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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 15 COVER STORY May 3, 2024 CITY VIEWS Tri-State Business Leaders Attend IAICC’s North-East Regional Chapter Meeting In New York City City Mayor’s office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan provided insights into NewYork City’s role in propelling economic success through innovation. Chauhan said, “We play a pivotal role in providing a global platform for the City to champion its vision for a more equitable and inclusive society. We actively foster partnerships with the international community,” while noting that the City works closely with 193 per- manent missions, 112 consulates, and 70 trade missions. Referring to Mayor Eric Adams, Chauhan said, “Mayor Adams is incred- ibly pro-business and has taken many steps to reduce red tape and other ob- stacles facing the business community, making it much easier for businesses to expand or establish in NewYork City.” Shankar Rachakonda, chairman of IAICC, USA division provided an over- view of IAICC and spoke about key programs and recent activities. Racha- konda emphasized that IAICC’s mission is to provide an affordable platform for entrepreneurs and professionals of vari- ous backgrounds. The goal is to provide adequate representation with a strong focus on collaboration so that there is a healthy interaction that could help foster strong economic partnerships between India and the US. Rachakonda said IAICC is increasingly focused on working with Congressional leadership to ensure funding for small businesses. Arpita Srivastava, executive director and practice lead, Global Capacity Cen- ter (GCC), Cushman &Wakefield, and an IAICC member, in her presentation noted GCC or offshore innovation and R&D hubs are one of the most promi- nent cross border opportunities between US and India. “GCCs are expected to employ 4.5 million people in India by the end of this decade making it a $110 billion opportu- nity. American companies have a 67 per cent share currently. We expect nearly 200 new American companies turning to India in 2024-25 to set up a GCC,” Srivastava added. Vice Chairman and Secretary of IAICC, Glenn Falcao, in his virtual address welcomed the gathering to the chapter meeting and urged them to join IAICC. IAICC’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Appen Menon speaking at IAICC’s North-East Regional Chapter meeting on April 25, 2024, in New York City. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, speaking at IAICC’s North-East Regional Chapter meeting on April 25, 2024, in New York City. Photos:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,News IndiaTimes Sakhi For South Asian Survivors Raises More Than $1 Million At 35th Anniversary Gala S akhi for South Asian Survivors (sakhi.org ), formerly known as Sakhi for South AsianWomen, a pioneering nonprofit, commemo- rated its 35th Anniversary Gala at The Glasshouse in NewYork City on April 26. 2024. It celebrated the organization’s im- pact and announced its new identity. The evening raised over $1Million for the organization through ticket sales, donations and a live auction, Sakhi said in a press release. Kavita Mehra, executive director and Beesham A. Seecharan, board chair of Sakhi, in a shared statement, said they were excited about the new chapter with its new name. “Our new identity makes our commitment abundantly clear: survi- vors are at the center of our work.” Three leaders “who have demonstrated a commitment to gender justice through- out their professional life,” were honored at the event — Actress & Producer Poorna Jagannathan, Immigrant Rights Activist Mohamed Q. Amin, and Oscar and Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja. The gala, themed “Threads of Trans- formation: Resist. Reclaim. Rise.,” paid tribute to individuals who have dem- onstrated unwavering commitment to gender justice. More than 600 guests attended the landmark event, including high profile indivivuals Sendhil Ramamurthy, Aasif Mandvi, Sarita Choudhary, Prabal Gurung and Ali Sethi. Also featured were perfor- mances by Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Raja Kumari, along with other artists. Jagannathan shared her thoughts, saying, “I’ve always been deeply drawn to Sakhi’s mission and work. As a survi- vor myself, I know Sakhi is a lifeline to so many. Being honored at their 35th anni- versary gala was not just an acknowledg- ment; it was a chance to shed light on the inherent power of survivors and transform the narrative.” Amin expressed his gratitude to the organization, saying, “Thank you, Sakhi, for acknowledging me – all facets of me as a Queer, Indo-Caribbean, Muslim immigrant, and leader in NewYork. Your tireless efforts not only protect women and gender-expansive individuals but also honor the legacy, struggles, and resilience of thousands of South Asian immigrants.” Pahuja said, “As a filmmaker dedicated to leveraging my craft to drive change in dismantling gender norms, I’m deeply inspired by Sakhi and their unwavering commitment and pioneering role in this arena, particularly within the South Asian community.” Since its establishment in 1989, Sakhi has been dedicated to working with sur- vivors of gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach encompassing direct services, advocacy and organiz- ing, technical assistance, and community outreach. By a StaffWriter Photo:BFA,CourtesySakh Photo:BFA,CourtesySakh Photo:Mandar Parab,courtesySakhi Photo:Mandar Parab,courtesySakhi The Glasshouse, NYC, full of attendees for the 35th anniversary gala of Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, April 26, 2024. Sakhi Gala 2024 held April 26, at Glasshouse NYC , seen in photo, the 3 honorees.From left, Nisha Pahuja, Poorna Jagannathan, and Mohamed Q. Amin on the Red Carpet. Raja Kumari performing April 26, 2024, at Sakhi 35th Anniversary Gala in NYC. Actress Sarita Choudhury at Sakhi’s 35th anniversary gala in NYC, April 26, 2024. - Continued From Page 14