GLO-INDIA Honors Global Leaders at Inaugural ‘Icons of Impact’ Gala

The inaugural Global Indian Diaspora Alliance (GLO-INDIA) “Icons of Impact” Gala recognized a distinguished group of leaders for their contributions across business, healthcare, science, technology, public policy, agriculture, and community service on May 29, 2026, in New Jersey. 

According to a statement from GLO-INDIA, the event began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, led by Dr. Rajeev Mehta, chairman of GLO-INDIA; H. S. Panaser, president of GLO-INDIA; Dinesh Mittal, co-chairman of GLO-INDIA; Rajlaxmi Kadam, Consul (Trade) at the Consulate General of India in New York; and Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Dr. Mehta, Panaser, and Kadam, who highlighted the growing influence of the Indian diaspora and emphasized the importance of leadership, service, innovation, and global collaboration.

On behalf of GLO-INDIA, Panaser expressed gratitude to all participants and supporters of the gala.

“It is a genuine privilege to be part of the Icons of Impact Gala. My sincere thanks to the Global Indian Diaspora Alliance for this gracious invitation, and for bringing together such an inspiring gathering of honorees, diplomats, legislators, business leaders, academicians, and community leaders,” said Pradhan.

The GLO-INDIA “Icons of Impact” honorees included:

• Roop Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Version 1, Ireland, and former CEO of the Birla Group.
• Dr. Navneet Puri, distinguished pharmaceutical scientist and former board director at Pfizer.
• Dr. Pardeep Gupta, Burroughs Wellcome Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Pennsylvania.
• Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, internationally recognized economist and strategy leader.
• Prof. Om Parkash Dhankher, Professor of Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
• Puneet Ahluwalia, founding partner of New World Strategies and former member of President Donald Trump’s Asian Advisory Committee in 2016.
• Dr. Sparshil Patel, healthcare leader recognized for advancing patient care and community wellness.
• Dr. Sunil Parikh, healthcare leader honored for contributions to medical excellence and community service.
• Dr. Sumul N. Raval, neuro-oncologist recognized for leadership in brain cancer treatment and research.
• Srujal Parikh, past president and board trustee of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and community leader.
• Ajit Mannon, Chief Global Commercial Data, Digital and AI Officer at Johnson & Johnson.

According to the statement, the honorees exemplify the leadership, innovation, service, and excellence that the GLO-INDIA “Icons of Impact” Awards seek to celebrate. Their accomplishments continue to inspire future generations and strengthen the global influence of the Indian diaspora.

GLO-INDIA also recognized elected officials as Icons of Public Service and Legislative Leadership for their commitment to “public service, community development, diversity, and civic engagement.”

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and New York Governor Kathy Hochul sent special messages acknowledging the achievements of the honorees and commending GLO-INDIA’s efforts to strengthen and empower the global Indian diaspora.

Proclamations and citations were presented by Senator Linda Greenstein, Senator Vin Gopal, Senator Patrick Diegnan, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Assemblyman Balvir Singh, Mayor Samip Joshi, Mayor Neena Singh, and Mayor Hemant Marathe.

The organization also recognized Dr. Manjeet K. Panaser, president of the Women’s Council, for her leadership and support in helping make the event a success. Special appreciation was extended to Ajooni Kaur and Alicia Kaur for serving as emcees and performers during the gala.

GLO-INDIA further expressed its appreciation to the Indian American media community for its continued support and extensive coverage of the event. 

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