The India Association of Long Island (IALI) hosted its 47th Annual Gala on July 18, celebrating Indian-American entrepreneurs and their significant contributions to the community.
Held at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, New York, the black-tie event brought together prominent community leaders and guests to honor three distinguished business figures: Chintu Patel, Co-Founder of Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Harry Singh, Founder of Bolla Oil Corp.; and Naveen Shah, Founder of Navika Capital.
The gala began with a welcome address by Amita Karwal, IALI’s Cultural Chair, followed by introductions from Shashi Malik, Gala Chair, who invited the audience to celebrate Jasbir Jay Singh, President of IALI. President Singh expressed gratitude to the officers, executive and ad hoc committees, past presidents, sponsors, elected officials, and honorees for their support and participation. He highlighted the humility of the honorees and shared updates on IALI’s initiatives, including the proposed IALI Community Center building project.
A key highlight of the evening was a panel discussion with the honorees, who shared insights on their journeys of success, resilience, and philanthropy. Their stories of perseverance and dedication drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The gala also acknowledged the contributions of various sponsors and community leaders, including Kanak Golia, Ravi Chopra, Anil Jain, and Sunil Jain. Attendees enjoyed a dinner and cocktail reception catered by Mint Restaurant, famed for its exquisite Indian cuisine.
With over 3,000 members and a legacy of 46 years, IALI remains a cornerstone of the Indian-American community on Long Island, promoting cultural heritage, service, and unity. This year’s officers include Ravindra Kumar as Vice President, Hargovind Gupta as Secretary, and Sujata Seth as Treasurer. The executive team consists of dedicated members like Dr. Abha Bhatnagar, Amita Karwal, Ashwani K. Sharma, and others. The Gala Committee included Shashi Malik and Bhavna Sharma.
The Indian Panorama Editor, Prof. Indrajit Saluja, conducted interviews with each honoree to delve deeper into their entrepreneurial paths and future aspirations.
Chintu Patel, recognized for his leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, shared that the greatest reward is inspiring young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. He recounted starting Amneal Pharmaceuticals with limited resources but with a vision to make affordable medicines accessible. Despite challenges, Patel’s company has grown to a significant presence with $3 billion in revenue, focusing on essential and affordable pharmaceuticals. On potential U.S.-India tariff issues, he emphasized the importance of ensuring a stable drug supply chain for crucial medicines.
Naveen Shah discussed his journey from an accounting career to establishing the Navika Group of Companies, a venture into commercial real estate. With leadership and teamwork at its core, Navika has expanded to own and manage multiple properties. Shah spoke about the importance of legacy—creating enduring value for future generations, emphasizing corporate responsibility.
Harry Singh Bolla shared candid thoughts on receiving awards, stating his belief that recognition should be reserved for those offering selfless community service. Bolla highlighted the achievements of Indian-Americans and the responsibilities that come with success. Discussing his values, he expressed deep pride in his Sikh heritage and American opportunities, urging others to commit to community well-being as a measure of true success.
The gala underscored the IALI’s dedication to fostering unity and cultural appreciation within the Indian-American community while celebrating outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship.
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