Our Bureau
Flushing, NY
The Association of Indians in America – New York Chapter (AIA-NY), the oldest national association of Asian Indians in the America founded in 1967, hosted its grand Annual Benefit Gala 2026 at the prestigious Terrace on the Park, Flushing., New York celebrating excellence, leadership, and community service across the Indian-American diaspora.
The gala was a vibrant celebration of achievement, service, and cultural pride, honoring seven exceptional individuals recognized as the “Ratnas” (Jewels) of the community.
The event brought together over 300 distinguished guests, including diplomats, elected officials, healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, Media and community members from across the tri-state area.
The evening included several messages extending congratulations and support from dignitaries, including representatives from the Consulate General of India, New York, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli (who spoke at the event), Senator John C. Liu, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and other elected officials. During the networking cocktail reception, guests enjoyed the melodious accompaniment of accomplished Tabla and Sitar artists, enhancing the ambiance and fostering meaningful connections among attendees.
Celebrating the Excellence of the Honorees and Their Outstanding Contributions
This year’s gala honored seven exceptional individuals, recognized as the “Ratnas” of the community, symbolizing their unique and invaluable contributions across medicine, law, entrepreneurship, research, public service, and technology.
Each honoree was selected for outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and dedication to community upliftment.
HONOREES
Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori
An internationally acclaimed oncologist and pioneering physician, Dr. Nori has dedicated over five decades to advancing cancer care. Through his groundbreaking work at institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell Medical Center, he has helped save countless lives across the globe.
A global thought leader and humanitarian, he has authored over 300 scientific publications, mentored hundreds of medical professionals, and worked with governments and international organizations to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment. His exceptional contributions have brought him high honors such as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan this year.
Dr. Sahil Khera
Dr. Khera is a faculty member at the Mount Sinai Heart Hospital, where he serves as Interventional Director of the Structural Heart Program and Quality Lead for Structural Heart Diseases at Mount Sinai Hospital. In these roles, he leads complex, life-saving heart procedures and shapes the next generation of cardiologists through fellowship training and mentorship.
Dr. Khera is recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise in minimally invasive heart valve therapies and complex coronary interventions. He has performed more than 2,000 structural heart procedures.
Manish Dhadda
Manish Dhadda is a distinguished New York–based entrepreneur and philanthropist, widely recognized for his leadership in the diamond and jewelry industry. As the Co-Founder and Principal Partner of VIBHOR, he has played a pivotal role in building a family-owned enterprise that has earned a reputation for excellence since its inception in 2000.
Manish is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He draws inspiration from Shri D. R. Mehta, Founder of Jaipur Foot, as well as from Mr. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA and President of RANA, shaping his vision to blend entrepreneurial success with meaningful philanthropy and create a lasting impact.
Dr. Aprajita Mattoo
Dr. Aprajita Mattoo, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, the Associate Program Director for the Division of Nephrology Fellowship, and the Director of the Nephrology Curriculum for the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. As a transplant nephrologist at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, she redefines the boundaries of end-stage kidney disease care for the millions of Americans living with this condition. Driven by a personal mission to address the global organ shortage crisis, Dr. Mattoo has established herself as an expert in xenotransplantation, playing a critical role in the historic pig-to-human kidney transplant trials.
Dr. Jagat Rawal
A highly respected physician and community leader, Dr. Rawal has served the diverse communities of Queens, New York City, for more than three decades. During COVID-19 pandemic, he kept his medical office open, continuing to care for patients, and played a role in public health efforts by administering COVID-19 vaccinations.
He currently serves as President of AAPI-QLI, where he has helped expand physician education, mentorship, healthcare awareness, and community outreach initiatives.
Jessica Kalra Esq.
An accomplished attorney with David A. Gallo & Associates, she specializes in government, real estate, and litigation law. Her impressive background includes experience with the Office of Senator Hillary R. Clinton and the Department of State. She also advises the American Punjabi Society.
Pulkita Kini
The youngest honoree of the evening, Pulkita Kini is a dynamic technology leader and entrepreneur in AI and product innovation. She is currently pursuing her MBA at Harvard Business School. With prior experience at Microsoft and Cloudflare, she is now building Tara AI to empower publishers to control and monetize AI content.
Upcoming Event Announcement- Deepavali Festival
AIA-NY announced its upcoming 39th Deepavali Celebration and Live Fireworks 2026, scheduled for October 3rd (Rain Date: October 10th) at Overlook Beach, Babylon, Long Island, marking a continued tradition of celebrating Indian heritage and cultural unity.
A Celebration of Culture, Service, and Unity
President Beena Kothari extended her sincere appreciation to all attendees, dignitaries, elected officials, special guests, and esteemed honorees and her team, and said, “While I may stand at the podium, success is always the result of unwavering and unconditional support all along from my family and the Team working tirelessly behind the scenes.”
She also thanked the AIA Board of Trustees Chairman, Ravishankar Bhooplapur, the Board, the National AIA President, all past presidents as well as the current AIA-NY Executive Board members and the Executive Committee. She also acknowledged the excellent catering provided by Heritage (Neil Bhatia) and thanked all media partners, sponsors, and supporters.
She sincerely thanked Grand Sponsor Dr. Samir Sharma, who has generously supported AIA-NY and for the Diwali celebration 2026 he is the fireworks sponsor. He is the immediate past Chairman, Board of Trustees AIA.
Special recognition was extended to Gala Chair Kanak Golia, Co-Chair Dr. Sanjay Lodha, Finance Chair Dr. Tarun Wasil, and Finance Co-Chairs Dr. Sharad Kothari and Aruna Saxena.
The evening culminated in a captivating performance by Kunal Lamba, one of New York’s acclaimed singers, bringing the celebration to a memorable and inspiring close.