“Contributing over $1,200,000 towards numerous initiatives benefiting the larger community, having provided 75 STEM scholarships, 700,000 meals served by our members to feed the hungry, and in collaboration with over 100+ partnering organizations and institutions across the United States, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the ITServe Alliance continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of millions of people across the nation,” said Amit Goel, Managing Director of CSR.
Since ITServe’s inception in 2010, the CSR team has embarked on a remarkable journey in the realm of Corporate Social Responsibility. Starting with small steps, it has made a significant impact on the local communities.
ITServe’s mission has been to empower local communities through a wide range of initiatives. Through its several noble initiatives, ITServe CSR has been, through its 23 Chapters spread across the United States has been working towards enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving society.
Lauding the support and commitment of over 2,600 members of ITServe Jagadeesh Mosali, President of ITServe Alliance said, “ITServe CSR Team members are unwavering in their commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) to give back to local communities across the country. The ITServe CSR vision has been to empower local communities through Education and Training, creating local employment and supporting our first responders.”
Elaborating on the noble mission of CSR, Vinod Babu Uppu, CSR Board of Director, “ITserve CSR’s mission has been to empower local communities through STEM advocacy, educating the underprivileged, feeding the hungry, supporting our veterans and first responders and recognizing our community heroes. ITServe CSR would like to give back to our local communities through various charitable programs.”
The organization of multi-talented individuals has set targets of awarding STEM scholarships, providing life-changing opportunities to deserving individuals, empowering and helping educate a diverse group of individuals from across the nation.
In order to achieve these lofty goals, ITServe has assembled an exceptional team of committed and talented national leaders to make its mission accomplished. The STEM Team is chaired by distinguished Chairs for each area. They are: Jagadeesh Moali and Vinod Babu Uppu, CSR Board of Directors; Amit Goel, CSR – Managing Director and Dinesh Babu Movva, CSR – Secretary, who are assisted by a dedicated Team of CSR Chairs, including Ravisatya Gavirineni, Krishna Revoori, Naveen Surya, Ravisankar Ramanathan, Naveen Jagadam, Venkat Seelam, Jogeswara Rao Peddiboyina, Dhanunjaya Mundrathi, Suresh Chappidi, and, Suresh Babu Manukonda.
According to Amar Varada, ITServe Governing Board Chair – 2024, “The ITServe CSR vision is empowering local communities through Education and Training, creating local employment, and contributing to the economy as a whole. We actively engage in initiatives that support education, healthcare, and community development, among other areas.”
CSR has a broad range of initiatives aimed at creating a positive impact in various areas. CSR team works to establish partnerships with educational institutions, organizations, and industry experts to provide training opportunities that enhance STEM skills and knowledge. This equips individuals with the tools they need to excel in STEM careers and contributes to building a robust talent pipeline.
Dinesh Babu Movva, CSR – Secretary said, “ITServe offers as many as 100 scholarships annually to the needy students in the communities they live and serve. Each student chosen for the scholarship is given up to $5,000 towards one’s educational needs. Through the partnership with our local Chapters, focusing on community colleges, ITServe has given away nearly 75 scholarships this year.”
ITServe has cultivated strong partnerships with over 100 prestigious universities and community colleges, forming a robust network to help achieve STEM goals. At the local level, each of the 23ITServe Chapters are actively engaged with community non-profit organizations, forming vital partnerships to drive ITServe’s mission and objectives forward.
Some notable institutions that are part of the collaborative network include Arizona State University, Bronx Community College Foundation, Bucks County Community College, California State University, Georgia State University, Illinois State University, Ohlone Community College, Oklahoma State University, University of North Carolina, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at San Antonio, University of Virginia, and St. Charles Community College, among others.
ITServe encourages and facilitates member engagement in volunteer activities, enabling them to contribute their skills, expertise, time, and resources, ensuring that they collectively make a significant and lasting impact.
Anju Vallabhaneni, President-Elect of ITServe said, “Over the years, ITServe Alliance has established a name for itself as the center point of information for its members and the larger community, covering a variety of areas ranging from immigration, technology, economy, and many more that are relevant to its members. Through our 23 Chapters across the United States, we bring resources and service to the larger humanity in every part of this innovation country.”
Making a positive change in the local communities is strengthened by the generous donations by ITServe’s leadership and member organizations. They play a crucial role in the success of the programs. Its partners play a vital role in helping us broaden the reach and positively impacting the lives of the lesser fortunate in our communities by helping us broaden our reach.
Ongoing participation and commitment are essential to reach ITServe’s lofty goals. Amit Goel said, “ITServe Alliance members are passionate about the wellbeing of society just as they have been about their businesses, but restricted by 24 hours in a day. Often, this mission to give back is delayed or takes a backseat as we are juggling multiple duties at work and with family. Another challenge is identifying the right organizations, where ITServe Alliance CSR can make a contribution and have the maximum impact.”
Founded in 2010, ITServe Alliance is the largest association of Information Technology Services Organizations functioning across the United States. Established with the objective of being the collective voice of all Information Technology companies with similar interests in the United States, ITServe Alliance has evolved as a resourceful and respected platform to collaborate and initiate measures in the direction of protecting common interests and ensuring collective success. For more information, please visit: www.itserve.org and https://csr.itserve.org/
Dr. Kathula was invited by the Hon. Consulate General of India in New York, Mr Binay Pradhan to participate and address the important meeting with distinguished Members of Parliament from India, as well as prominent leaders of the Indian-American community. This meeting offered a unique opportunity for meaningful exchanges on a wide range of topics that are critical to both India and the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Diaspora members who were part of the meeting included Edison Mayor Sam Joshi , Dr. Samin K. Sharma, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Mr. Gaurav Verma, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, Dr. Avinash Gupta, Mr. Rakesh Kaul, Dr. Hari Shukla, and Mr. Jatinder Singh Bakshi, who shared their perspectives on different aspects of the Indian-American relationship and expressed a strong desire to give back to the motherland.
In addition, he participated in an interview on BBC and with the Press Trust of India, where he addressed critical issues surrounding physician safety in India and the contributions of Indian American physicians.
In collaboration with AAPI leadership., Dr. Kathula has been credited with successfully “conducting a fair election for the Vice President of AAPI, ensuring transparency and integrity in our electoral processes. This is crucial for maintaining trust within our organization,: said Dr. Kathula.
Along with Dr. Kathula, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty serves as the President-Elect of AAPI, Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President, Dr. Raj Bhayani, Secretary, and Shirish Patel, Treasurer of AAPI for the year 2024-25. Dr. Sunil Kaza is the Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees. Representing the young physicians of Indian origin, Dr. Shefali Kothary serves as the YPS President and Dr. Oriya Uppal is the MSRF President for the year 2024-25.
Organized exclusively for the Elite and Platinum members of ITServe, the much-anticipated event was attended by over 75 participants, who were assigned to 10 tables, with each table having 7-8 participants. Each participant had one minute to pitch their services to the group. Members had the opportunity to introduce self and provide feedback, and if one is interested in learning more about their services, they could ask them to connect with members via email, LinkedIn, or through our portal. One was not required to share contact information directly.
The Panelists at ProcureConnect Matchmaking included: Lysa Marcouillier, Global Compliance Leader – CW at Applied Materials; Semonie Kong, Program Manager – Global CW at Atlassian; Keisha Stephens, Director People Operations at Splunk; Franck Noel, Head Of Solution Architecture US Northeast, US Commercial at AWS; Ashish Mehra, Leader, Solutions Architecture US east, US Commercial at AWS; Karen Maarouf, VP, Global Supplier Partnership & Engagement at Agileone; Aparna Singh, Head Of Talent Acquisition at Wipro;
Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival is marked by lighting lamps, sharing sweets, and engaging in festive activities that bring families and communities together.
Summarizing Synergy, Mosali said, “On the whole, Synergy has been a unique event to celebrate our accomplishments. The conference also brings all of us together to share ideas, learn from one another, network, and find new business opportunities, enriching ourselves with knowledge and wisdom derived from the various topics relevant to every one of us in the IT industry.”
Participants at Synergy 2024 were offered a platform for IT company heads to come together to hear industry leaders speak, engage in discussions with lawmakers, participate in interactive breakout sessions, and deliberate on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the world of IT Staffing and Technology.
Clara Shih, CEO of Salesforce AI was another featured speaker, who shared with the delegates her insights into the fast-growing AI technology and how it’s going to impact individuals, businesses, and the world. Celebrated for her groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence and her transformative leadership, Shih, who has driven innovation in AI products and research at Salesforce, and her visionary approach has earned her recognition as one of the most influential tech leaders of our time, Shih provided and insightful.
Sateesh Nagilla, Treasurer of ITServe Alliance said, “ITServe Alliance’s Synergy is the only one-of-a-kind conference delivering innovative strategies, unique insights, and proven tactics for success, exclusively for IT service companies and individuals. Synergy 2024 will focus on developing strategic relationships with our partner organizations, sponsors, and supporters to work for a better technology environment by building greater understanding.”
Vinay Paruchuri, Associate Director of Synergy 2024 said, “ITServe has built a strong member-focused community within the IT industry, where professionals and experts alike can collaborate, present new business ventures, and work together to find new ways to overcome industry obstacles.”
Jonita Gandhi, a Canadian playback singer of Indian descent, who has recorded songs predominantly in Hindi and almost all major Indian languages, and has become a Bollywood sensation, was on stage mesmerizing the full house at Synergy 2024. Participants were in for a great entertaining show by none other than the super-talented and multilingual singer Remee Nique, a Thai Indian artist, singer, composer, and performer, who performed at the exclusive Premier Elite Gala Nite.
Mosali thanked ITServe Governing Board 2024 consisting of Amar Varada, Governing Board Chair – 2024; Gopi K. Kandukuri, National President 2018; Vinod Babu Uppu, National President 2019; Raghu Chittimalla, National President 2021; Devender R. Aerrabolu, National President 2022; Vinay Mahajan, National President 2023; and, Jagadeesh Mosali. National President 2024.
“The essence of synergy lies not only in knowledge exchange but in inspiring one another. Let the success stories of fellow entrepreneurs ignite your ambitions, be it scaling your business to the next level, diversifying investments, or starting new territories. Let’s make the most of Synergy,” said Mosai.
It’s in this context, the AAPI Global Healthcare Summit (GHS 2024) from October 19-20, 2024 in New Delhi, India, organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) in collaboration with and participation from some of the world’s most well-known physicians, and industry leaders becomes very critical and significant.
“AAPI has been engaged in harnessing the power of Indian Diaspora to bring the most innovative, efficient, cost-effective healthcare and preventable solutions to India, Dr. Kathula said. “This international health care summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI USA in 2007. GHS 2024 will focus on Prevention Strategies for Cancer and Heart Attacks, Role of Lifestyle Changes, and Integration of Technology in Healthcare,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI.
“We all know that AAPI has been playing a key role in the exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of medicine between India and the US today,” Dr. Nadda said. “Together, we can harness the power of innovation and lifestyle modification to safety, frequently, reduce the burden of cancer and heart diseases, not only in India but across the globe. I thank AAPI for organizing the Global Healthcare Summit in India, wishing the summit a grand success.”
This international healthcare summit is a progressive transformation from the first Indo-US Healthcare Summit launched by AAPI in 2007. “Providing a forum for innovative opportunities for learning, networking and giving back to our motherland that have now enabled us to plan ahead and prepare for an outstanding event that will be over 300 very prominent and talented physicians and surgeons from abroad, in addition to the hundreds of physicians from India, who are very passionate about serving their homeland, mother India,” Dr. Sunil Kaza, Chair of AAPI BOT said.
Also, the AAPI delegates had an opportunity to visit and pray at the world famous Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi with an informative and inspiring journey through an ancient culture’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of all humans.
“In our quest to fulfill the mission of AAPI, we are proud to share best practice and experiences from leading experts in the world and develop actionable plans for launching demonstration projects that enable access to affordable and quality healthcare for all people. Thank you for your participation and for being part of this movement for healthier world, let’s continue to work together, leveraging both the power of Prevention and the promise of technology to Save Lives,” Dr. Kathula added.
Several changes are being made for graduate and post graduate medical education in Indian medical education system to be at par and for easy mobilization around the world, with the goal of making India the medical education hub for the world.
led by Dr. Vinod Paul, Medical Director, NITI. Key attendees included Dr. Abhijath Sheth, President of National Board of Medical Exams (NBME), Chair of National Medical Council; Ms. V. Hekali Zhimomi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr. B. Srinivas, Secretary, NMC; Dr. Subodh Kumar, Executive Director, NBEMS; Shri Rajib Kumar Sen, NITI Aayog Program Director.
Dr. Kathula suggested that “Family medicine should not be a gatekeeper for referrals to specialists but rather they should be taking care most of the medical conditions including Pediatric and Obstetrics and Gynecology patients. In addition, he recommended creating incentives such as offering sub specialties like geriatrics, palliative care similar to the US, in order to attract more doctors towards family medicine. He said, “There should be clear distinction between general medicine and family medicine and change the name of general medicine to internal medicine to avoid confusion.”
participate in these efforts. By collaborating and leveraging our collective voices, we can effectively advocate for policies and initiatives that enhance healthcare access, improve education, and support the well-being of communities both in India and the U.S. Your involvement can make a significant impact,” Dr. Edara added.
AAPI is an umbrella organization which has nearly 160 local chapters, specialty societies and alumni organizations. For over 41 years, Indian physicians have made significant contributions to health care in this country, not only practicing in inner cities, rural areas and peripheral communities but also at the top medical schools and other academic centers. Almost 10%-12% of medical students entering US schools are of Indian origin. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, AAPI represents the interests of over nearly 200,000 physicians, medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States.
“ACPM congratulates the NMA, NHMA, NCAPIP and AAPI on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to promoting equity in the practice of medicine contributes significantly to the overall health and well-being of our nation,” a statement issued by ACPM stated.
“Indian Americans are underrepresented in leadership roles disproportionate to the number of physicians we have, Dr. Kathula said during the panel discussion. “At AAPI, we all should prioritize encouraging and mentoring the physicians including young physicians to take leadership positions to make a positive impact.”
Founded in 1982, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin represents a conglomeration of more than 80,000 practicing physicians in the United States. In addition, it also serves as a platform for more than 40,000 medical students, residents and fellows of Indian origin in this country.
Gadkar-Wilcox, an Indian American won in the Democratic Party Primaries for the 22nd District Connecticut State Senate seat, in a four-way primary held on August 13th, 2024. She is pitted against Republican Chris Carrena of Trumbull for the senate seat on the general election ballot in November. CT 22nd District consists of the town of 
professor says. “We put a lot of hard work in, grassroots politics and engagement at the doors with other community members in Trumbull and Monroe coming out. I’m honored to represent us all.” Gadkar-Wilcox hopes her message will continue to resonate with voters. “We need to trust the people that we send up to Hartford, and that I will advocate for the things that I said I’ll advocate for,” she said.
Indo-American Festivals, Inc. (IAF) organized its 26th Annual Grand Dushahra Festival on October 5, 2024, at the scenic Lake Papaianni Park in Edison, New Jersey. The day-long cultural celebration attracted more than 15,000 attendees, making it one of the most anticipated events in the Indo-American community. Families and friends enjoyed a vibrant array of activities, performances, and cultural performances.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Edison Councilman Ajay Patil and Grammy Award-winning artist Falguni Shah, who made a special appearance. The festival was also supported by generous sponsors and volunteers, whose dedication made the day a resounding success.
Dr. Kathula along with Dr. Hetal Gor, a member of the AAPI Board of Trustees, briefed the media on AAPI’s ongoing activities in the United States and India, and highlighted the upcoming Global Health Summit in New Delhi, scheduled for October 19th to 20th. This summit aims to bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the prevention of cancer and heart attacks in the Indian population with lifestyle modification and technology.
Earlier during the day, AAPI organized AAPI Leadership Retreat at the Indian Consulate in New York City and was graced by the presence of Hon. Consul General Binay Pradhan. The panel included several distinguished figures from various fields, including Dr. Sanjeev Kaul, Chief of Trauma; Sudeep Kapur, a magistrate; Manee Kamboji, owner of a highly successful IT company; Natalie McKenzie, a health and fitness coach and podcaster; Jyoti Soni, a catering and wedding planner with over three decades of experience in the culinary industry; and Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI. The session was expertly moderated by Dr. Hetal Gor.
In this context, Dr. Suresh Reddy, a Neuro-Interventional Radiologist, a Trustee Of Oak Brook, and the 36thPresident of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), along with Oak Brook Village President Herman, Clerk Scarpiniti, and Park District Commissioner Suleiman conceived, planned, and organized the first-ever Celebration Of International Cultures at Oaks Amphitheater in Oak Brook, IL on September 21, 2024.
Music from across the globe filled the atmosphere with electrifying beats, while vibrant dance performances captivated with their artistry, grace, and sheer energy. The stunning display of visual arts was a magnificent tribute to the creative brilliance of different cultures, each piece telling its own unique story. Getting your name written in Urdu was a wonderful experience.
Chief among the many objectives of the summit was to provide a platform for Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) organizations and leaders to interact and collaborate on issues vital to their communities. The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is a Founder and Member of the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) which takes up and campaigns on broad issues of Asian Americans. GOPIO is co-host of the Summit.
executive powers and implement these reforms in Good faith immediately:
AAUC and GOPIO have requested and urged the Biden Administration to execute these administrative measures immediately and in good faith.
on September 20th, the AAUC presented its resolution on the Alien Land Laws. Additionally, the AAUC will also highlight the power of the online AAPI Community Hub.
India’s rich cultural heritage and religious diversity along with the symbols of India as a Rising World Power were on display as tens of thousands of people stood on either side of the Road as colorfully decorated floats with live music and dance passed through the Streets on Madison Ave, at the heart of New York City. Highlights included a replica of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, culturally rich floats, and appearances by notable actors. The crowd was as loud and lively as the music played and colors worn as those in attendance celebrated 78 years of India’s independence.
The theme for the parade this year was “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family.” For over four decades, the parade has been a celebration of community, growing due to its display of inclusion and diversity, allowing participants to display their expressions respectfully and peacefully without diminishing or disrespecting others.
The elegantly made float, depicting the whole structure of Ram Temple was made of wood, and was decorated with flowers. The 18-foot long, nine-foot wide, and eight-foot height float has largely been carved out in India and has been shipped by air cargo to be part of the parade.
Avinash Gupta, President of the FIA, said, “The media, sponsors, and participants have been a strong pillar of support in terms of what we have endured for something as innocent as trying to display a miniature version of our faith very peacefully and as law-abiding citizens. This is the 42nd parade in New York City, and is the oldest and the largest India Day parade in the US,” he said. Referring to the inclusion of the Ram Mandir replica in the parade, Dr. Gupta said, “The temple was built after 500 years of wait and it was decided by the highest court of the land. Supreme Court decided it. Unity, diversity, and inclusiveness, and there is no place for hate. We are respectful to all faiths.”
In a statement on August 14, the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE said, “We find ourselves under heavy scrutiny for organizing a peaceful community celebration that our dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to prepare. This malicious and hate-filled scrutiny, spread on social media, has resulted in the loss of sponsorships–the lifeblood of our event–and in fear-mongering, causing law-abiding citizens to worry about potential unruly conduct due to the hateful messages circulating online. Our inclusion of a float that celebrates the inauguration of a sacred landmark, significant to hundreds of millions of Hindus has been insulted by derogatory name-calling and the officials and the mainstream is radio silent. I respectfully ask, would such name-calling be tolerated if directed at any other community’s place of worship? The answer is unequivocally no,” the statement further said.
Vinay Mahajan, President & CEO of NAM Info Inc., emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our investment in Inferyx is a critical step in enhancing data-driven decision-making through innovation and delivering exceptional outcomes.” This partnership represents a strategic move by NAM to bolster its capabilities in delivering cutting-edge data solutions that drive business success.
President Anand Ganu mentioned “The event was exceptionally well-received. We were honored to have the Dilip Chauhan Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs from Mayor Eric Adams’ office address the GMG Excellent Summit. He spoke about the various business opportunities available and emphasized the potential for collaboration between Maharashtra and New York City. The administration is always prepared to assist businesses from Maharashtra, as well as GMG members, in opening or expanding their operations in New York City. Additionally, Mr. Chauhan highlighted that this year marks the first time NYC schools will remain closed during the day for Diwali. He also commended President Anand Ganu and his team for their outstanding efforts in bringing this convention to the New York Tri State Area. Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan is heading the Trade, Investment and Innovation for NYC Mayor Office for International Affairs.
Dr. Kathula, who assumed charge last month as the President of AAPI, an over four decades old physician organization, while addressing the tens of thousands of Indian Americans who had come to participate in the world’s largest India Day Parade, said, “On behalf of the entire leadership team of AAPI, I wish you and your families a joyous and reflective Independence Day. Let us continue to honor our heritage by contributing to the betterment of society and the world.”
A host of AAPI leaders, including Dr. Kathula, Dr. Chakrabarthy, Dr. Kaza, Dr. Sumul Rawal, Dr. Suresh Reddy, Dr. Meher Medavaram, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Raju Kattara, Dr. Krish Soundrajan, Dr. Amy Shah, Dr. Rakesh Dua, and Dr. Hetal Gor, along with several young Physicians and MSRF members had come to New York from different parts of the country to be part of the largest India Day Parade in the world.
“We are extremely happy to be part of this great event,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, the President-Elect, leading the parade in New York City. “On behalf of the over 120,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States, I want to convey our greetings to all the people of Indian origin, especially to over two million Indian Americans across the United States, who continue to make India proud and make India stand tall among peoples of the whole world. On this very special day of celebrating our freedom, we take special pride in saluting our beloved tricolor. Let us recall with pride the great sacrifice of our freedom fighters, whose undying love for India secured us our freedom,” he added.
Dr. Kathula reminded the Diaspora that India’s journey since 1947 has been one of resilience, progress, and immense pride. As members of the Indian diaspora, we carry the legacy of our motherland in our hearts, and it is our collective responsibility to honor that legacy through our work, both in the United States and in India.
In his message to the Diaspora, Dr. Kathula called upon the community “to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, freedom, and equality, values that both India and the United States hold dear. As AAPI continues to grow and evolve, let us remain united in our mission to promote the highest standards of healthcare, foster excellence in medical practice, and serve as a bridge between the medical communities of India and the United States.”
Last weekend, Dr. Kathula had the honor of participating leading AAPI at the India Day parade in Chicago City. Referring to the event, Dr. Kathula said, “I am pleased to share that I had the honor of attending the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Naperville, Illinois, along with several of our esteemed AAPI leaders, including Dr. Sunil Kaza, BOT Chair, Regional Directors Drs. Anjali Gulati, Dr. Meher Medavaram, and Past President Dr. Suresh Reddy. The event was a wonderful opportunity to join in the festivities alongside distinguished guests such as the Indian Consulate General Hon. Somnath Gosh, U.S. Congressman Mr. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and the Mayor of Naperville, Mr. Scott Werli. The spirit of unity and pride was palpable as we celebrated our rich heritage and the strong bonds between our nations.”
The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. Physicians of Indian origin are known for their great achievements, and their contributions to their motherland, India, and their adopted land, the United States in significant ways to the transformation of Indo-US relations.
The resident Doctor’s body was found last week on Friday with multiple injuries and signs of 
Dr. Kathula urged that “hospitals need to implement robust security measures and increase surveillance cameras and security personnel and control the access to sensitive areas. Establishing clear protocols for handling violent incidents and ensuring all staff are trained to manage such situations, and also they should offer training to Doctors and hospital staff in conflict resolution and communication skills to handle these types of situations more effectively. Also, there should be public awareness and education of the people to enhance respectful interactions with healthcare professionals,” he said.
Gadkar-Wilcox, an Indian American declared that she received the Democratic party’s endorsement and has won in the Primaries held on August 13th, 2024 for the 22nd District Connecticut State Senate Seat. She has won 41.1 percent of the total votes caset, or 1,753 votes, according to unofficial vote counts. She will now likely face Republican Chris Carrena of Trumbull for the seat on the general election ballot in November.
As the President-Elect, the multi-talented professional said, “I understand that AAPI needs experienced leadership from someone who has been in AAPI leadership for over two decades. I know what works and what does not. This is a major contribution that I can make this year in guiding the leadership to progress in the right direction efficiently and effectively.”
clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kathula is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. He has authored several papers and articles in medical journals and is in the process of writing a book, describing his journey as an immigrant physician. “For the past 22 years, I’ve been proudly serving as a Hematologist and Oncologist in the Dayton community, considering it my home:”
The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. Physicians of Indian origin are known for their great achievements, and their contributions to their motherland, India, and their adopted land, the United States in significant ways to the transformation of Indo-US relations.
Dr. Joseph M Chalil – Chairman – FL
Parveen Chopra – Vice Chairman – NY
Ginsmon Zacharia – Board Secretary. – NY
Kamalesh Mehta – NY
Dr. Indranill Basu Ray – Cambridge, MA
Dr. Mathew Joys – Las Vegas, NV
Ajay Ghosh – CT
Meena Chittilapilly – Dallas, TX
CG Daniel – Houston, TX
Dr. P V Baiju – Edmonton, CAD
Jacob Kudasanad – Houston
Reji Philip – Philadelphia
Jacob Abraham – NY
Dr. Renee Mehra – Chicago
Joseph John – Calgary, CAD
Cyriac Scaria – San Antonio
Korason Varghese – NY
Joji Kavanal – NY
Anil Augustine – Atlanta
Morley J. Nair – Philadelphia
Indo American Press Club (IAPC) is the fast-growing syndicate of print, visual, online, and electronic media journalists and other media-related professionals of Indian origin working in the United States, Canada, and Europe. IAPC is committed to enhancing the working conditions of our journalists, exchanging ideas, and offering educational and training opportunities to our members, aspiring young journalists, and media professionals around the globe; and also by honoring media people for their excellence, and for bringing positive changes through their dedicated service among the community. Today IAPC envisages its vision through collective efforts and advocacy activities through its 15 Chapters across the US and Canada, in the larger public sphere.
According to Gadkar-Wilcox, she is running for office out of concern for the “contentious and divided” political environment. “The time is now to take responsibility for getting our state back on the right path. We have an obligation to ensure that our children enjoy quality public education, preparing them to be innovators and problem solvers. We must find sustainable solutions to manage our budget while not imposing an undue burden on our residents. We must responsibly invest in upgrading our infrastructure, which is the economic lifeline to our state.”
In an official communication sent out to the members of the AAPI’s General Boy, Dr. Kathula stated: “According to the current bylaws (Article VI) the current Executive Committee (EC) term is one year which ended on July 8, 2024. The new Executive Committee’s term started on July 9, 2024.”
Dr. Kathula, who graduated from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India in 1992 is a clinical professor of medicine at Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Kathula is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. He has authored several papers and articles in medical journals and is in the process of writing a book, describing his journey as an immigrant physician. “For the past 22 years, I’ve been proudly serving as a Hematologist and Oncologist in the Dayton community, considering it my home:”
Recalling his long association with AAPI, which he has come to call his 2nd family, Dr. Kathula says, “My first experience with medical conventions occurred at the AAPI annual convention in 1995, graced by then-President Bill Clinton. Inspired, I formally joined AAPI in 2002, though my active involvement commenced in 2009, assuming the role of the governing body member of AAPI. Later on, I won all four national elections I contested, supported by esteemed AAPI members.”
In his inaugural note, Dr. Kathula assured all AAPI members and all physicians of Indian origin that “I will sincerely work for the betterment of our beloved organization, AAPI.”
Dr. Kathula has laid out his vision for AAPI on his website:
He has been actively involved in community service locally, nationally, and internationally for the last two decades. Dr. Kathula was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the Om Shanti Hindu Cultural Center in Dayton. He is also the President and Founding Member of the Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio. He has served on several non-profit boards, dedicating his time, skills, and resources for the greater good of the larger community. Dr. Kathula served on the Board of Trustees of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Dayton chapter) and has raised more than $200,000 for some of its initiatives. The society conferred on him the Man of the Year Award in 2010. Dr. Kathula received Hind Rattan Award in 2010, given by the NRI Welfare Society of India for his outstanding contributions. He was awarded ‘Man of the Year – 2018’ by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Dr. Kathula gives credit to several mentors who have helped shape his outlook on life. “My life’s journey has been enriched by countless mentors and inspirations from all walks of life, each contributing to my personal and professional growth.”
Dr. Kathula, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist from Dayton, Ohio, practicing Medicine for over two decades, said: “I also want to take this opportunity to thank past leadership, along with the executive committee, Board of Trustees, and chairs of all standing committees, for their year of dedicated service. Let us continue to support each other, innovate, and strive for excellence. The challenges we overcome today will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all.”
Dr. Kathula says, “My priority is to engage the second-generation physicians and fostering mentorship to ensure AAPI’s continued relevance and vitality.” As the leader of AAPI, who will be entrusted with the task of leading AAPI for the next one year, Dr. Kathula says, “My goals for AAPI have been very clear. I want to focus on education, communication, and legislation, involving the younger generation. Increasing the membership, creating benefits for members, and making AAPI financially stronger are some of my objectives. I will work hand in hand with the entire executive committee, and board of trustees, to make AAPI stronger and more viable.”
Dr. Kathula has served as the President and founding member of the Association of Indian Physicians from Ohio, President of the Miami Valley Association of Physicians of Indian Origin as well as the President of the ATMGUSA (Association of Telugu Medical Graduates in USA). In addition, he has worked with the Ohio State Medical Association on various issues. He has been actively involved in community service locally, nationally, and internationally for the last two decades. He was awarded ‘Man of the Year – 2018’ by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Continuing these ancient Indian principles and focusing on the assessment and treatment of the eyes, Sreedhareeyam was taken to the next level through the dynamic leadership of Dr. NPP Namboothiri, who was trained under the guidance of Vaidyan Trivikraman Namboodiri and other eminent ophthalmology practitioners in Kerala. After his passing away in 2021, Dr. Narayanan Namboothiri has been entrusted with the role of Medical Director and has been leading this prestigious Eye Hospital to newer heights.
As per Dr. Namboothiri, there are about 40 to 45 Doctors in addition to hundreds of supporting staff here working at Sreedhareeyam and its branches across India and abroad, who are led and trained by some senior Doctors, who are also assisting in the treatment of patients here and other branches.
Among the thousands of successful cases, Dr. Narayanan recalls how Sreedhareeyam could help restore the vision for Rose Mary Odinga, the daughter of Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya in 2023. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2017, Odinga’s daughter had undergone surgery in Nairobi. But in the post-operative period, Rosemary had complained of severe loss of eyesight. She travelled to India in 2019 and underwent treatment at Sreedhareeyam, which helped her vision to restore.
Similar stories by people from abroad and in India are not uncommon. Ralitsa Dutch, a 37-year-old patient from the Netherlands shared about her experience at Sreedhareeyam and Ayurveda this way: “I experienced optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve in relation to a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) relapse. Since then, my right eye has been heavily impaired. In 2013, when allopathic medicine deemed my case as “hopeless,” I started looking at alternative treatments and got to know about Ayurveda. The decision to come to India and undergo Ayurvedic treatment turned out to be life changing. After a three month stay at a specialized Ayurvedic MS center, my right eye “woke up” for the first time. After three consecutive stays, my MS stabilized, and I have not had any relapses ever since.”
Dr. Namboothiri thanked the Modi government in India, saying “It is very helpful that the Modi Government promotes Ayurveda. The government is doing many things, and he is a very good ambassador for Ayurveda as well as Yoga. An All-India Institute of Ayurveda has been started in Delhi with centers in Gujarat and Goa. The creation of Ayush Ministry is a big boost for the ancient medical traditions of Inda.”
In her keynote address at the gala on Sunday night, Honorable Smriti Irani, a former Cabinet Minister of India and a Bollywood star shared with the over 1,500 AAPI delegates who came from across the United States about the many contributions of India to the world, especially in the healthcare filed and the numerous achievements of the Government of India. She thanked the AAPI members for their great contributions and services to the people of the United States and for their motherland India.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams inaugurated the World Health Congress of Physicians with the cutting of the Ribbon and a powerful and memorable inaugural address on July 18th, 2024. In his inaugural address, Adams lauded the contributions of Indian American physicians across the United States, especially during the Covid pandemic. “When you look at the 1000s of physicians across the country, you walk into any hospital, the emergency rooms, especially during COVID, you were present. You were there, and you sacrificed your own health to make sure of the health of this entire country. Your contributions are so rare.”
Some of the major themes at the convention include: Yoga and Meditation practices, a welcome kit with books & self-care supplies, A Personal Reflexology Session, Take home wellness routine, yoga therapy sessions, a workshop on Spiritual well-being, Book talk with Yoga Gurus, including on the science of Yoga & Lifestyle medicine, and several wellness sessions.
Amit Chakrabarty, Vice President of AAPI said, “AAPI’s mission has evolved in the past 42 years. “Today, AAPI is strong representing over 120,000 Indian American physicians, 130 local Chapters, who make up 10% of total physicians in the US and nearly 50% of International Medical Graduates, rooted in every corner of the nation, who serve every 7th patient in the US. We are proud of our achievements and our contributions to the healthcare industry and the millions of people we serve.”
Research and Arts Competition: Poster Competition brought in the best among the aspiring medical students and new graduates from Medical schools. A Panel Discussion on Global Medical Education addressed by the Heads of NBME, FSMB, Intealth, NBME, and NBEMS offered practical tools on navigating the educational systems across India, UK and the United States.
Each day began for the participants with an hour long session on “Harmony and Health: Integrative Yoga” where delegates benefited from hands on sessions teaching and practicing Yoga. Another theme that ran across all days of the Congress was Art Gallery – Oorja: The Feminine Light in Indian Art. Healing Breath that was part of the schedule everyday of the Congress was another way AAPI delegates had an opportunity to ground themselves to the present and start afresh.
The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers.
Smiriti Irani highlighted India’s role in bringing women’s leadership to the world forum though its leadership of G 20. She said, “Women don’t have the problem of speaking up, but they have the problem of being heard.” She said, “Women’s values cannot be measured by their success, she needs to be evaluated by what she is.” She paid homage to physicians of Indian origin “for your great contributions” and urged that “AAPI celebrates where every voice of women is celebrated.”
The World Health Congress, which began on July 18th with the cutting of the Ribbon by the Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams is being attended by over 1,000 physicians and has over ing80 speakers and CEOs from around the globe, provide the delegates with an unparalleled opportunity to network, learn, and explore groundbreaking advancements across healthcare disciplines.
The CEO Forum was moderated by Dr. Achintya Moulick, Chair of the AAPI World Health Congress. In his opening remarks, Dr. Moulick said, “The first World Congress of AAPI signals the beginning of a new chapter for the organization which has had a significant impact on American healthcare. The goal for me as the first convention chair of the World Congress is to bring healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, financial bodies and policymakers together and create a perfect gathering of first, second and third generation physicians and other healthcare providers of Indian origin lead the way for the future of global health.”
AAPI’s Legislative Day discussed the need to regulate healthcare, visa, physician-patient relationship, insurance issues and was moderated by Dr. Sumul Raval, national Secretary of AAPI. He said, “AAPI’s lobbying efforts on some of the issues affecting the broader Indian American community and other immigrant groups is also a testament to its growth and reach. Being one of the oldest Indian American organizations, it’s also among the most influential, as was evident from the lawmakers who took time out of their busy schedule to address the group.”
Dr. Anjana Samadder, president of AAPI said, “The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers.”
Dr. Lokesh Edara, Chair, AAPI Board of Trustees said, “The growing influence of doctors of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in the healthcare, academic, research and administrative positions across the nation. With their hard work, dedication, compassion, and skills, they have thus carved an enviable niche in the American medical community. AAPI’s role has come to be recognized as vital among members and among lawmakers.”
In his brief inaugural address, Adams lauded the contributions of Indian American physicians across the United States, especially during the Covid pandemic. “When you look at the 1000s of physicians across the country, you walk into any hospital, the emergency rooms, especially during COVID, you were present. You were there, and you sacrificed your own health to make sure of the health of this entire country. Your contributions are so rare.”
Physician, Author, and Professor Emeritus of cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University; Smriti Zubin Irani, an Indian politician and former actress, fashion model, and television producer. She has been Minister of Women and Child Development since 2019, and also Minister of Minority Affairs since 2022; Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya is an Indian politician currently serving as the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers of India. He is also a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat; Dr. Jesse Menachem Ehrenfeld, President of the American Medical Association and Professor of Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.; and, Dr. Vivek Hallegere Murthy, a vice admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who has served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States under Presidents Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden.
The World Congress has, among many others, sessions on cutting-edge research and CMEs, promoting business relationships, and display the ethnic items. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the prime focus of our World Health Congress. There will be entertainment features for children, performances by singer Atul Purohit and a comedy show by Kapil Sharma, Live entertainment by Javed Ali and Atif Aslam, Traditional Garba, Bollywood Film Festival, and a fashion show.
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