News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (July 25, 2026 - July 31, 2026) July 31, 2026 10 Community PHOTO:KRIPA RANJAN PRASAD ITV GOLD PHOTOS:KRIPA RANJAN PRASAD ITV GOLD PHOTO: IALI PHOTO: IALI T he India Association of Long Island (IALI), one of the oldest and largest Indian-American organiza- tions on Long Island, hosted a memorable Annual Gala on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Pearl Banquet in Hicksville. The venue was filled to capacity as elected officials, business leaders, community members, and supporters gathered for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recogni- tion. This year’s theme – Creators of Icons: The Women Behind Successful Men – “paid tribute to extraor- dinary women whose strength, dedication, and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in the success of their families, businesses, and communities,” a press release from IALI said. The four distinguished honorees were: • Shashi Malik , a re- spected community leader whose years of selfless service, leadership, and ded- ication have inspired countless families and organizations across Long Island. • Padma Behen Mehta , admired for her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, spirituality, and humanitarian service, touching the lives of many through com- passion and generosity. • Shalu Suri Chopra , recognized for her elegance, leadership, and tireless sup- port of numerous cultural and charitable initiatives while standing as a pillar of strength for her family and community. • Geeta Patel , celebrated for her leadership in managing the bakery and kitchen operations of the Patel Brothers family business, while balancing entrepreneur- ship, family values, and community service with exceptional grace. The keynote address was delivered by hotelier Naveen Shah, Chairman of Navika Capital Group. Among the elected officials and dignitaries who at- tended were NewYork State Senator Steve Rhoads, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Former NewYork State Assemblyman Mike LiPetri, Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission Bobby Kumar Kalote, and Judge LillianWan. Among the distinguished guests were media mogul, Chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold, Padam Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, as well as Kamlesh Mehta, Kanak Golia, Nilesh Mehta, Preeti Mehta, Ravi Chopra, Ravi Bhooplapur, Raj Jaggi, Ajay Sondhi, Jaspreet Mayall, Zahid Syed, Dalip Malik, Harry Malhotra, Herman Singh, and many other prominent business and commu- nity leaders. Last year’s distinguished “Icons” honorees, viz., Harry Bolla, Chintu Patel, Raj Bhayani, and Indian Consul Gen- eral in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, congratulated the awardees through video messages displayed during the program. IALI recognized past presidents including Dr. Narendra Hadpawat, Anila Midha, Gobind Munjal, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Bina Sabapathy, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, and Shashi Malik, presenting each with a bouquet. The Election Commit- tee members were recog- nized, viz., Om Bhambri, Deepak Sachdev, and Rita Bhatija. IALI President Jasbir Jay Singh introduced and thanked the organization’s leadership team, includ- ing Vice President Ravinder Kumar, Secretary HarGovind (Govind) Gupta, Treasurer Sujata Seth, and Executive Committee members Ash- wini Sharma, Abha Bhatnagar, Deepak Bansal, Mohan Sharma, Munish Byala, Shashi Malik, Vijay Khanna, Vinod Goyal, Amita Karwal, Renu Kapoor, and Sanju Sharma. He also- thanked thanked the volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and members. Singh also pre- sented his grand daughter Kiara “as the future woman accomplisher” and began his speech with “Jai Matadi” to recognize women. During the networking reception, guests were entertained by live music, and the cel- ebration concluded with an energetic dance floor led by the renowned DJ Parminder. India Association Of Long Island Holds Annual Gala Honoring Women, “The Creators Of Icons” By a StaffWriter From left, front row – Kiran Gupta, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Honoree Shalu Chopra, and Anju Sharma. Back row, from left, Gopind Gupta, IALI Secretary, Jasbir Singh, President IALI, Padma Shri recipient and chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold Dr. Sudhir Parikh, and Dr. Ramesh Gupta. From left, Dr. Sumita SenGupta, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Shashi Goyal, Emcee Amita Karwal, Jyoti Gupta, Sanju Sharma, perfume King Kanak Golia, President IALI Jasbir Jay Singh, Padma Shri recipient Dr Sudhir Parikh, Anju Sharma, Sujata Seth, Honoree Shashi Malik, Dr. Nilesh Soni. Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Past President of IALI Dr. Narendra Hadpawat, and Keynote Speaker Naveen Shah of Navika Group. From left, Bhavna Sharma, Honoree Geeta Patel, Wioleta de Souza, Bina Sabapathy. From left, Gobind Gupta, Pratibha Bhatia, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Bhavani Srinivasan, Dr. Sudha Parikh, Abha Bhatnagar, Emcee Amita Karwal, Honoree Shalu Chopra. PHOTO:KRIPA RANJAN PRASAD ITV GOLD