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AIA-NY honors Indian-American leaders at benefit gala
AIA-NY announced its 39th Deepavali Celebration and Live Fireworks Festival, set for Oct. 3
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 11, Jun 2026
- 12:40 EDT
- 36
Honorees group photo / AIA-NY
The New York chapter of the Association of Indians in America (AIA-NY) honored seven Indian-American professionals at its Annual Benefit Gala 2026 on June 7, recognizing their achievements in medicine, law, entrepreneurship, research and technology.
The organization described the seven individuals as “Ratnas,” or jewels of the community, for their professional excellence, leadership and service.
Also read: Thousands attend FOGAUSA United Gujarati Convention in Florida
The honorees included oncologist Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recipient known for his contributions to cancer care; interventional cardiologist Dr. Sahil Khera of Mount Sinai Heart Hospital; entrepreneur and philanthropist Manish Dhadda; transplant nephrologist Dr. Aprajita Mattoo of NYU Langone Health; physician and community leader Dr. Jagat Rawal; attorney Jessica Kalra; and technology entrepreneur Pulkita Kini, currently pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, the gala drew more than 300 guests, including diplomats, elected officials, healthcare professionals, business leaders and community members from across the tri-state area.
Several public officials and dignitaries sent messages of support or participated in the event, including representatives from the Consulate General of India in New York, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, State Sen. John C. Liu, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine.
During the evening, AIA-NY also announced its 39th Deepavali Celebration and Live Fireworks Festival, scheduled for Oct. 3 at Overlook Beach in Babylon, Long Island.
AIA-NY president Beena Kothari thanked attendees, sponsors and volunteers, emphasizing the collective effort behind the organization's community initiatives. The gala concluded with a musical performance by New York-based singer Kunal Lamba.
“While I may stand at the podium, success is always the result of unwavering and unconditional support all along from my family and the Team working tirelessly behind the scenes,” Kothari said.
Founded in 1967, AIA is the oldest national association of Asian Indians in the United States.
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