On the evening of March 1, over 200 esteemed guests gathered at The Sapphire in Hicksville, NY, to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of this year’s honorees at the 15th Annual Women’s Achievement Awards Gala, hosted by the Indian American Forum (IAF). Held each year during Women’s History Month, the gala serves as a platform to honor women whose courage, dedication, and compassion have left an indelible mark on their communities and professions.
For a decade and a half, the IAF has championed the recognition of women who have made meaningful contributions across diverse sectors. The evening commenced with welcoming remarks from Mrs. Indu Jaiswal, IAF Chairperson, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to attendees. Gala Chair Mrs. Shammi Singh, together with IAF Founder President and Nassau County Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr. Bobby Kumar Kalotee, provided a historical overview, setting the stage for an inspiring night of acknowledgment and celebration.
Recognizing Exemplary Women
A vibrant audience filled the banquet hall, including elected officials, entrepreneurs, physicians, community leaders, honorees, and their guests. The ceremony was a profound tribute to the resilience, leadership, and transformative influence of women who overcome obstacles and inspire those around them.
This year’s distinguished honorees were:
Dr. Dolly Manwar – Acclaimed physician and dedicated philanthropist
Mrs. Prabha Golia – Entrepreneur and founder of a thriving business empire
Mrs. Pratibha Maldonado – The first South Asian female Commanding Officer of a NYPD precinct
Mrs. Sunita Manjrekar – Director of Employment, Nassau County Department of Social Services
In addition, the gala spotlighted outstanding young achievers:
Ms. Aarthi Palaniappan – Senior, Herricks High School
Ms. Harnoor Joneja – Senior, Jericho High School
Engaging with Honorees
A highlight of the evening was a dynamic question-and-answer session moderated by Mrs. Roopam Maini, Mrs. Chanbir Kaur, Dr. Nita Mehta, and Dr. Pratichi Goenka. The honorees eloquently shared their journeys, offering personal insights and inspiring reflections to the audience.
Tributes and Special Recognitions
Each honoree was presented with a commemorative plaque, official citations, and elegant floral bouquets, signifying appreciation for their dedication and service. A specially curated journal was also unveiled, featuring congratulatory messages and best wishes from local officials. The journal committee—Mrs. Bina Sabapathy, Mrs. Roopam Maini, and Ms. Sanju Sharma—were invited to release the publication, adding a memorable touch to the celebration.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The gala was graced by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Jennifer Rajkumar (NY State Assemblywoman), Hon. Elaine Philips (Nassau County Comptroller), Hon. Jen DeSena (Town Supervisor), Hon. Ragini Srivastava (Town Clerk, North Hempstead), Hon. Rose Marie Walker (Legislative Member), and Ms. Deborah Misir (Suffolk County Legislature). Mr. Harry Malhotra represented Town Supervisor Hon. Joseph Saladino (Oyster Bay). Mrs. Raja Laxmi Kadam from the Consulate office, along with community leaders and presidents of various Indian American organizations, further underscored the significance of the event.
Cultural Highlights and Closing
The evening opened with renditions of the American and Indian national anthems by Mrs. Jyoti Gupta, Mrs. Bina Sabapathy, Mrs. Roopam Maini, and Dr. Jag Mohan Kalra, followed by a Ganesh Vandana performed by Ms. Hitanshi under Ms. Shilpa Jhurani’s guidance. Students from Columbia University, the Capella Group, and COLUMBIA SUR delivered engaging musical performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. Guests enjoyed a well-coordinated dinner service, courtesy of the Banquet Hall’s management.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks, acknowledging the dedication of volunteers, IAF Board Members, sponsors, media, performers, photographers, and all attendees. Special appreciation was extended to the Bedi Family for their sponsorship of fire blankets, reflecting the collective effort that made the celebration a resounding success.
