New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. with honorees and co-sponsors at his South Asian Heritage celebration at Flushing Town Hall on Monday, June 23, 2008. Pictured from L to R are Paul Karukappillil, Rajendra Pradham MD; Leela Maret; Amarjit Singh MD; Sergeant Khamraj Singh; Dr. Tara Niraula; Comptroller Thompson; Mohammed Razvi; and Syed M. Ullah. Photo credit: Archer Hutchinson View slideshow

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. hosted his seventh annual South Asian Heritage Celebration on Monday June 23, 2008. The celebration was co-sponsored by the American-Nepal Friendship Society, the Jackson Heights Merchants Association, the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America and the Asia Society.

“The growth and success of the South Asian community in New York reflects our City’s traditional role as a beacon for those seeking opportunity and freedom. That is why it is more important than ever that the next national administration – whether it be Democrat or Republican – enact progressive immigration reform that would help hard working immigrants to achieve legal status here after an extended period of work,” said Comptroller Thompson.

He continued, “This path to citizenship is not a threat to our Nation as some have suggested. Rather, it is in keeping with a tradition that has nurtured us and made us great. Throughout the City, the traditions and culture of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and beyond, are alive and well.”

Thompson presented the first award to Leela Maret, a scientist at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. “Since she immigrated to the United States in 1981, Leela Maret has completed numerous tasks in her efforts to help bring Indian-Americans into the mainstream,” Thompson said. “She serves the people of her church, profession, and community. It is my pleasure to recognize her for all of her efforts on behalf of Indian-Americans.”

The second award of the evening was presented to Rajendra P. Pradhan, a respected physician who has served New York City for 40 years, and one of the first Nepalese to arrive in America in 1968. “Mr. Pradham has dedicated his life to helping others both through his medical practice and teaching positions,” Thompson said. “In addition, he has been a strong advocate for the preservation of Nepali culture in New York and beyond. It is my pleasure to present him with our Distinguished Service Award.”

Dr. Almarjit Singh received the third award of the night. “Dr. Singh has accomplished much since coming to the United States in 1967. He has moved up the medical ladder and has worked to devote himself to the care of those who suffer from Kidney Disease,” said Thompson. “In addition, he was instrumental in raising funds to purchase a place of worship for the members of the Sikh faith in Richmond Hill. It is an honor to recognize him tonight for his accomplishments, both professionally and as a community leader.”

Khamraj Singh, President and Co-Founder of the Desi Society of the New York City Police Department, received the next award. The Desi Society is the nation’s first fraternal police organization comprised solely of officers of South Asian descent. “Mr. Sing has a storied career in the NYPD. He is responsible for more than 400 arrests and has been recognized by the Department for his work in reducing crime,” said Thompson. “It is for his selfless dedication to the public and his efforts to help promote the work of South Asian police officers that I present him with this award.”

The next award was presented to journalist Syed M. Ullah. During his career in journalism, Mr. Ullah has covered topics such as Heads of State and American-Bangladeshi issues for various publications including the British AP and his own newspaper, Probashi. “In addition to his accomplishments as a journalist, Mr. Ullah is being recognized for is encouragement of the Bangladeshi Community to engage and become involved in mainstream social and political life in America,” said Thompson. “For all he has done, as a writer and citizen, it is my honor to present him with this award.”

The final award was presented to Mohammed Razvi. Razvi was an aspiring real-estate mogul, who like many others was profoundly affected by the attacks of 9/11. Recognizing the economic impacts on his working class Muslim Community, Mr. Razvi began helping his neighbors along Coney Island Avenue by advocating on their behalf and offering assistance in many forms. “Mr. Ravzi saw the potential to help others and sold his businesses to establish an organization that was dedicated to assist members of the South Asian Community,” Thompson said. “The Council of Peoples Organization grew out of the store front of a fabric store and became the fabric that held the community together during our country’s darkest hour. For all he has done to better assist the South Asian Community, I am honored to present him with this award.”

“All in all, the culture and traditions of South Asia are thriving throughout our city…and every year, New Yorkers of South Asian heritage are making history by breaking down stereotypes and making their dreams come true. South Asian individuals in every profession and in every industry are reaching new heights of achievement and making vitally important contributions to the life of our city,” said Comptroller Thompson.

Entertainment at the event was provided by the Dance Theater of Nepal.

For photographs, contact Marla Maritzer a (212) 669-2597 or mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov

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