HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — More than 200 guests gathered Sunday, March 1, at The Sapphire in Hicksville to celebrate the achievements of women leaders and young scholars during the 15th Women’s Achievement Awards Gala hosted by the Indian American Forum (IAF).
Held during Women’s History Month, the annual gala recognizes women for their courage, commitment and service to their communities. For the past 15 years, IAF has honored women who have made notable contributions in professional and civic life.
IAF Chairperson Indu Jaiswal opened the evening by welcoming guests and thanking attendees and supporters. Gala Chair Shammi Singh and IAF Founder President Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee, who also serves as chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission, provided remarks outlining the history and purpose of the awards.
The banquet hall was filled with elected officials, entrepreneurs, physicians, community leaders, honorees and their guests, celebrating the resilience and leadership of women who continue to inspire their communities.
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This year’s honorees included Dr. Dolly Manwar, a physician and philanthropist; entrepreneur Prabha Golia; Pratibha Maldonado, the first South Asian woman to serve as commanding officer of a New York City police precinct; and Sunita Manjrekar, director of employment at Nassau County’s Department of Social Services.
The gala also recognized two student achievers: Aarthi Palaniappan, a senior at Herricks High School, and Harnoor Joneja, a senior at Jericho High School.
During the program, honorees participated in a question-and-answer session moderated by Roopam Maini, Chanbir Kaur, Dr. Nita Mehta and Dr. Pratichi Goenka, sharing insights about their professional journeys and community service.
Each honoree received a commemorative plaque, official citations and flower bouquets in recognition of their achievements.
A commemorative journal featuring congratulatory messages and greetings from elected officials and community leaders was also unveiled during the event. Members of the journal committee — Bina Sabapathy, Roopam Maini and Sanju Sharma — joined organizers on stage for the release.
Several elected officials and dignitaries attended the event, including New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar; Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips; Town Supervisor Jen DeSena; Town of North Hempstead Clerk Ragini Srivastava; and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker. Suffolk County Legislator Deborah Misir also attended, while Harry Malhotra represented Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
Also present was Raja Laxmi Kadam from the Consulate office.
Other community leaders in attendance included Jasbir Jat Singh, president of IALI; Nilima Madan, national president of the Association of Indians in America; Gobind Munjal, former national president of AIA; Beena Kothari, president of AIA’s New York chapter; Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, president of IAAC; Vimal Goyal, president of IDP and IAF; and Bina Sabapathy, founder president of IACV.
Among other attendees were Dr. Narinder Kukar and Smiti Khanna, former presidents of AIA; Dr. Rajiv Datta, surgical oncologist at South Nassau Hospital; Anju Sharma, president of the Indian American Lions Club; Shashi Malik, president of Seva Center for Humanity; businessmen Kanak Golia, Shudh Prakash Singh Jasuja and Ravi Bhooplapur; Dr. Adi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau; Human Rights Commissioner Wioletta Dusza; realtor Geeta Shukla; Dr. Raj Modi, former president and trustee of TLCA; Raji Kuncham and Dr. Kishore Kuncham; community activist Harvinder Bhatia; and Rhea Manjrekar, Miss Metropolitan.
The program began with the U.S. and Indian national anthems performed by Jyoti Gupta, Bina Sabapathy, Roopam Maini and Dr. Jag Mohan Kalra. A Ganesh Vandana dance was presented by Hitanshi, an RS International student, under the guidance of Shilpa Jhurani.
Students from Columbia University’s Capella Group and COLUMBIA SUR also performed contemporary musical selections.
Dinner service was provided by The Sapphire banquet hall staff.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks recognizing the efforts of volunteers, IAF board members, sponsors, media representatives and performers who helped organize the event. Organizers also thanked the Bedi family for sponsoring fire blankets distributed during the program.