Amritsar Medical and Dental alumni convention in Chicago

- ADVERTISEMENT -

CHICAGO, IL

More than 250 alumni gathered at the 39th annual convention of the Amritsar Medical & Dental Association of North America (AMDAANA) July 13 to 17, at Hilton Oak brook resort & Conference Center, in Oak Brook, IL.

This was one of the largest AMDAANA conventions outside India and delegates from U.S., Canada, and Europe, attended, as did a number of dignitaries and some faculty members from India. The AMDAANA’s mission is to foster a networking platform through meetings, educational seminars, and entertainment.

The need to belong and find one’s roots is an age-old human desire. It was the motivating force behind formation of AMDAANA, which came to fruition after a small group met at dinner in the home of Satinder and Raj Gupta on April 7, 1979, in Dayton, Ohio, and followed up, according to a press release from the organization. The organization was born Oct. 27, when the first annual meeting was held in Seven Springs, PA.

This year’s convention included social gatherings, yoga, a general body meeting where ongoing projects and objectives of AMDAANA were discussed, as well as ways to help needy students in the field of healthcare, providing charitable assistance to the various institutions providing healthcare and social assistance to those deprived.

Dr. Jaspreet Kaur was nominated and unanimously elected as secretary for 2019.

A cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Anupy Singla, a golf outing, continuing medical education seminars, and an elegant banquet, complete with awards recognizing the achievements of some alumni, were some of the highlights.

Dr. Navneet Kaur, vice president of the organization gave a run down on the progress of the alma mater; in her speech highlighted current state of affairs and progress of the Alma Mater. A life time achievement award was presented to Dr. Sarjit Singh who passed away recently. The award was received by his wife.

Other invited community leaders present included among others, businessman Darshan Dhariwal, Dr. Bhupender Saini, Dr. Hargurmukhpal Singh, Dr. Sarabjit Bhandal, Dr. Mukhtiar Nandra, Hardial Deol. Mayor of Oakbrook Dr. Gopal Lalmalani welcomed all participants and thanked AMDAANA for holding the convention in his home town.

The curtains came down on the convention to the rousing dhol music and vibrant Punjabi folk dances by Ministry of Bhangara. The next convention is expected to be held in the New York tri-state area.