Entrepreneur and author Anu Sehgal was honoured by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on May 23, 2023, at the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Reception 2023 in New York. According to the media, Sehgal was the only South Asian among the six honorees awarded during the ceremony, attended by over 800 diaspora members and AAPI communities. Councilman Shekar Krishnan and Meera Joshi, the first Indian American deputy mayor were also present.
"We are applauding you for your effort to foster cross-cultural exchange while uniting our vibrant South Asian community together, we look forward to the many ways you have helped the AAPI New Yorkers, and you will continue to make a positive difference", Mayor Eric Adams said.
Sehgal is the founder and president of The Culture Tree which aims to provide South Asian culture through educational and enrichment programs. According to the company's website, the cultural educator who grew up in India and moved to the US over two decades ago starved for authentic Indian experiences and community and devoured anything that came her way: film festivals, exhibits, and book readings.
"I am looking forward to providing children with authentic, immersive and inspiring experiences. Through classes and events, we can offer cross-cultural exposure that can help shape knowledgeable, open-minded and respectful individuals," the website noted Sehgal saying.
Sehgal added, "I am an active parent and believe awareness of one’s heritage, culture and language is key for children to become self-aware and confident individuals. I also recognize the immense benefits of being bilingual."
