In a grand celebration marking Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored renowned ENT surgeon and philanthropist Dr. Raj Bhayani during a reception at Gracie Mansion on May 13, 2025.
The event highlighted the exceptional contributions of AAPI individuals to the cultural and civic fabric of New York City. Dr. Bhayani received a formal mayoral citation in recognition of his lifelong service in the fields of medicine, community activism, and global philanthropy.
In his official remarks, Mayor Adams praised Dr. Bhayani as “an authentic force for good and a pillar of the Asian American community,” underscoring his pioneering achievements, including becoming the first ENT surgeon in India to complete neurosurgical training and his advanced fellowship in facial plastic and microvascular surgery.
The Mayor emphasized that Dr. Bhayani’s accomplishments exemplify the values of dedication, excellence, and inclusion that define New York’s vibrant AAPI community.
Dr. Bhayani expressed his appreciation, stating that Mayor Adams has fostered “an environment for all of us in New York City so we all can live the American Dream.” Acknowledging the recognition, he added, “I accept this award with humility and gratitude,” dedicating the honor to the global Indian community and thanking Deputy Commissioner Peter Koo for his support.
Dr. Bhayani played a key role in organizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic address to the Indian American community at Madison Square Garden in 2014, a milestone in India-U.S. relations. He has also served as President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) New York chapter, and as Treasurer, Board Trustee, and Convention Chair of the 2017 AAPI National Convention.
With over 50 medical research papers published and presented, Dr. Bhayani has been featured in Marquis Who’s Who in America for his contributions to healthcare. He is a recipient of the Triologic Society Award in the U.S. and currently holds leadership roles across several top New York hospitals, heading departments in ENT and facial plastic surgery.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Bhayani has demonstrated a deep commitment to humanitarian efforts. He has served on the boards of more than 20 charitable organizations, including the Save Life Foundation and the Hindu Center New York. His work has supported key initiatives such as the Good Samaritan Law, road safety legislation, and India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Quoting Winston Churchill, who once said “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” former Executive Director of Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda, noted Dr. Bhayani has “made” many lives including extending the life of Gracie Mansion with his selfless service to the conservancy.
“It is so fitting that he received his honor there,” Binda told South Asian Herald.
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