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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Global Eye Magazine recognized 20 distinguished Asian Americans from across the United States during an event held May 19, 2026, at the United States Capitol in Washington DC.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of Global Eye Magazine, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, said the gathering reflected what “America’s excellence is all about,” while crediting Jonathan Jackson for envisioning the initiative. According to Dr. Prabhakar, Congressman Jackson believed Asian American voices deserved to be “celebrated, honored, and seen.”
Dr. Prabhakar noted that the recognition program began in 2023 when Congressman Jackson honored two individuals, including Dr. Prabhakar and another physician, during AAPI Heritage Month celebrations. The initiative later expanded to recognize 12 individuals in 2024, 15 in 2025, and 20 in 2026. “It’s because of Congressman Jackson’s vision that this celebration is taking place. It’s his brainchild and it’s his gift to the nation,” he said.
He also linked the Congressman’s vision to the legacy of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, noting that Reverend Jackson spent decades advocating for inclusion and equal representation. Dr. Prabhakar additionally acknowledged Danny Davis for elevating multiethnic communities beginning in 2010 and described the participation of Shri Thanedar as “very special.”
During his remarks, Dr. Prabhakar also expressed concern over ongoing redistricting efforts across the country, saying they raise a “scary thought” that there may be fewer lawmakers of color in Congress following future political boundary changes.
Congressman Jackson described the current moment in the nation as “turbulent times” and emphasized the importance of learning from history. He referenced abolitionist and civil rights advocate Frederick Douglass, noting his opposition to the Chinese Exclusion Act and support for minority communities. Jackson also highlighted the historic Supreme Court case involving Wong Kim Ark, whose 1898 legal battle established birthright citizenship protections in the United States.
“Wong Kim Ark is a name that we should know as we celebrate 250 years. Asian Americans have paid the price to be United States citizens, so I congratulate all of you,” Jackson said, while also noting that birthright citizenship is once again being debated before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Congressman Davis emphasized the importance of character and representation, saying such gatherings remain “meaningful” to him. Reflecting on the nation’s challenges, he praised lawmakers such as Jackson and Thanedar and encouraged attendees to remain engaged in preserving democratic values and inclusion.
“We cannot let those who are trying to make a mockery out of our country, trying to take us back to slavery, trying to take us back to where we don’t want to go, trying to take us back to where we will not go,” he emphasized congratulating all the awardees.
Congratulating the honorees, Suhas Subramanyam said many of the award recipients have made significant contributions to their communities and the country. “I know a few of them. I know how much impact they have on their communities and across the country,” he added.
Congressman Thanedar also praised the immigrant community for its impact across sectors including medicine, education, business, academia, and politics.
Kevin Morrison of Illinois spoke about the growing presence and influence of the AAPI community in his district and throughout Cook County. He noted that AAPI families continue to contribute to business, medicine, education, law, arts, and civic life, adding that the community has played an essential role in the nation’s growth and innovation.
Eighteen-year-old Renee Indrupati, a first-generation Asian American, delivered the response to the call to action. Sharing her personal experiences, she spoke about feeling isolated as one of the few Indian students in her high school and explained how she created a Bollywood dance group to help South Asian students feel “seen and welcomed.”
The event opened with a prayer by Pastor Robert Sathuri, while Kathirvel Kumararaja delivered the vote of thanks.
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