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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 10 NATIONAL AFFAIRS July 11, 2025 Dr. Amit Chakrabarty And Dr. Hetal Gor Officially Assume AAPI Leadership In Historic Oath Ceremony I n a historic first for the American Association of Phy- sicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr. Amit Chakrabarty and Dr. Hetal Gor were formally sworn in as President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (BOT), respectively, during a special ceremony held on July 3, 2025, at the AAPI office in Oak Brook, Illinois. The oath of office was administered by Dr. Suresh Reddy, a past President of AAPI and an elected Trustee of Oak Brook Township. The ceremony marks an impor- tant leadership transition for the organization, as both incoming leaders prepare to guide AAPI through a new chapter of growth and impact, according to a statement from AAPI. AAPI President, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, emphasized the significance of the occasion: “In accordance with AAPI Bylaws, the President-Elect and Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees officially assumed office on July 3. While the ceremonial Gavel Transfer will be held during the Annual Convention Gala on July 26, the formal Presidential & BOT Chair Handover Ceremony was held on July 3. This ceremony marks a meaningful leadership transition for our organization.” Expressing his vision for the year ahead, Dr. Chakrab- arty stated, “We have the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape of this country. My goal this year is to unify AAPI by transcending the re- gional divides that have hindered our progress in recent years. Indian American physicians represent tremendous talent and potential, and the key to realizing that lies in collective action and a united voice, something I am committed to fostering.” Dr. Gor, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, brings decades of leadership experience to her new role. She is the Founder and President of the Bergen Indian Medical Association, as well as the U.S. Chapter of the Federation of OBGYN Society of India (FOGSI). A past President of the American Association of OBGYN of Indian Origin, Dr. Gor also chairs the North New Jersey chapter of the Indian AmericanWomen Entrepreneurs Association and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, where she promotes Indian culture and heritage through the arts. During the ceremony, Dr. Meher Medavaram was also sworn in as President-Elect of AAPI. A board-certified family medicine physician and Fellow of the Academy of American Family Physicians, Dr. Medavaram serves as Medical Director at Mount Sinai Hospital’s FAQHC Center. Highlighting the growing footprint of Indian Ameri- can physicians, Dr. Medavaram noted, “The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and admin- istrative positions across the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, and our adopted land, the US.” Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, Dr. Kathula added, “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, seek- ing to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. I trust and believe that the new Team under Dr. Amit Chakrabarty will continue the noble mission and strengthen our efforts to make AAPI reach greater heights.” The statement added that currently, AAPI members serve 1 in every 7 patients in the United States. Beyond their clinical contributions, many hold influential posi- tions that shape healthcare policy, innovation, and deliv- ery—both nationally and globally. -(Used under special arrangementwith South Asian Herald) By South Asian Herald PHOTOS:AAPI Swearing in ceremony of Dr. Amit Chakrabarty by Dr. Suresh Reddy, in Oak Brook, Illinois, July 3, 2025 to head AAPI. Members of AAPI pose for a photo at the swearing in of new leadership of the organization, July 3, 2025, in Oak Brook, Ill. National Republican Asian Assembly Appoints KV Kumar As Co-Chair T he National Republican Asian Assembly (NRAA) has announced the appointment of President and CEO of the International Develop- ment Foundation, KV Kumar as Co-Chair, effective July 1, 2025. In his new role, Kumar will serve along- side National Co-Chair Patrick Sung to help lead and expand the NRAA’s nation- wide efforts in “outreach, policy develop- ment, advocacy, and leadership develop- ment,” according to an official statement from the organization. Founded in 1986 by the late Republi- can leader Anna Chennault and a group of pioneering Asian American leaders, including Dr. John Tsu, Dr. Jane Hu, Rob- ert Hseuh, Esq., Cindy Daub, Dr. Alfred H. Liu, Dr. Kyo Jhin, JosephineWang, Dr. Esther Lee Yao, and Kumar himself, the NRAA has long played a key role in engaging Asian Americans in conservative politics. Over the years, the organization has hosted major policy forums and high- profile events, including Asian American galas. As a nonprofit political organization, NRAA is dedicated to: • Empowering Asian American engage- ment within the Republican Party • Advocating for public policy on edu- cational and civic issues • Cultivating future leaders through education, mentorship, and network- ing Co-Chair Patrick Sung said, “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Mr. KV Kumar as the Co-Chair of the NRAA. Mr. Kumar is a distinguished leader in the Asian American community, and I am confident that his vision and leadership will be instrumental as we work together to elevate the presence and influence of Asian Americans in the political arena.” “I’m honored to serve as Co-Chair of NRAA along with Patrick Sung,” said Ku- mar. “Our goal is to amplify Asian Ameri- can voices in conservative policy-making and inspire a new generation of leaders.” -(Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald) By a StaffWriter PHOTO:KV Kumar KV Kumar with Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Wheatley.