New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored five New Yorkers at his annual South Asian Heritage event. The event was co-sponored by the American-Nepal Friendship Society, the Jackson Heights Merchants Association and the Sikh-American Friendship Foundation.

“South Asia captured the public’s imagination this past year in an unprecedented way with the success of Best Picture Oscar-winner Slumdog Millionaire” Thompson said. “In the increasingly global consumer market, the film’s reception was both a source of pride for South Asians and an opportunity for Americans and others to gain a better understanding of the complexity of life in the quickly changing South Asian subcontinent.”
He added, “New York City is a beacon for those seeking opportunity and freedom. Throughout the city, the traditions and culture of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and beyond are alive and well. There is much to celebrate this evening, for South Asian Americans are settling in New York and succeeding here as never before.”

Thompson presented the first of five awards to Mohammad Farasat Chaudhry the General Manager of the New York Check Cashing Corporation, Director of the Pakistan League of America, the Vice President of the People’s Party USA and Treasurer of the Islamic Center of Brooklyn.

“A very well-known community leader, Mr.Chaudhry has been very active in efforts to unify and further advance his local community, and plays an active role in many local organizations there,” Thompson said. “Demonstrating a passionate commitment to service, he also currently serves as a Director of the Pakistan League of America”
The second award was presented to Dr. Kirti Gandhi the Engineering Executive founder of Gandhi Engineering.

“Working with more than 30 public agencies, Dr. Gandhi and his company have laid a foundation for the continued good physical health of our city,” Thompson said.
Thompson presented the third award to Mohan B. Gyawali, entrepreneur and owner of “Everest Nails” in Ridgewood, Queens.

“Mr. Gyawali is an educator and community development worker by profession, but his life’s work is community building, specifically, the creation of a vibrant, engaged community of Nepalese residents and businesses in his beloved Ridgewood,” Thompson said. “Under Mohan Gyawali’s leadership, the Ridgewood Nepalese Society has established itself as a shining example of community organizing.”

The next award was presented to Arvind Kaur Kholi a Clinical Psychologist, board member and Chair of the Membership Committee of the Community Advisory Board of the Queens Hospital Center and Overseer of operations at the Community Educare Center.

 “She has enjoyed a distinguished 18-year career, dedicating herself to working with the under-privileged,” Thompson said. “Overseeing the operations of a Community Educare Center, she uses education on different levels as a medium for empowering women and children.”

The final award was presented to journalist Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Editor of the weekly Bangla Patrika andfounder and President of the New York Bangladesh Press club.

“He started his career in journalism in 1973. Within two years, he’d become the editor in charge of the oldest Bengali weekly Jugabhery,” Thompson said. “Arriving in the United States in September 1989, Rahman has served as Editor of Bangla Patrika since 1996, and is the founder and President of New York Bangladesh Press Club.”

The Dance School of the Hindu Temple Society of North America performed at the event.

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