Washington: The largest umbrella body of Indian-Americans is set to honour 10 members from the community at its convention in California over the weekend for their outstanding contribution to humanity and society. NFIA, a US based Indian-American umbrella organisation in a statement said 10 members of the community will be honoured at its bi-annual convention in California for their outstanding achievements and contributions to humanity and society. The recipients include, Physician Bharat Barai and Aparna Hande for Community Service, TV Asia chairman HR Shah for mass media, musician Rita Sahai and Kathak dancer Amrapali Ambegaokar for performing arts. Others whose name include the list are- Psycho-pharmacologist Dr Rangaesh Gadasalli for Medicine and Health Sciences; and management consultant KV Kumar and attorney Navneet Chugh in business and finance.
The late New York cardiologist BN Viswanath will be honoured posthumously for his Life Time Contribution to NRIs through Broadcasting & Philanthropy at the National Federation of Indian Americans' 18th bi-annual gala later this week. "We are very excited about the conference which will feature 20 specialists. The panels will cover a whole gamut of Indian Americans making an impact in American society as well as contributing to India and US-India relations," said Dr. Thomas Abraham, founding president of NFIA and chairman of the opening conference session. NFIA, the largest umbrella organisation of more than 200 associations, representing over four million Indian Americans will host its members and guests during its three day event.
The event would be inaugurated the by Indian Consul General Venkatesan Ashok and California State Treasurer John Chiang. The convention theme is "Indian Americans Making an Impact in America. Almost 35 years ago Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of New York under leadership of the then president Thomas Abraham brought together over 1000 Indian community representatives for a convention in New York which resulted in the formation of the NFIA which has grown to serve not only the Indian-American community but it has become a vital part of the India-America bilateral relationship," said Ashok Madan, convention convener.
