Two top FIA members recognized in New York during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas for their community work

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Federation of Indian Associations Board of Trustees member Srujal Parikh and past president Alok Kumar have been recognized by the Government of India with an award in observation of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD), Jan. 9.

The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Consulate General of India in New York on January 9, 2021.

Parikh and Kumar were honored for their leadership and contributions to community service, as well as being a friend of the Consulate.

“It’s great honor to receive this prestigious recognition along with my fraternity brother Alok Kumar,” Parikh is quoted saying in the press release from FIA. He thanked Consul General Randhir Jaiswal; Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha, as well as Vijay Krishna, for the recognition. Parikh also thanked FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya for “trusting me and inspiring me for community work,” the FIA family, as well as his wife and his family for their support.

Parikh began his journey with the FIA 12 years ago as a volunteer. He was elected the president in 2018. Under his leadership, the organization celebrated the 72nd Independence Day of India. The theme of the parade that year was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam –World is one family.”

“It is an amazing experience when an organization gets recognized and at the same time a member of the organization also gets recognized,” said Kumar.

“Thank you Hon. Consul General Shri Randhir Jaiswal and DCG Shri Shatrughna Sinha,” he added, also extending thanks to all the community members “who never forget his/her origin, who always cherish their origin and keep always motherland in heart. God bless America and Vande mataram.”

Kumar is the Managing Director and founding partner of United Business Solutions, Inc. (UBSols Inc), a New Jersey-based IT Consulting firm. He currently resides in Old Bridge, NJ with his wife Mona, and their daughter, Garima.

Kumar has been involved and associated with various social organizations in New Jersey such as the FIA-nynjct, where he served as its president in 2019 and is currently an executive member; the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America(BJANA).

Previously, he has also held various executive positions at the Indian Business Association (IBA) and South Asian Community Outreach (SACO). He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science.