Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) successfully conducted the oath ceremony and inauguration for National President Nilima Madan and of its National Executive Committee (NEC) for the 2026–27 term, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s continued legacy of service, leadership, and community engagement.
Despite inclement weather, the event was executed with great success, drawing participation both in person and virtually specially by members who were to take oath from different states in the US. Many from outside of New York joined via Zoom, while a distinguished audience attended in person, offering overwhelmingly positive feedback.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Congressman Tom Suozzi, and Congresswoman Laura Gillen, who respectively administered the oath to National President Nilima Madan, Vice Presidents Naresh Bhasin – FL, Salil Mishra-IL, Dr. Binod Verma – NY, Dr. Sunil Mehra – NY, Treasurer Gobind Bathija – Ny and the newly sworn-in NEC of members at large from different states namely, Sharmistha Dutta – FL, Uma Eniasivam – FL, Ramola Motwani – FL, Lucy Pandey -IL, Manoranjan Mishra – IL, Om Dhingra – IL, Dr Suresh Gupta – MD, Hansa Shah – MO, Dr Bharati Palkhiwala – NJ, and from NY, Satnam Parhar, Vimal Goyal, Sujata Seth, Rajeev Chaudhry, Dr. Sumita SenGupta, Roopam Maini, Dr Pallavi Manvar and Pradeep Tandon and Vijay Sharma-WI., Some other names were mentioned as to be appointed to AIA committees and councils like, Sushma Kotahwala as Membership Chair, Gunjan Rastogi as Parliamentarian, Santosh Pandey as By Laws and Rules Chair. Besides Narinder Kapoor, Deepak Bansal, Jasbir Singh, Hina Trivedi, Anju Sharma, Jyoti Gupta, Nishi Bahl, Surin Manaktala, Usha Kapoor, Dr Tara Lodha, Divya Shah with others to join later. Uma Swaminathan, a founding member and incoming Advisor, stressed the importance and stature of AIA within the broader civic and political landscape.
National President Nilima Madan in her acceptance speech expressed deep gratitude and humility for the trust and support of AIA members, acknowledging the responsibility of carrying forward the Association’s proud and historic legacy. Emphasizing that leadership is only as strong as its team and she highlighted the collective strength, experience, and dedication of the newly sworn-in NEC. Drawing from years of service with the National team, her words recognized the unwavering commitment of AIA’s seniors, trustees, and honorees—individuals driven by goodwill, integrity, and an extraordinary willingness to serve at any hour. She reaffirmed confidence in AIA’s foundational pillars and legacy leadership. The address concluded with a call for continued guidance, collaboration, and active support from members and well-wishers, expressing confidence that the AIA family would continue to stand together in advancing the Association’s mission with unity, pride, and purpose.
From the AIA Board of Trustees, the event welcomed Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Dr. Vijay Mattoo, Naveen Shah, Dr. Dolly Manvar, and Gobind Munjal, now also a Trustee. In their presence, the outgoing President was honored with a commemorative plaque, along with a citation issued by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, presented and read by Lionel Chitty.
Several respected community dignitaries from AAPI, AAPIQLI, IDP, IALI, VHI, Rotary (RCHS & RCNS) business leaders and others were also in attendance, reflecting AIA’s strong ties and standing across diverse sectors.
The evening featured meaningful cultural presentations, including a soulful rendition of the American National Anthem and a classical Kathak performance by Esha Mishra, followed by the Indian National Anthem, led by Jyoti Gupta along with AIA members—beautifully symbolizing unity, heritage, and pride. The proceedings continued seamlessly, maintaining an energetic and engaging atmosphere throughout.
An on screen display/presentation with several congratulatory letters from Attorney General Leticia James, a Proclamation from United States Senator Chuck E. Schumer, Ambassador of India, Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Counsel General of India in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, NASSAU county Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Congressman Thomas Suozzi, TONH Supervisor, Jennifer DeSena, TONH Clerk Ragini Srivastava, Legislator Rosemary Walker, TOOB Supervisor Joseph Saladino and others. The Association expressed sincere appreciation to sponsors and supporters who placed congratulatory advertisements,
Special acknowledgements were extended to Ms. Sujata Seth, who managed the registration desk with familiarity and grace, supported by volunteers Rachna and Vandana.
Operational and on-stage coordination was efficiently handled by Govind Bhatija, Dr. Sunil Mehra, and Dr. Binod Verma, while Roopam Maini, Nishi Bahl, Jyoti Gupta, and several others ensured smooth venue management. The Association also conveyed gratitude to Pearl and its staff for their hospitality and professionalism.
Following the formal program, the evening transitioned into a joyful celebration filled with music and dance, providing an opportunity for members and guests to connect and celebrate the beginning of the new NEC term.
The successful inauguration provided a strong and inspiring start to the NEC 2026–27 term, setting a confident tone for the work ahead.
