AAPI Greater NY chapter celebrates 13th anniversary

Felicitates Hemant Patel, Neil Simon, David Norton, Tarun Shah, Samin Sharma and Aarthi Krishna

Eventful 2010 for Indians in America Last few months have been particularly hectic for Indian Americans in the US with a host of social, cultural, professional and community events lined up one after the other. From celebrating their Indian roots and passing on the traditions to debating the future of the next generation in their adopted land, the high profile get-togethers saw Americans of Indian origin confirming their contribution to the social fabric. While the glittering annual AIA Diwali mela at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport saw another year of grand success, the AAPI Gala had the baton passed over to new officer bearers. A meet of temples across the US had experts discussing the issues concerning Hindu Indians, an extravagant Sikh Film Festival had some heart rending stories told brilliantly in cinematic format.

Prominent public officials and community leaders including US Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and India’s Consul-General Prabhu Dayal attended a glittering event to celebrate the thirteenth anniversary of the Greater New York chapter of the Federation of Associations of Physicians of Indian Origin, the umbrella organization of about 15,000 medical professionals of Indian descent. Aarthi Krishna, community development officer at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, represented the Ambassador of India at the event.

More than a thousand physicians from the Tri-State area attended the celebration held at Sheraton Hotel, Meadowland, NJ, where major pharmaceutical companies showcased their products and services to the selected audience of medical profession of Tri-State area.

Dayal complimented the physicians of Indian origin for their constructive role in strengthening relations between India and the US. “AAPI has been in the forefront of promoting India’s national interests in USA”, he acknowledged, “You have done a great service for the cause of US-India friendship”, he told the gathering appealing them to continue serving their adopted nation as well as their native land.

NJ Assemblyman Chivukula presented a proclamation, adopted by the State Assembly, to Dr. Hemant Patel, past president of AAPI and chairman of its charitable wing, for his meritorious record of service to the society. Applauding Dr. Patel’s life long commitment to the medical profession the proclamation complimented him for his contribution towards improvement of health services for the people. NJ Governor Chris Christie also sent a letter praising the leadership role of Dr. Patel in the medical profession and the community. Dr. Patel was felicitated at the event for his accomplishments and achievements as a medical professional and a community leader.

As the Chairman of the Charitable Foundation of AAPI, Dr. Patel announced the launching of scholarship for students of Indian descent intending to pursue their studies at the American University of Antigua. “The scholarship will be awarded to an incoming student each semester for the January, May and September semesters. It will cover the tuition and fees for qualified students attending AUA”, he informed the audience.

Federation of AAPI Greater NY felicitated Aarthi Krishna for her contribution towards strengthening relations between the Indian American community and the Indian government. Neil Simon, President of American University of Antigua, David Norton of Johnson & Johnson, Tarun Shah, immediate past president of Federation and Samin Sharma were also felicitated on the occasion.

As a part of AAPI’s commitment to provide continuing medical education to upcoming practitioners, a panel of experts presented a wide ranging information and lecture during the day. The seminar was attended by dozens of professionals who were eligible to earn licensing credits for attending the CME. The speakers at the seminar themed ‘Managing Coronary Heart Diseases’ included Dr. Daniel Conroy of St. Mary’s Hospital, Passaic, NJ, who provided an update on current issues with heart failure. Marc Klapholz of UMDNJ spoke on managing sudden death and implanting defibrillators and Dr. Edo Kaluski of UMDNJ made a presentation on the current status of coronary angioplasty and stenting. Dr. Thomas Alapatt, president, Federation of AAPI of Greater NYNJ- PA reminded the audience that AAPI aimed at helping Indian American physicians pursue their aspiration in professional and community affairs. “We also want to facilitate and enable you to excel in patient care, teaching and research activities”, he said. “The federation was actively engaged in philanthropic and charitable activities. “In addition to supporting several health care clinics in India and the United States, national AAPI continues to be a strong voice in healthcare legislation and policy”, he added.

Dr. Ajit Singhvi, president, AAPI, provided details about various steps taken by the organization in the areas of medical missions and community services. “ We are sending eligible candidates to India on clinical missions for four weeks”, he informed the fellow physicians reminding them to attend the 4th Indo-US Healthcare Summit to be held in January 2011 in Jaipur, India. Shashi Shah, president elect, Federation of AAPI Greater NYNJ, Darmi Kanuga, vice president and Rakesh Mehta also conveyed their compliments on the occasion.

Later Congressman Frank Pallone conferred with the leadership team of AAPI on the prevailing health care issues in the United States. Dr. Hemant Patel, chairman of the charitable wing of the Federation, who was recently awarded with Ellis Island Medal of Honor, said that his organization had trained thousands of health workers who regularly screened patients in the villages in Gujarat. Patel said that the project was self sustainable as the trained health workers were able to train other villagers. “We plan to take the Gujarat model to other states of India. We hope to engage the Indian government in this project.” Dr. Sanjay Jain, Treasurer of the federation proposed a vote of thanks. A spectacular Bollywood musical entertainment show by singer Sunidhi Chouhan and her group followed the speeches.