The American Punjabi Society (APS) recently held a highly successful Curtain Raiser and Media Briefing at the Pearl in Hicksville, officially marking the start of preparations for the much-anticipated APS Annual Gala 2025, scheduled for December 10th at the Pearl Banquet Hall.
General Secretary Varinder P. S. Sikka warmly welcomed community leaders and the media, recounting the origins of APS as a heartfelt initiative between himself and Mr. Gary S. Sikka. The society was formally established under the guidance of seven Founder Directors: President Gary S. Sikka, Senior Vice President Mohinder Singh Taneja, General Secretary Varinder P.S. Sikka, and Vice Presidents Ajayvir S. Sondhi, Paul S. Bindra, R.P.S. Narang, and Jaspal S. Arora.
The event featured a series of insightful presentations, including one by Sunil Hali, Publisher of The Indian Eye, who highlighted Sikhism’s core values—unity, compassion, and service—that remain foundational to community life. Pradeep Tandon, APS Director of Media and Public Relations, shared an inspiring overview titled “APS – Celebrating Culture, Service & Community,” emphasizing how APS has grown into a bridge between generations, binding cultural pride with compassionate service. According to him, APS’s mission is to celebrate and uplift the Punjabi heritage while making a significant impact on local and global communities.
Vice President Ajayvir S. Sondhi elaborated on the organizational structure of APS Councils, and Navneet Sikka Sondhi, Chair of the Women’s Council, spotlighted the group’s community engagement projects and women-led initiatives. Senior Vice President Mohinder Singh Taneja underscored ongoing collaboration with Police Commissioner Pat Ryder to promote safety education, law enforcement awareness, and community outreach programs.
President Gary S. Sikka proudly recounted APS achievements from 2023 to 2025, including vibrant Vaisakhi celebrations, impactful cancer awareness campaigns, blood donation drives, educational medical lectures, annual APS picnics, and unforgettable Bermuda cruises. Highlighting APS’s commitment to health initiatives, NYC Mayor Eric Adams honored Gary S. Sikka with the prestigious ‘Health Achiever of New York’ Award on June 9, 2025, recognizing his leadership.
In a major announcement, President Gary S. Sikka unveiled two prestigious annual awards: the Global Punjabi Ratan Award and the Punjabi Virasat Award. The Punjabi Ratan Award, known as “The Jewel of Punjab,” honors those exemplifying leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering service to the community. It symbolizes the virtues of courage, compassion, humility, and community spirit. The Punjabi Virasat Award celebrates the preservation and promotion of Punjabi culture, values, and heritage worldwide. President Sikka emphasized that APS is a family united by culture and service, and these honors reflect the best traits of the Punjabi spirit, fostering unity and collective strength across Indian-American associations.
The 2025 Annual Gala will be graced by two stellar personalities representing Punjabi culture on a global scale. Neeru Bajwa, the acclaimed icon of Punjabi cinema, will bring her artistic grace and exceptional talent, inspiring millions across the diaspora. Accompanying her is Miss Pooja, one of the most beloved voices in Punjabi folk music, whose songs resonate across borders and generations, uniting Punjabis worldwide. Together, they promise to infuse the gala with prestige, warmth, and cultural richness.
The curtain raiser attracted wide media coverage with Indian-American press representatives from outlets including The Indian Eye, Radio Zindagi, Newsday, The New India Abroad, IndiaLife TV, TV Asia, ITV Gold, The Indian Panorama, Hum Hindustani, Jus TV, Global Punjab, 5aab TV, and Mana TV among others. Vice President Paul S. Bindra expressed his gratitude to the press for their steadfast support and coverage that amplifies APS’s initiatives.
