Dr. Vipul Patel, an oncologist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and a leader in the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, was recently honored for his contributions to the community at a special Independence Day celebration. The event, held last week to celebrate the Independence Days of India and South Korea, along with the 250th anniversary of the United States, took place in Flushing, Queens. Alongside Dr. Patel, Nanda Surendra, the Founder and President of Aromananda Foundation USA Inc., was also recognized.
The celebration was organized by the Shanti Fund and the Multicultural Council of New York, with support from various local organizations including the Garal Clan Association, the Indian American International Chamber of Commerce, and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce. The event not only marked the important national holidays but also featured a youth essay-writing contest.
The gathering was held at the Gathsemane Chapel and highlighted the theme of unity and diversity. Both India and Korea celebrate their Independence Days on August 15, with Korea gaining its freedom in 1945 and India in 1947. The U.S. independence, which occurred 250 years ago, was also recognized, connecting the histories of these nations in their pursuit of freedom from colonial rule.
The event was emceed by Paresh Raval and started with national anthems from all three countries. After welcoming remarks from Senior Pastor Ben Y. Hur and representatives from the Indian and Korean consulates, traditional cultural performances showcased the rich heritage of both nations. Local government officials, including New York City Council Member Sandra Ung and State Senator Leroy Comrie, spoke about the cultural ties between the Indian and Korean communities in Queens.
Dr. Patel, while accepting his award, emphasized the shared values present in both communities, such as respect for family, importance of education, and strong faith. He also shared his personal journey as an immigrant, highlighting the challenges he faced while pursuing his MD and MBA degrees. His commitment to community service includes involvement in various organizations like the Interfaith Council.
Nanda Surendra, also honored for her work, recently completed a leadership program at Columbia Business School, focusing on nonprofit professionals. Her organization, Aromananda Wellness, aims to empower communities by promoting health, financial awareness, emotional intelligence, and environmental consciousness. Her contributions to the community have garnered recognition from the NYC Mayor’s Office and local chambers of commerce.
In conclusion, the joint celebration not only recognized the achievements of local leaders but also reinforced the message of independence and the spirit of community among diverse cultures.
