Our Bureau
New York, NY
On March 20, 2025, the Association of Indians in America – New York Chapter (AIA-NY) held a momentous inauguration ceremony, marking the swearing-in of Beena Kothari as the new President, along with the Executive Committee.
The event was attended by over 150 distinguished guests, including elected officials, AIA founding members, Board of Trustees, past AIA Presidents, community leaders, members, and media partners.
The inauguration ceremony featured the singing of the American and Indian national anthems by Bina Sabapthy, Jyoti Gupta, and Roopam Maini, as well as a Ganesh Vandana performance by Hamsaasya School of Dance. Both, Harsh Vyas and Jasbir Jay Singh served as emcees.
President Beena Kothari and other dignitaries delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indian heritage and culture in the USA, while promoting integration with mainstream America.
AIA-NY Executive Committee:
– President: Beena Kothari
– Vice Presidents: Anita Thakkar, Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Nilima Madaan
– Treasurer: Dr. Bal K. Gilja
– Secretary: Dr. Sharad Kothari
– Members-at-Large: –
Anju Sharma, Bhavana Sharma, Deepak Bansal, Deepika Modi
Dr. Narendra Lodha, Dr.Sumita Sengupta, Dr.Usha Bansal,
Gobind Bathija, Jay Jasbir Singh, Jyoti Gupta
Kiran Reddy Parvathala, Narinder Kapoor
Navneet Agarwal, Nick Garg, Nutan Roongta
Roopam Maini, Sanju Sharma, Surin Manaktala
Swati Vaishnav, Satnam Singh Parhar
President Beena Kothari’s Vision:
In her inspiring address, President Kothari emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and community engagement. “We represent not only ourselves but also our rich cultural heritage, values, and aspirations. We are the bridge between our Indian roots and our American dreams. Together, let us strive to take AIA to new heights and continue to serve our community with pride and purpose.” Beena Kothari encouraged participation in AIA activities by generation-next, adding, “We will encourage and induct young leadership. who grew up with our motto of ‘Indian Heritage and American Commitment’, and have great potential to become young AIA leaders.”
Upcoming Initiatives:
– Holi Celebration – held on March 26th, in collaboration with CUNY Asian American Student Board
– National AIA Medical Council Awards Gala – May 3rd, at Cipriani 42nd Street, Manhattan
– Annual Fundraising Gala for Deepavali – June 1st
– Desi Next Youth – (TBD)
– Fundraiser Dinner AIA’s Project India – July 20th
– AIA-NY Iconic Deepavali Festival – October 2025
Beena Kothari’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to the individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success. She acknowledged the vital role played by past presidents, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt thank-you note by Treasurer Dr. Bal K. Gilja and Secretary Dr. Sharad Kothari, followed by a celebratory dinner.
The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for AIA-NY, filled with a commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and community service.
A special plaque was presented to the outgoing President of AIA-NY Dr. Jagdish Gupta, in recognition of his service and dedication.
Beena Kothari is a distinguished community leader with a profound impact on the Indian-American community. She has previously served as President of IALI (Indian Association of Long Island), GOPIO-NY, and India Day Parade in Long Island. Through her extensive associations, charitable initiatives, and collaborative relationships, Beena has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering connections, promoting cultural understanding, and supporting community well-being.
A seasoned professional, Beena has over 20 years of experience in real estate, with a distinguished career at Fortune 500 companies, including JP Morgan Chase, IBM, Sony, and Time Warner, where she served as a Global IT Team Manager.
Embracing the inclusive spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family), Beena strives to break down barriers and build bridges. She is deeply committed to empowering youth and women, believing in their potential to drive positive change and become future leaders.
Beena Kothari says, “My ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the community, spreading love, kindness, and compassion, and making the world a better place for all.”
