The New American Voters Association (NAVA) hosted its 18th Annual Dinner Dance and Award Ceremony on June 19, 2025, at Flushing Marina. Organized by NAVA’s Founder and President Dr. Dilip Nath, the evening was a vibrant celebration of civic engagement, public service, and cultural unity. This year’s event also commemorated Juneteenth and included a performance by “Joy of Dance,” blending festivity with the recognition of significant contributions to the community.
A primary focus of the event was to honor individuals who have made noteworthy commitments to public service. These honorees were presented with awards in recognition of their dedication and efforts to uplift society. The evening featured speeches by several prominent elected officials who came to show their support and appreciation for NAVA’s mission and the honorees.
Among those delivering remarks were New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and New York State Senators John Liu and Leroy Comrie. Additionally, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul were also present, reflecting the event’s broad political engagement.
Dr. Hari Shukla, Chairman of NAVA, received a particularly significant honor during the ceremony. United States Senator Charles Schumer presented him with a Proclamation that highlighted Dr. Shukla’s extraordinary contributions to medical science and child health. The document acknowledged that Dr. Shukla was the first in the United States to use surfactant treatment in preterm infants. It also pointed out his groundbreaking development of a formula for umbilical catheterization, which has become a standard in pediatric care globally. As noted in the Proclamation, “Dr. Shukla’s formula for umbilical catheter is used in 400 million children throughout the world.”
This recognition placed a spotlight on the vital intersection of scientific innovation and public service, emphasizing NAVA’s commitment to celebrating immigrant success stories and the far-reaching impact of such achievements.
The audience included more than two hundred attendees, a mix of community members, NAVA supporters, and civic leaders, all gathered to acknowledge the role that immigrant communities play in shaping the broader narrative of American progress. The high attendance further demonstrated the community’s ongoing support for NAVA’s work and its broader mission of civic engagement and voter participation among new Americans.
Dr. Dilip Nath, who spearheaded the event, has been a consistent advocate for immigrant rights and civic empowerment. Through NAVA, he has worked for nearly two decades to encourage political involvement among new citizens and to create a platform where their voices are recognized. The annual dinner dance serves as a highlight of this ongoing mission, bringing together public servants and constituents in a celebratory setting that also promotes civic responsibility.
The presence of key city and state officials reinforced the importance of this initiative. “Events like these are vital,” said NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, “because they help unite our diverse communities while recognizing those who are building bridges across neighborhoods and cultures.” Williams, known for his advocacy work and progressive stances, praised NAVA’s efforts to make the electoral process more accessible to immigrant populations.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards echoed these sentiments, stating, “Organizations like NAVA play a crucial role in empowering communities that are too often underrepresented. We need to continue supporting platforms that amplify these voices.”
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine spoke to the evolving landscape of New York City’s demographic makeup and how organizations such as NAVA contribute to civic inclusivity. “The work being done here is about making democracy stronger,” he said, “by ensuring that every resident, regardless of where they come from, feels invested in the future of this city.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commended NAVA for recognizing individuals who not only serve the public but also inspire future generations. “Tonight’s honorees have dedicated their lives to service, and that deserves our deepest appreciation,” she said.
Meanwhile, New York State Senator John Liu, himself a trailblazer as the first Asian American to hold citywide office in New York, emphasized the importance of acknowledging community leadership. “When we lift up stories like those of Dr. Shukla,” Liu remarked, “we send a powerful message about the contributions immigrants make every day to our society.”
The evening’s recognition of Dr. Hari Shukla stood out as a symbolic reminder of how medical innovation and immigrant excellence go hand in hand. Senator Charles Schumer’s Proclamation stated, “Dr. Shukla is the pioneer in the United States of using Surfactant in preterm infants,” underscoring his trailblazing role in neonatal care. The citation further noted the global reach of his work: “Dr. Shukla’s formula for umbilical catheter is used in 400 million children throughout the world.”
This prestigious recognition from one of the highest-ranking U.S. lawmakers exemplified the spirit of the event: honoring those who, through their expertise and commitment, have impacted millions of lives while also representing the best of American ideals.
NAVA’s decision to align this year’s dinner with Juneteenth added an extra layer of significance. Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, served as a fitting backdrop for a night celebrating freedom, equality, and progress. The “Joy of Dance” performance energized the room and served as a cultural bridge connecting the historical legacy of Juneteenth with the modern journey of immigrants becoming fully active participants in American civic life.
The celebratory tone of the evening did not overshadow its broader message. Rather, the festivity underscored a sense of achievement while also calling attention to the work that remains in ensuring inclusivity in public life. Dr. Dilip Nath reminded attendees of NAVA’s enduring mission, which is not just about voter registration, but about nurturing leadership, building trust in institutions, and encouraging lifelong civic involvement among new Americans.
As the evening came to a close, the atmosphere remained vibrant and hopeful, fueled by a sense of shared purpose and mutual recognition. More than just a ceremonial gathering, the 18th Annual Dinner Dance served as a vivid reminder of the positive influence that immigrants have across every sector of society — from public service and political leadership to groundbreaking advancements in science and medicine.
With over two hundred people in attendance, the 2025 edition of NAVA’s annual event was more than a celebration — it was a reaffirmation of community, service, and the essential role that immigrant voices continue to play in shaping the American experience.