To promote the message of health and wellness and to salute India on its 79th Independence Day, leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) proudly marched at the 43rd India Day Parade in New York City on August 17, 2025.

“AAPI had a powerful weekend of celebration, service, and community, as we honored India’s 79th Independence Day in the heart of New York City,” said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, President of AAPI. “We were fortunate to be part of and led the ‘I Love My India Float Parade’ – Celebrating Our Heritage from Raipath to Times Square. Azadi Ke Rang, AAPI Ke Sang.”

Several prominent AAPI leaders, including Dr. Chakrabarty, Dr. Hetal Gor, Dr. Mehar Medavaram, President-Elect of AAPI; Dr. Krishan Kumar, Vice President of AAPI; Dr. Seema Arora, Secretary of AAPI; Dr. Anjali Gulati and Sunita Polepalle, members of the AAPI BOT; Dr. Avinash C. Gupta, Mid-Atlantic II Regional Director; Dr. Gautam Kamthan, President of YPS; and Dr. Priyanka Kolli, President of MSRF, joined in leading the parade organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY NJ CT NE.

“What an extraordinary outpouring of love and pride we’ve witnessed this Independence Day,” Dr. Chakrabarty added. “From coast to coast, your enthusiasm has lit up our celebrations with the spirit of unity, heritage, and hope. The overwhelming response to our events deeply moves us – each moment is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our AAPI community.”

Standing on the Salute Stage with Parade Co-Grand Marshals Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, Congressman Sri Thanedar (MI-13), and FIA leaders, Dr. Chakrabarty emphasized that since its founding in 1982, AAPI has represented more than 125,000 practicing Indian-origin physicians across the U.S., serving as a unified voice for the community.

“Our participation at the Parade in New York City celebrating India’s 79th Independence Day is a testament to AAPI’s commitment to the Indian diaspora, contributing to building stronger platforms for Indian-origin physicians in the U.S.,” he said.

Earlier, on August 16, AAPI hosted a Press Conference and Leadership Retreat at the Indian Consulate in New York. The event brought together AAPI leaders and corporate executives for a meaningful dialogue, eloquently moderated by Dr. Hetal Gor.

In his opening remarks, Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan praised the achievements of Indian American physicians. “AAPI is one of the strongest organizations in the United States. And an impactful organization,” he said. “In India, the decision makers and policy makers know about AAPI and what AAPI has done over the years, especially about the role being played in strengthening the Indo-US relationship.”

He also highlighted India’s growing prominence as a hub for medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and affordable healthcare through national insurance schemes.

Panelists at the Retreat included Anil Bansal, entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as Founder and Chairman of Indus American Bank; Bhavdeep Singh, a seasoned healthcare and business leader; and Parag Amin, a visionary technologist and entrepreneur.

Bansal, a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India in 2023, shared his personal leadership journey and his commitment to community service. Singh, Founder & CEO of Global MedTeam, offered insights into leadership and organizational growth, while Amin, President of Radiqal, discussed how innovation continues to shape India’s role as a hub for technology and development.

Reflecting on the session, Dr. Gor noted, “The attendees greatly valued the panelists’ insights on effective leadership, resulting in a session extension from 90 to 150 minutes. Each speaker shared their unique leadership style, experiences across various projects, and how qualities like resilience and hard work contributed to their success.”

Dr. Mehar Medavaram, AAPI President-Elect, added, “When leaders encourage free exchange of ideas and support bold solutions, they enable teams to rise together, motivated by the belief that empowered individuals drive collective success.”

On Janmashtami, August 16, AAPI leaders also participated in a spiritual pilgrimage, Pathways to Peace – Akshardham Visit. The Akshardham Temple hosted a private tour exclusively for AAPI, where Pujya Yogananddas Swami and Pujya Nilkanthsevadas Swami shared a message: “Whatever we do, do it with purpose and good intentions.”

Highlighting AAPI’s ongoing mission, Dr. Kumar said, “We are continuing to make AAPI a more dynamic and vibrant organization playing a meaningful and relevant part in advocating health policies and practices that best serve the interests of all patients and promoting the physician’s role as leaders of the team-based health care delivery.”

Dr. Arora, Secretary of AAPI, echoed this sentiment: “This is another example of our ongoing efforts to make AAPI a mainstream organization and work on issues affecting healthcare delivery, spreading the message of health and wellbeing for all, while leveraging the strength of 100,000 Indian American physicians.”

Related posts:

AAPI Celebrates 43rd Convention with Leadership Change and Community Honors FIA Unveils Grand Plans for 43rd India Day Parade in NYC Indian-American Doctors Urge U.S. Lawmakers to Address Medicare Cuts, Green Card Delays, and Physician Shortages Thousands Attend AAPI’s 43rd Annual Convention Celebrating Indian American Physicians