Indian American Forum hosts 12th successful awards ceremony to recognize ‘Outstanding Women’

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More than 300 people attended the Indian American Forum (indianamericanforum.org) gala where several distinguished women were celebrated and recognized for their achievements Sunday March 5, 2023.

The event was the 12^th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Gala, part of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Celebrations, Indu Jaiswal, chairperson of IAF told Desi Talk. “It was very successful, sold out event. We had to turn people away,” she said, adding that this year second general women were included in the awardees.

Held at the Metropolitan Caterers in Long Island, New York, the gala was organized under the leadership of Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, and their team members. They welcomed all the guests and congratulated the honorees praising their efforts in achieving success.

The list of five honorees includes:

Dr. Purvi Parikh – an allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill. She is currently on faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Parikh has published articles in allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency syndromes in various peer reviewed journals and textbooks. She is a medical contributor for CBS, CNBC, NBC, FOX News, and ABC, and was an investigator in COVID 19 trials . Dr Parikh is also involved in local and national medical societies.

Vandana Jauhar, a leading musical artist and singer with her popular albums “Albela” and “Papa”. Check her melodious singing on https://vandanajauhar.hearnow.com/. Vandana has been composing and singing for several years. She is also involved in Nargis Dutt Foundation with charitable contributions.

Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, NY. She has co-authored of the book ‘Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide’ which is a winner for the Best Inspirational/Motivational CIPA Evy Award. Dr Dua also is involved in workshops and programs for prevention of Oral Cancer.

Sandhya Bhatia, Branch Manager, Vice president ·of Flushing Bank, who has demonstrated a history of working in the financial services industry. She is skilled in Portfolio Management, Business Relationship, Risk Management, Banking, and Strategic Partnerships.

Nayana Brahmbhatt, a BAPS volunteer who has volunteered in various capacities since 1989, including community outreach, public relations, hosting annual women’s conferences, served in kitchen department and participated in training and nurturing young girls,  Diwali events, organizing mandir activities. She is also a tennis player and helping young students.

Young Achiever-Ria Parashar, a volunteer at Children’s Hope who helps the special needs community also received recognition.

Elected women officials of New York attended, including New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.

Dr. Bobby Kalotee of IAF, who is Chairman Human Rights Commission Nassau County New York, and on the Board of Directors Nassau University Medical Center, welcomed and praised the achievements of Rajkumar and Srivastava saying they portrayed women’s empowerment and success.

Sunita Sadhnani entertained the audience with her singing.

Traditional performances by Desi Beats and Angel Shah that symbolized the significance of Holi as a festival of colors, were enjoyed by the audience.

The 5 women achievers were also presented with Citations from  Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby from Town of Hempstead, Supervisor Town of Oyster Bay Joseph Saladino, Elaine Phillips from the Nassau County Comptroller Office, and Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava.

The awards ceremony was moderated by Ratna Bhalla, Inesha Joneja, Chanbir Sethi, Roopam Maini, Dr. Prachi Dua, Dr. Pallavi Singh and Sunita Manjrekar.

Among those present during the event were Padma Shri recipient Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Sudha Parikh, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee, founder of IAF, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Surinder Rametra,  Beena Kothari, Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Sanju Sharma, Jasbir Jay Singh, Flora Parekh, president of Gift of Life USA, Anil Shah from VTNY, Sunil Jain from Vass Pipe, Rizwan Qureshi  from HAB Bank, Madhu Pareek from Navika, Anuj Rihal, Dr. Harshad Bhatt from BAPS, Gobind Munjal President National AIA, Smiti Khanna, Dr Dina Pahlajani President Children’s Hope, members of AAPIQLI, Harry Malhotra, Jasbir Jay Singh several past honorees and many distinguished community and organization leaders. Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event.