FIA NY-NJ-CT was recognized for its service to the community and India.
On the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the Federation of Indian Associations received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest award bestowed on a non-resident Indian, a Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution founded and run by non-resident Indians or Persons of Indian Origin, who have made a significant contribution in furthering a better understanding of India abroad, and support for India’s causes and concerns in a tangible way, through community work abroad, welfare of the local Indian community, philanthropic and charitable works.
“We are very proud, humbled and thankful to be the recipient of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman,” President of FIA Anil Bansal said. “It is the recognition of hard and selfless work of so many people in the FIA family. This award is for the exceptional and meritorious contribution to India, the Indians for social and humanitarian causes. We at FIA have been totally dedicated to serving the interest of India and Indian diaspora in the USA. I have no doubt that under the new leadership of Ankur Vaidya, we will expand our footprint and activities immensely in future. This award certainly gives us the encouragement and incentive to reach for the stars. Thanks India, our motherland, and Jai Hind.”
“It is truly a moment of pride for FIA and for me to witness this prestigious recognition bestowed upon FIA,” Chairman Ankur Vaidya said. “I take this opportunity to thank the founders and patriarchs, some of them are on our board, who dedicated a lifetime in serving the community through the organization and when told of the news had tears of joy,” Vaidya said, adding, “The timing has a cryptic hint in it having lost Ramesh Patel to COVID when we had already rolled our sleeves to prepare for the golden jubilee grandeur celebration. We still continued and faced the worst times in history, we managed with the motivated team and Ramesh Patel’s spirit and soul to show us light and inspiration, the magic worked. I know he would be ecstatic,” Vaidya added.
One of the most prestigious groups in the Indian community is the Federation of Indian Associations. It is made up of over a million strong and dynamic Asian-Indians who provide vital grassroots support and assistance.
Since its inception in 1970, the FIA has grown into a laudable organisation that has served as a powerful voice and mobilizer for the community.