Federation of Indian Associations and NY Indian Consulate, celebrate trailblazing women

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of NY-NJ-CT-NE, along with the Indian Consulate in New York, hosted the 7th Annual International Women’s Day celebration at India House, New York City, on the eve of International Women’s Day which falls on March 8.

India’s Union Minister of Women & Child Development, Annpurna Devi was the chief guest.

The event honored four women “for their remarkable contributions across diverse fields, a press release from FIA said.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Among the highlights of the event, which was emceed by Payal Shah, chair of IWD at FIA, was a digital presentation highlighting FIA’s ongoing initiatives promoting diversity and gender equality.

The 2025 Honorees were:

• Anu Aiyengar– Global Head of Advisory and Mergers & Acquisitions, J.P. Morgan
• Anjula Acharia– CEO and Founder, A-Series Management & Investments
• Wendy E. Diamond– CEO & Founder, LDP Ventures, Founder, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization
• Seema Mody– Reporter & Anchor, CNBC

A panel discussion moderated by Anu Sehgal of The Culture Tree, heard about the personal journeys of the honorees. They spoke passionately about their entrepreneurial experiences and acknowledged the women who had inspired them throughout their careers.

In her keynote address,  Minister Annpurna Devi emphasized the crucial role women have played in strengthening bilateral relations between India and the United States. “Women of both countries and the diaspora have consistently been at the forefront of developing and nurturing the relationship between America and India,” she noted. The Minister also highlighted her recent initiative launched on February 13th, 2025, in Washington DC, aimed at fostering women’s development across both nations in socio-economic, financial, and technological sectors.

Video presentations at the event celebrated both past honorees and introduced this year’s distinguished awardees.

“The primary objective remained inspiring women to rise above challenges and make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and professional domains,” FIA said in its press release.

Other speakers included FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, FIA President Saurin Parikh, and the Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan. Each speaker acknowledged women’s indispensable role in society and highlighted the significant progress made toward women’s empowerment in India.

During the award ceremony, Consul General Pradhan and Minister Annapurna Devi presented each honoree with a sash, trophy, bouquet, and proclamation, recognizing their outstanding achievements. The awardees expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and shared their visions for a more inclusive and progressive future.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Smita Miki Patel, Co-Chair of International Women’s Day, followed by a special dinner catered by Andaaz Caterers.

Related posts:

38th ‘Dance Pe Chance’: Federation of Indian Associations’ spectacular flagship event dazzles Welcome to New York FIA-NY-NJ-CT-NE announces new Voting Board of Trustees for 2024-2026 Tristate FIA and Indian Consulate celebrate International Women’s Day