On December 12, New York State made history by inaugurating its first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission at Queens College. The event, presided over by the college’s President Frank H. Wu, marked the official swearing-in of 13 members, including Neeta Bhasin, the first Indian American woman to join the Commission.
Neeta Bhasin, a prominent Indian-origin entrepreneur, is widely recognized for her efforts to promote South Asian culture in the United States. She founded ASB Communications, the first South Asian advertising firm in the country, and Event Guru Worldwide, which launched the iconic Diwali at Times Square event in 2013. Her commitment to cultural promotion has earned her numerous accolades, including the Mahatma Gandhi Samman in London and the Shakti Award for women’s empowerment.
Bhasin emphasized the importance of teaching children about diversity, stating that it fosters respect and understanding. As a member of the AAPI Commission, she is poised to bring her experience and passion to address the challenges faced by the AAPI community.
The newly formed AAPI Commission has a broad mandate to address the needs of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, focusing on areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, and social well-being. A key priority is combating hate crimes, which have surged in recent years, and fostering greater cultural understanding.
Gaurav Vasisht serves as the Chair of the Commission, alongside members Tai Ngo Shaw, Neeta Bhasin, Maf Misbah Uddin, Joyce Wu, Marjorie Hsu, Faustina Sein, Andrew Sta Ana, Peter Tu, Ambrosia Kaui, Tim Law, Kyung Yoon, Jeffrey Gu, and Frank Wu.
Progress and Advocacy
The AAPI Commission is the result of years of advocacy and legislative efforts. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American legislator in the state, spearheaded the AAPI Commission Bill, which received unanimous support from state lawmakers. Rajkumar, who also played a key role in making Diwali a school holiday in New York City, highlighted the progress Asian Americans have made over the years.
Reflecting on the historical struggles faced by the community, Rajkumar said, “In the late 1800s, the US Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, preventing Chinese individuals from becoming citizens. In 1921, the US Supreme Court ruled that Indians could not be US citizens. And now, look at us—we are thriving in all fields and have come a long way.”
Rajkumar expressed her optimism about the Commission’s potential, stating, “It is just the beginning. Our commission members will bring excellence to our government. They will make the impossible possible. I believe that Neeta Bhasin, who single-handedly organized Diwali at Times Square, made Diwali a global phenomenon.”
Statewide Support
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the AAPI Commission Bill into law on February 7, 2024, aligning New York with more than a dozen other states and the White House, which have also established similar commissions. Hochul lauded the initiative, stating, “Your voices are essential to our state’s future.”
To support the AAPI community, the state has allocated $35 million to protect Asian Americans from hate crimes and an additional $30 million to support local AAPI organizations. These investments reflect New York’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its Asian American residents.
Senator Jeremy Cooney, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the significance of the Commission. Raised in an orphanage in Calcutta, India, Cooney shared his personal connection to the community and his pride in championing the bill alongside Rajkumar.
“Our communities need to know we care and are listening,” Cooney said. “We’ve been waiting for this moment. The Asian American voice is growing, but it must be heard. We need to show our communities that we’re listening, that we care, and that there are both challenges and opportunities for New Yorkers from all over the world.”
Community Engagement
The public hearing for the AAPI Commission was conducted by the New York State Department of State. Key representatives from the Governor’s office, including Shawn Ma, director of Asian American Affairs, and Sibu Nair, deputy director of Asian American Affairs, participated in the event with their teams.
The AAPI Commission represents a significant step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans in New York State. With leaders like Neeta Bhasin and the backing of state officials, the Commission is well-positioned to drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive society.
