AAPI Celebrates India’s Independence Day with Leadership Summit

“American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) had a powerful weekend of celebration, service, and community, as we honored India’s 79th Independence Day in the heart of New York City,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI. “We were fortunate to be part of and led the ‘I Love My India Float Parade’ – Celebrating Our Heritage from Raipath to Times Square. Azadi Ke Rang, AAPI Ke Sang.”

To spread the message of health and wellness for all and salute India on the occasion of India’s Independence Day anniversary, leaders of AAPI marched at the India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday, August 17th, 2022. Applause from the crowds reached a crescendo as the colorfully decorated Float bearing AAPI’s name, symbol, and message of health and wellness to all rolled on in New York City on a bright Sunday afternoon.

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI along with several Executive Committee Members, Dr. Hetal Gor, Chair of AAPI BOT; Regional Directors, members of BOT from different parts of the country joined the over a hundred thousand fellow Indian Americans to be part of the largest India Day Parade, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

Several AAPI leaders, including Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, Dr. Hetal Gor, Dr. Mehar Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI; Dr. Krishan Kumar, Vice President of AAPI; Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary of AAPI; Dr. Anjali Gulati, and Sunita Polepalle, members of AAPI BOT, Dr. Avinash C. Gupta, Mid-Atlantic II Regional Director; Dr. Gautam Kamthan, President, YPS; and, Dr. Priyanka Kolli, President, MSRF were prominent among those who led the parade.

“What an extraordinary outpouring of love and pride we’ve witnessed this Independence Day,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty. “From coast to coast, your enthusiasm has lit up our celebrations with the spirit of unity, heritage, and hope. The overwhelming response to our events deeply moves us—each moment is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our AAPI community.”

Standing on the Salute Stage with Parade Co-Grand Marshals, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, along with Congressman Sri Thanedar (MI-13) and several FIA leaders, who led the 43rd Annual India Day Parade along Madison Avenue, Dr. Chakrabarty said, “Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high positions, shaping the policies and programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world. Our participation at the Parade in New York City celebrating India’s 70th Independence Day is a testament to AAPI’s commitment to the Indian Diaspora, contributing to building stronger platforms for Indian-origin physicians in the US.”

Earlier, on Saturday, August 16th, AAPI organized a Press Conference and Leadership Retreat at the Indian Consulate – an exclusive dialogue with AAPI leaders and Corporate Leaders, eloquently moderated by Dr. Hetal Gor, AAPI BOT Chair.

In his brief remarks, Consul General of India, Honorable Binaya Srikanta Pradhan praised the achievements and contributions of Indian American Physicians. “AAPI is one of the strongest organizations in the United States. And an impactful organization,” he said. “In India, the decision makers and policy makers know about AAPI and what AAPI has done over the years, especially about the role being played in strengthening the Indo-US relationship.” He highlighted the many contributions and achievements of Indian American physicians and how India is emerging as the hub for medical technology, the pharmaceutical industry, and affordable health care through national Insurance schemes.

Panelists at the Retreat were: Anil Bansal, a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, best known as the Founder and Chairman of Indus American Bank; Bhavdeep Singh, a seasoned business leader with a strong track record in healthcare, retail, and professional services; and, Parag Amin is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and technologist with decades of experience across technology, finance, real estate, retail, and hospitality.

Bansal, a visionary businessman, who owns commercial real estate across the U.S. and invests in numerous IT ventures, who is committed to community service, and a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India in 2023, shared with the audience his growth trajectory in leadership and his deep commitment to the community.

Singh, the Founder & CEO of Global MedTeam, a healthcare workforce solutions firm focused on bridging international talent with U.S. healthcare providers to address critical staffing shortages, and a Founding Partner at Whitehawk Associates LLC, offering strategic counsel across sectors, shared with AAPI leaders his deep insights into what makes a leader strong and help grow one’s business endeavors.

Amin, President and Principal of Radiqal, a global tech company specializing in gaming, digital television, and interactive platforms, and oversees its Indian subsidiary, who co-manages multiple ventures including Radial Properties and the Mexican Post restaurant chain, in his address focused on how Innovations have shaped the global growth and India is today, the hub of new technologies and development.

The Panelists at the Leadership Retreat focused on the challenges faced in leadership, emphasizing the importance of finding creative solutions to overcome these difficulties. They highlighted that the true leadership demands not just vision, but the creative resolve to transform obstacles into opportunities. The essence of effective leadership lies in empowering every member, cultivating unity, and fostering trust through transparency and credibility.

Dr. Hetal Gor, who organized and moderated the session, said, “The attendees greatly valued the panelists’ insights on effective leadership, resulting in a session extension from 90 to 150 minutes. Each speaker shared their unique leadership style, experiences across various projects, and how qualities like resilience and hard work contributed to their success. The panel provided global perspectives on entrepreneurship, strategies to launch ideas, secure government grants, and practical advice for physicians to broaden their expertise and improve financial literacy.” Dr. Gor expressed gratitude to AAPI President Amit Chakrabarty, the panelists, the Indian Consulate, Andaz for catering, and Kunal Lamba and Dr. Aarti Pandya for the entertainment.

Dr. Mehar Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI, reflecting on the Retreat, said, “When leaders encourage free exchange of ideas and support bold solutions, they enable teams to rise together, motivated by the belief that empowered individuals drive collective success. It is this spirit of collaboration, resilience, and empowerment that shapes AAPI into a vibrant force for positive change, allowing each member to contribute their unique strengths to achieve ambitious goals.” She spoke about the four areas where AAPI is focused on: Education, Mentoring, Advocacy, and Community Service.

On the auspicious day of Janmasthami, August 16th, AAPI leaders participated in a pilgrimage, “Pathways to Peace – Akshardham Visit – A spiritual delegation experience.” The Akshardham Temple management graciously arranged a complimentary private tour of the temple, exclusively for AAPI. Pujya Yogananddas Swami and Pujya Nilkanthsevadas Swami, enshrined in the delegation, a core message: “Whatever we do, do it with purpose and good intentions!”

This special gesture reflects their deep respect for our community and the shared values of spirituality, service, and cultural heritage. This curated experience offered a serene and meaningful opportunity to explore the temple’s divine architecture, engage in sacred rituals, and deepen our collective connection to dharma and devotion.

On Friday, August 14th, AAPI leaders joined several community leaders for the “Tricolor Triumph Over Manhattan,” as the Empire State Building lit up in saffron, white & green.

On Sunday Evening, Aug. 17th, several AAPI leaders joined the FIA Dinner at the famous Cipriani Wall Street, wrapping up the weekend with elegance and unity.

Dr. Krishan Kumar reminded AAPI members that through organizing such events, “We are continuing to make AAPI a more dynamic and vibrant organization playing a meaningful and relevant part in advocating health policies and practices that best serve the interests of all patients and promoting the physician’s role as leaders of the team-based health care delivery.”

Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary of AAPI, “This is another example of our ongoing efforts to make AAPI a mainstream organization and work on issues affecting healthcare delivery, spreading the message of health and wellbeing for all, while leveraging the strength of 100,000 Indian American physicians.”

A record number of people thronged the sidewalks, filling Madison Avenue from 38th to 24th Streets at the heart of New York City, cheering jubilantly as the floats portraying the rich heritage of India and the rise of India as a world power, meandered through the Big Apple. The crowds acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Physicians of the Indian Diaspora and their motherland, India.

“Let’s show the world the power of unity, culture, and service as we walk together in honor of India’s independence and our shared journey in America,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty in his closing remarks.

Dr. Chakrabarty thanked Dr. Hetal Gor for organizing and leading the insightful Leadership Retreat. “The panelists were outstanding, and there was so much to learn from them as leaders. Thanks to Consulate General of India, New York, for hosting this event. It was an awesome experience participating in India’s Independence Day celebrations in New York City. Thanks to FIA for organizing the parade, and we are proud of AAPI, representing 120,000 American physicians of Indian origin!”

Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-NY/NJ/CT), the annual parade, the colorful celebrations at the heart of New York City were a way of honoring Mother India by the Indian American community, showcasing the achievements of the 4 million Indians in the United States. For more details on AAPI, please visit: http://www.aapiusa.org