Hicksville, NY: The India Association of Long Island (IALI), one of the oldest and largest Indian-American organizations on Long Island, hosted a magnificent and memorable Annual Gala on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the elegant Pearl Banquet in Hicksville. Located just minutes from the IALI Center (India House), the venue welcomed a capacity audience of distinguished guests, elected officials, business leaders, community members, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition.
For nearly five decades, IALI has served as a pillar of the Indian-American community on Long Island. Through cultural celebrations, educational initiatives, charitable programs, youth engagement, senior services, civic participation, and community outreach, IALI has strengthened the bond between Indian heritage and American values while promoting unity, diversity, and service. The Annual Gala remains the organization’s signature event, celebrating individuals whose lives and contributions have enriched the community.
This year’s inspiring theme, “Creators of Icons – The Women Behind Successful Men,” paid tribute to extraordinary women whose strength, dedication, and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in the success of their families, businesses, and communities.
President Jasbir Jay Singh introducing the IALI Board and Executive Members
The four distinguished honorees were:
The keynote address was delivered by renowned hotelier, Certified Public Accountant, and entrepreneur Naveen Shah, Chairman of Navika Capital Group. His inspiring remarks encouraged community members to continue investing in leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and service while preserving the values that define the Indian-American community.
The gala was graced by an impressive gathering of elected officials and dignitaries, including New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Former New York State Assemblyman Mike LiPetri, Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission Bobby Kumar Kalote, Judge Lillian Wan, along with numerous other elected officials and community representatives who came to congratulate the honorees and support IALI.
Kiara, the cutest guest, granddaughter of the IALI President, being introduced at the gala as the future of women empowerment. Also seen in the photo, honorarees of IALI 2026 Gala Shashi Malik and Madhu Pareek.
Among the distinguished guests were media mogul and renowned physician and Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parekh, Kamlesh Mehta, Kanak Golia, Nilesh Mehta, Preeti Mehta, Ravi Chopra, Ravi Bhooplapur, Raj Jaggi, Ajay Sondhi, Jaspreet Mayall, Zahid Syed, Dalip Malik, Harry Malhotra, Herman Singh, and many other prominent business and community leaders.
Adding a special touch to the evening, last year’s distinguished “Icons” honorees—Harry Bolla, Chintu Patel, Raj Bhayani, and Ambassador Pradhan—extended their heartfelt congratulations through video messages displayed during the program.
IALI proudly recognized its past presidents for their invaluable leadership and decades of service. Those in attendance included Dr. Narendra Hadpawat, Anila Midha, Gobind Munjal, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Bina Sabapathy, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, and Shashi Malik. Each was presented with floral tributes and acknowledged for helping build the legacy of IALI.
Special appreciation was also extended to the Election Committee, whose dedication ensured the successful organization of elections for three consecutive years. Om Bhambri, Deepak Sachdev, and Mrs. Rita Bhatija were recognized for their commitment, integrity, and outstanding service to the organization.
Honoree Padma Mehta, wife of socialist Mukund Mehta, seen with a group of IALI Executives, elected officials, and VIP guests at the podium.
IALI President Jasbir Jay Singh proudly introduced the organization’s leadership team, including Vice President Ravinder Kumar, Secretary HarGovind (Govind) Gupta, Treasurer Sujata Seth, and Executive Committee members Ashwini Sharma, Abha Bhatnagar, Deepak Bansal, Mohan Sharma, Munish Byala, Shashi Goyal, Vijay Khanna, Vinod Goyal, Amita Karwal, Renu Kapoor, and Sanju Sharma. He thanked the executive committee, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and members whose dedication made the gala an overwhelming success. The President was on Stage for a few minutes, with his granddaughter Kiara presenting her as the future woman accomplisher. Jay Singh started his speech with Jai Matadi, as this Gala was about women.
Guests also enjoyed an exceptional culinary experience prepared by Pearl Banquet, under the leadership of owner Gary Sikka. The elegant floral décor, beautifully designed by Gala Chair Bhavna Sharma and her talented team, transformed the ballroom into a vibrant celebration of elegance and grace.
Community Affairs Consul Tsewang Gyaltson represented the Consulate of India, New York at the IALI Gala.
The evening’s memories were expertly captured through beautiful videography by Kripa Ranjan, while live photography was provided by Vaaho Photo under the direction of Tony Arora. During the networking reception, guests were entertained by live music, and the celebration concluded with an energetic dance floor led by the renowned DJ Parminder, ensuring that the evening ended on a joyous and unforgettable note.
In his closing remarks, President Jasbir Jay Singh expressed heartfelt gratitude to every sponsor, volunteer, committee member, elected official, and guest for making the gala a remarkable success. He reaffirmed IALI’s commitment to serving the community, promoting cultural heritage, empowering future generations, and continuing its tradition of excellence for many years to come.
Ganesh Vandana was performed at the IALI Annual Gala in the presence of over 250 elite guests of the Indian American community of Long Island.
(All photos courtesy: IALI)
