and rebuilding of La Guardia and JFK airports.

Ebrahim, chief of mentor program at NYCSCA enlightened those present about the benefits of the mentoring program as a stepping-stone to growth.

Dr Sudhir Parikh emphasized the importance of SIAEA to the Indian-American community and thanked Shah for the opportunity to be at the networking event.

The cruise concluded with a dinner and dance, and provided the setting for fruitful interaction among members as well as opportunities for networking with important industry and media representatives, according to organizers.