New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in collaboration with the Healthcare Advisory Council, honored the Healthcare Achievers of New York at a distinguished ceremony held on June 9, 2025, at Gracie Mansion. 

The event, co-hosted by Mayor Adams and President of the Federation of Indian Physicians Association (FIPA), Dr. Raj Bhayani, brought together more than 150 influential leaders from the healthcare, business, and community sectors across the New York tri-state area, according to a statement. Attendees represented a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including Indian, Bangladeshi, Afghan, Jewish, Hispanic, Caribbean, and American communities.

At the ceremony, Mayor Adams honored healthcare leaders in New York, representing diverse areas of healthcare, such as physicians, pharmaceutical industries, practice managers, and entrepreneurs in healthcare, along with people who are doing charitable health activities in the New York region for their accomplishments and contributions to the nation.

They include; Chintu Patel, founder and CEO of Amneal Pharmaceutical; Al Mason Fintech, entrepreneur; Dr. Shamim Sharma, eminent Cardiologist; Dr. Deepak Nandi, Neuropsychiatrist and entrepreneur; Dr. Atul Kukar, renowned Cardiologist; Gary Schlesinger, Healthcare Community Leader; Ronald Blount Jr, Bronx County Executive; Gary Sikka, President, American Punjab Society; Kanan Patel, founder and CEO of Kayura pharma health and beauty products; Bhavik Patel, Healthcare executive; Ahmad Masoud, IRCM founder; Jabur Chowdhury, young healthcare entrepreneur; and Dr. Eyad Hijazin, a prominent physician from the region.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams highlighted the purpose behind the event and acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices made by healthcare professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They are the symbols of what makes our country what it is, and I want to thank them. And tonight is not so much about me, it’s about our honorees, because public service is challenging and it’s difficult, and it’s always, for the most part, a thankless occupation that you go into,” he said. “You continue to do your job. Nothing can signify that more than COVID, when I’ve witnessed the number of healthcare professionals who were in our hospitals, our healthcare centers, who were doing the testing, who were carrying out all the functions, and still had to worry about not infecting their family members at home. They still got up every day and did their job.”

The Mayor added that the event was intended to recognize the healthcare profession. “As they come on and receive their proclamation, let’s show them the love that they deserve, because clapping for them is not only clapping for them individually, but it’s clapping for the industry of health care that makes sure we live a healthy life, not only physically, but emotionally as well,” he added. 

Dr. Bhayani, in his welcome address, emphasized the essential role played by healthcare workers, quoting Hippocrates noting “Love to Medicine is love to Humanity.” He added that the ceremony was a tribute to New York’s healthcare professionals and their ongoing commitment to public service.

The evening opened with a special recognition of Ronald Wayne, co-founder of Apple. In accepting his award, Wayne said, “This is the highest honor I have received in the 71 years of my career.”

Al Mason introduced Mayor Adams as the “best Mayor” New York City has ever had and encouraged continued support for his administration. Delivering the keynote address, Chintu Patel outlined the guiding principles of his company: “Innovation, affordability, and sustainability.”

Kanan Patel, one of the youngest honorees, shared her entrepreneurial vision to integrate ayurveda and allopathy in creating beauty and skincare products.

Ronald Blount Jr. underscored the importance of continued advocacy in Albany for the well-being of New York’s communities. Schlesinger highlighted his commitment to serving indigenous populations, while Sikka expressed a desire to expand charitable healthcare efforts and organize more community health camps.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Shashi Shah thanked the organizers, attendees, Gracie Mansion staff, and Mint by Sikka for their hospitality and catering.

The event was attended media personalities including promoter & publisher of ‘The Indian Eye’ Newspaper & Radio Station ‘RADIO ZINDAGI,’ Sunil Hali. 

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