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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS December 26, 2025 American Punjabi Society Hosts Annual Gala Celebrating Culture And service H ICKSVILLE, N.Y. – The Ameri- can Punjabi Society held its annual gala this week, draw- ing elected officials, diplo- mats, business leaders and community members to celebrate Punjabi culture, service and leadership. The event, held at Pearl Banquet Hall, highlighted the organization’s humani- tarian work, cultural programming and youth initiatives, while honoring longtime community leader Harry Singh Bolla with its highest recognition, the Punjabi Ratan Award. APS Vice President Ajay Vir S. Sondhi opened the program, followed by Gen- eral Secretary VPS Sikka, who introduced President Gary S. Sikka and praised his leadership and commitment to commu- nity service. In his opening remarks, President Sikka expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the organization’s mission of seva, or selfless service, along with cultural preservation and unity. He credited APS’s growth and accomplishments to collective commu- nity support. Padma Bhushan award recipient Sant Singh Chatwal delivered keynote remarks, reflecting on the importance of cultural organizations in strengthening identity within the Indian diaspora. Chatwal, who played a key role in facilitating President Bill Clinton’s historic 2000 visit to India, praised APS for its work in community building, youth empowerment and hu- manitarian service. “APS is doing exemplary work in bring- ing our community together through seva, culture and service,” Chatwal said, also commending Sikka and his leadership team. The evening’s centerpiece was the pre- sentation of the Punjabi Ratan Award to Harry Singh Bolla, a patron of APS recog- nized for his philanthropy and leadership. Accepting the honor, Bolla credited his success to faith and community support and dedicated the award to hardworking Punjabis who uphold the spirit of service. Punjabi film star Neeru Bajwa attended as chief guest and shared reflections on storytelling and cultural expression. The program also featured a live musical performance by Punjabi singer Ms. Pooja, who energized the audience. APS leaders highlighted the organiza- tion’s 2024–2025 initiatives, including a GurdhamYatra pilgrimage with 135 participants, blood donation drives, can- cer awareness walks, youth mentorship programs and Vaisakhi celebrations in partnership with Nassau County. Women’s Council Chair Navneet Sikka Sondhi spoke about women-led initia- tives and announced upcoming winter coat and children’s holiday gift drives. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Indian Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, state and local officials from across Long Island, and representa- tives from Indian-American organiza- tions, faith institutions and law enforce- ment affinity groups. In closing remarks, President Sikka thanked APS officers, advisory board members and volunteers, noting that the gala reflected a community “rooted in seva, united by culture, and strengthened by shared purpose.” The American Punjabi Society is a non- profit organization focused on preserv- ing Punjabi heritage, promoting service, empowering youth and fostering civic engagement within the Indian-American community. By A StaffWriter Photo: N.Y. Photo: APS Punjabi film star Neeru Bajwa and Padma Bhushan recipient Sant Singh Chatwal pose with Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan during the American Punjabi Society’s annual gala in Hicksville, GOPIO Hosts Webinar On ‘Coping With Technological Changes & Challenges’ T he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted its December 2025 webi- nar, “Coping with Technological Changes and Challenges,” on December 13, 2025. It brought together distinguished speakers from diplomacy, academia, industry, and technology, orga- nizers said in a press release. Participants offered perspectives on emerging technol- ogies and their far-reaching implications for society, development planning, and the global workforce. Former Indian Ambassador T. P. Sreenivasan delivered the keynote ad- dress. The panel featured Professor D. Yogi Goswami, Piyush Malik, Dr. Latha Chris- tie, and Phillip Thomas. Discussions cov- ered artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, clean energy technologies, and their societal, ethical, and geopolitical impacts. Speakers explored critical issues such as the affordability of new technolo- gies for disadvantaged populations, the geopolitical risks associated with techno- logical dominance, and the urgent need for ethical guardrails in AI development. Throughout the session, panelists empha- sized balancing innovation with human values and adopting policies that ensure technological benefits reach all segments of society. The discussion was moder- ated by GOPIO Associate Secretary Sunil Roberts Vuppula. Ambassador Sreenivasan, currently Adjunct Professor of Eminence at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, noted that technological change is reshaping every vocation, including diplomacy, and that no profession can remain indifferent to these “tectonic tremors.” Quoting histo- rian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, Ambassador Sreenivasan emphasized that the unprecedented speed of technological change poses a greater challenge than the evolutionary pace of humankind. He also referred to concerns raised at the United Nations Security Council re- garding AI-related risks to global stability and conflict prevention, highlighting the principle that: “Humans must retain full control over life-and-death decisions.” Dr. Thomas Abraham, chairman of GOPIO briefly outlined the history of the organization since its founding in 1989 in NewYork. He also addressed the “un- precedented acceleration” of technology which offered immense opportunities for innovation, productivity, and improved quality of life. The webinar concluded with an inter- active panel discussion. By A StaffWriter PHOTOS: Courtesy GOPIO Chief Guest, Moderator and Speakers at the GOPIO Webinar on Coping with New Technological Changes are Challenges, Top row, Philip Thomas, Sunil Vuppala, Dr. Latha Christies; Bottom row: Piyush Malik, Prof. D. Yogi Goswami, and Amb. T.P. Sreenivasan Coping with Technological Changes and Challenges – A section of the audience