(Atlanta, GA. July 6, 2019): Shankar Mahadevan performed before a packed audience at the 37th annual convention of The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) on July 5th night, 2019 at the fabulous and world famous Omni Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World Congress Center, mesmerizing And electrifying the nearly 2,000 audience from across the nation with his powerful and enchanting voice.
The crowd cheered loudly as Shankar and his talented team entered the eloquent stage, not disappointing the audience even a single moment of their more than three hours long non-stop songs and music. Stating that it’s the team’s 24th year of contributions to Music, the lalented artist opened the concert with an invocation to Lord Ganesha praying for all.
As the crowd reached out to him to the stage, the popular playback singer and musician, drawing more inspiration from the crowd, sang his way to stealing their hearts at the over 3 hours long musical concert that went beyond mid night.
Shankar Mahadevan, who shot to fame with the albums, Dil Chahta Hai and Kal Ho Na Ho, which in addition to winning millions of hearts, winning him several national awards and international recognition, flew in from India to be part of the 37th annual convention organized by the Atlanta Chapter of the national AAPI.
Performing before a packed audience Shankar Mahadevan, the lead playback singer was at his best. The team then thundered in, and held the crowd spellbound for next three pulsating hours. The orchestra was magnificent, complimenting the artists. The crowd was in raptures, and very soon, people were crowding the aisles to dance, in abandon to the rhythms of the night.
Earlier, The day began with an Obesity Awareness Walk led by Dr. Uma Koduri and other AAPI leaders at the famous Centennial Park in Atlanta. Hundreds of Doctors and their family members walked around the Park wearing Yellow T Shirts proclaiming to the world the need to create awareness on healthy lifestyle.
At the Executive Committee Luncheon members of the powerful and dynamic body were honored. Drs. Naresh Parikh, President; Suresh Reddy, President Elect; Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Vice-President; Anupama Gotimukula, Secretary; Anjana Samadder, Treasurer; Raj Bhayani, Treasurer-Elect; Ajeet Kothari, Chair, Board of Trustees; Prachi Dua, President, MSRF; Praveen Arla, President, YPS; S. Purohit, Past BOT Chair and Senior AAPI Leader; and Vinod Shah, Senior AAPI Leader and Advisor to AAPI President.
The focus of the convention has been education and sharing of expertise with fellow colleagues in the profession. Some of the major themes as part of the CME sessions include: Pursuit of Happiness In Medicine; Burnout Prevention and Wellness in Physicians; Easy Life of a Hospitalist: An Illusion; and, Meditation and Mindfulness. Other themes at the CME include: Combining Ancient Sciences and Modern Medicine in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases; Mysteries of Type 2 Diabetes in South Asians – the Unresolved Questions; and, Cardio-oncology: Clinical Practice and Echocardiography.
At the gala dinner, for the first time nearly two dozen past presidents of AA{I were called on stage and were recognized for their leadership and making AAPI strong in its journey of 37 years. In his address, Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, thanked the leadership of each AAPI president. He said, “The 37th annual AAPI Convention, while providing physicians of Indian origin an opportunity to come together in an atmosphere of collegiality, it will enable them to retrace and appreciate their common roots, culture and the bond that unites them as members of this large professional community. Giving them a platform to celebrate their accomplishments, the annual convention to be attended by nearly 2,000 physicians of Indian origin, it will also provide a forum to renew their professional commitment through continuing medical educations activities.” Dr. Raj Bhayani, AAPI’s IT Chair and Dr. Sathis Kathula emceed the event.
The annual convention this year is being organized by AAPI’s Atlanta Chapter, headed by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani. In his address, Dr. Sreeni Gangasani acknowledged the efforts of the local committees that made the events spectacularly successful. “The convention team has been working incredibly hard to provide a delightful 4 days of events packed with educational CME credits, world-class entertainment, leadership seminars, networking opportunities, exhibits, and more,” Dr. Gangasani added. “Without their hard work, dedication, talents, skills and generosity, this mega event would not have been a success, I want to thank each one of them personally and on behalf of national AAPI for their dedication.”
At the Luncheon Gala hosted by AAPI’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Ajith Kothari provided an updater on the efforts of BOT under his leadership in strengthening AAPI. Dr. Seema Arora, the incoming BOT Chair assumed charge at the event and stated of her commitment to continue to strengthen AAPI and work with the Team to make AAPI financially sound and responsive to the needs of larger AAPI Body. Past BOT Chairs were recognized on stage with Shawl for their leadership and commitment to AAPI.
AAPI honored its members for their achievements. Most Distinguished Physicians Awards were given to Drs. Sanjeev Gupta; Ramesh Vandal; and Enas Enas. Distinguished Service Award
Was bestowed on Dr. Sanat Gandhi. The Young Physician Award went to Dr. Rupesh Raina & Dr. Sandeep Bagla, while the Most Distinguished Medical Student/Fellow Award was giventn to Dr. Radhika Chimera.
AAPI organization is a dynamic body, spearheading legislative agendas and influencing the Tadvancement of medical care not only in the US, but internationally. AAPI’s impact is seen in areas such as advocating for the increasing physician work force, participating in national health initiatives such as obesity prevention, and investing in global health education. Whether practicing in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural communities or participating in cutting edge research & academics, Indian physicians form an impressive group.
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 100,000 physicians, medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. It is the largest ethnic medical organization in the nation. For more details and registration for the convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www