The Desi Society of the New York City Department of Correction (NYCDOC) recognized and honored exceptional contribution and dedicated public service of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean office holders in the department at a special gala last week at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY.
The gala with the theme of “Night of Maharajas and Maharanis” celebrated South Asian and Indo-Caribbean heritage, professional excellence, and community unity within New York City’s law enforcement department. It honored excellence in the broader corrections and law enforcement departments of the city, with special awards for those who hold and have held various positions in the department providing outstanding public service.
Desi Society provides a supportive network for South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Correction Officers and Civilians through recognizing their contributions, fostering leadership, bridging communities, enhancing cultural fellowship and providing community support, advocacy and solutions.
LiveOnNY, an organ and tissue donation non-profit organization which has been working within the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community, and a frequent partner of Desi Society, was a grand sponsor at the gala.
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The honorees who were recognized at the event were Assistant Chief of Security Charlton Lemon; Acting Assistant Chief of Facility Operations Joseph Caputo; retired ADW Moore; retired Captain Dannie Lomas, ADW Hope (WF); Captain Richardson (NIC/WF); Captain Brown (Bronx Courts); Correction Officers Thomas, Samlal, Ganaishlal, Oliver (Ceremonial) and Cumberbatch (COBA Executive Board); Supervisor Monica Thapur (HQ); John Ramkasoon; and Gavin-pandS Uniform Store.
New York City and State officials presented citations to the honorees for their dedicated service and their efforts to foster cultural inclusivity.
Congratulating the honorees, Trustee of Desi Society, Dr. Mariam Singh, said, “We are proud that capable individuals from the Sikh community and the broader South Asian Diaspora have been appointed to high positions within the new city government,” referring to recent appointment of Jagpreet Singh at the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement.
President Munish Chopra of the Desi Society spoke about the importance of encouraging through recognition. “We want to ensure that those who play a positive role in the community are encouraged and celebrated,” Chopra said.
Assembly member Ed Braunstein, First Deputy Commisioner Jagpreet Singh from the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, other Assembly members and Council members reiterated the need to recognize excellence in public service and cultural heritage and promote diversity and inclusion. High-ranking law enforcement officers and families from the South Asian and Ino-Caribbean Diaspora were among other guests.
Special guests included South Asian Liaison Dunesh Kaur from LiveOnNY, Senior Manager of Community Affairs Karen Cummings, Community Affairs team members Raida Hossain, Thomas Ryer and Charis Li and volunteer Aaron Battles also from LiveOnNY.
Kaur told Desi Talk both LiveOnNY and Desi Society of NYCDDOC have been working together to honor cultural values and promote awareness and educate the community about the importance of organ donation. “We are proud to partner with Desi Society to engage and support the South Asian community,” Kaur said. She said LiveOnNY has been supporting Desi Society through community outreach and through working with various South Asian partners.
The venue for the “Night of Maharajas and Maharanis” gala was decorated to resemble grand aesthetics of South Asian royalty, representing tradition and culture. The evening’s program began with the American anthem accompanied by a formal salute and a march from the department’s ceremonial unit contingent. Cultural performances included rendition of a bhajan, classical dance performances, drum playing and Bhangra dance. Guests also enjoyed an exciting raffle draw.