Indian-Americans elect new president, executive team of tri-state Federation of Indian Associations

- ADVERTISEMENT -

At the annual general body meeting of the Federation of Indian Associations (Tri-State) held Dec. 17, at TV Asia Auditorium, in Edison, NJ, the new president and executive team for 2020, was elected.

Alok Kumar, 2019 president of FIA-nynjct, welcomed the President-elect Anil Bansal who will take oath in the upcoming Republic day festivities, Dance Pe Chance, scheduled for Jan. 25, 2020. The colorful event is a cultural dance competition held annually for the past 36 years that provides a platform for the new generation of Americans of Indian origin to showcase their cultural talent.  The event has seen approx. 18,000 children participating over the 3 decades and counting; This year there will be a bigger venue,  the War Memorial Theater in Trenton NJ.

At the general body meeting, Kumar, along with his executive committee, commended the support he was bestowed by the committee, sponsors, and supporters to make 2019 a remarkable year for FIA, a press release from organizers said.

In his speech, Kumar dwelt on the 28-community focused programs held during his tenure, and their impact on him and the community.  He also thanked the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America, BJANA, for the support it extended during 2019.

FIA’s Election Committee comprising of Election Chair Jayesh Patel along with Trustees Dipak Patel and Yash Paul Soi, took turns announcing the election results: President – Anil Bansal; Executive Vice President -Himanshu Bhatia; Vice President-Saurin Parikh; General Secretary – Praveen Bansal; Joint Secretary – Mardavi Patel; Treasurer -Amit Ringasia. Immediate Past President Alok Kumar will continue to be part of the executive team.

Bansal, a founder and executive chairman of Indus American Bank, “is an active and distinguished community leader” the press release said. He has contributed to good works through his Bansal Charitable Foundation which provides financial support to numerous non-profits in the United States. He is a successful entrepreneur with real estate holdings across the USA.  Bansal also holds a significant portfolio of investments in the IT industry including having had investments in the F&B and hospitality industry.

A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Bansal is married to Kumud and the couple has two married and well-settled children.

In his speech, Bansal expressed his gratitude and assured those presetn that FIA would establish new milestones in 2020, including a number of festivities, as well continue the active role of service to the diaspora.

Ramesh Patel, chairman of the board of trustees of FIA, congratulated the 2019 FIA team for the successful India Day parade and praised the organization’s social activities. He welcomed the incoming 2020 committee wishing it well for the coming year.