Our Bureau
New York, NY
In a rare double honor, prominent entrepreneur Harry Singh Bolla was awarded the First Global Punjabi Ratan Medal by the American Punjabi Society (APS), while Nassau County officially proclaimed December 10 as “Harry Singh Bolla Day.”
The recognitions were announced at the American Punjabi Society’s Annual Gala, a high-profile event attended by more than 400 guests, celebrating Mr. Bolla’s achievements as well as the growing success of Indian Americans from Punjab. The gala was led by APS President and CEO Gary S. Sikka, a well-known community leader, and featured a distinguished gathering of community leaders and public officials.
Among those in attendance were the Honorable Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York; Edward Cox, Chairman of the New York State Republican Committee; Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive; and Joseph Cairo, Chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee. Several senators, congressmen, the comptroller, town supervisors, and the county clerk also joined the event.
American Punjabi Society known as APS is fastest growing community organization in USA and the team has highly respected achievers that include Mohinder S. Taneja, Senior Vice President; VPS Sikka, General Secretary; Ajay Vir Sondhi, Vice President; Paul Bindra, Vice President; Ravinderpal S Narang, Vice President; Jasper Arora, Vice President; Dr Tarun Wasil, Chief of Medical Council and Pradeep Tandon, Media Director. The woman Council is headed by Navneet Sikka Sondhi, Chairperson with her team. APS has done extraordinary work since its official formation to promote culture, and heritage. APS has been in Frontline under leadership of Gary S Sikka for celebration of Vaisakhi mela, to blood drive and cancer awareness. The group organized Gurdham yatra to sacred gurudwaras in Pakistan in 2024. APS receives strong support from other community organizations and is a bridge with administration.
The evening also drew prominent business and community leaders, including billionaire Sant Chatwal, founder of the International Punjabi Society, Naveen Shah of the multi-billion-dollar Navika Group, and other notable figures from the Punjabi and Indian American community. Leaders from organizations such as AAPI of Queens and Long Island (AAPIQLI), the India Association of Long Island (IALI), and IDP were present at the third annual gala.
The event received extensive media coverage and was broadcast live on Jus Punjabi and Punjab Now. Hosts acknowledged the media for their strong and consistent support, calling the coverage unprecedented.
