Introducing Robert Thurman, Mr. Rajiv Malhotra, Director of Princeton's Infinity Foundation for the promotion of Indic knowledge, pointed out his accomplishments as a scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, as an interpreter of Buddhist wisdom in the modern world, and his activism in the cause ofTibetan culture. Professor Thurman, in his scintillating Keynote Address, contrasted the West's aggressive approach of taming nature with India's stress on transforming the self through the development of the 'inner sciences' - yoga, philosophy, and spirituality. Speaking with great energy, conviction, and humor, Thurman gently chided Indians for forgetting that their greatest export to the world is the Buddha and urged everyone to remember India's central message that happiness does not come from material gains but from inner contentment.

The evening also featured an award that took the recipient by surprise: AIA's Special Recognition Award, which was presented to Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo. Dr. Dominic Gio, President and CEO ofWyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, presented Dr. Mattoo. He noted Mattoo's passionate love of India and Indology and sustained service as a leader and champion of the Indian community in the U.S., of India Studies, and Kashmir. Dr. Mattoo remarked that he had been guided by his father's precept of simply doing the right thing, regardless of rewards or consequences.

Opening the evening. Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National President of the AIA, whose motif is "Indian heritage and American commitment," highlighted the new initiatives launched by the oldest organization of Indians in America, to address the needs of the rapidly growing, maturing, and diversifying Indian American community. These include, enhancing political participation, promoting India studies, combating Media bias and issues of glass ceiling.

The $200 a plate Black Tie gala held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York on June 16th was attended by about 400 people, including prominent Indians and Americans from all walks of life and was ably emceed by Dr. Chitti Moorthy of Westchester. An elegant brochure, designed by Mr. Avinash Malhotra, marked the occasion. Singing of the National Anthems under the direction of Dr. Aruna Sharma was a highlight in itself. Many in the audience remarked on the style, efficiency, and intellectually stimulating character of the event. Responding to this observation. Dr. Narinder Kukar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AIA, attributed the success to advance planning, genuine teamwork, and of course, the outstanding caliber of the honorees.

The event was sponsored by, among others, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Mattoo and Bhat Medical Associates, Brooklyn Hospital, HSBC, the Infinity Foundation and Vision Financial Services. Sincere word of thanks to our sponsors.

New York Chapter Establishes $100,000 Youth Development Fund.
This year, the New York Chapter established a fund of $100,000 for youth development. This was the result of Chapter President (1999-2000) Shashi Shah and his team's efforts and commitment. Thanks to all those who supported this cause.

Florida Chapter Awards $11,500 in Scholarship funds.
South Florida Chapter has been providing Scholarships to deserving students on a regular basis. $11,500 were awarded in 2001.

AIA NJ YOUTH AWARDS:
The New Jersey Chapter of The Association of Indians In America recognized twenty-seven outstanding high school seniors in New Jersey at its fourth annual award ceremony held at the Third World Auditorium, Princeton University on May 5, 2001.

Dr. Bharati Palkhiwala, President of AIA, welcomed the students and the guests outlining the goals of the association and its activities.

The keynote speech was delivered by honorable Bawa Jain, Secretary General, Millennium World Peace Summit. Dr. Mahendra Jani, Chairman, Dept Of Mathematics, William Paterson University and founder of Vivekananda Vidyapith and Sharon Mcgreevy, teacher and sister of Jim Mcgreevy, Mayor of Edison, and Dr. Narendra Kukar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of AIA also spoke. Mr. Upendra Chivukula, former mayor of Franklin Township was also present.

Mala Ganapathy, Chairperson of Award committee introduced the following winners of the awards:

Mansi D. Amin, Rockaway; Harveen K. Bal, Bloomfield; Arvin Bahl, Edison; Krupal P. Bhatt, Paramus; Arjyo N.Chakravarti, Secaucus; Usma R. Dedhiya, Westfield; Aditya A. Dighe, Woodbridge; Jeremy F. Raju Eberhardt, Pemberton; Tajrina Hai, Marlboro; Pooja N. Jain, Princeton Jn; Dipa Kapadia, Iselin; Mahim Kapoor, Freehold; Ritika Mahajan, Bellemead; Bharadwaj S. Mannepalli, Parlin; Neil Mittal, Seabrook; Gopal A. Patel, N. Bergen; Shanon T. Peter, Dover; Chandni Sharma, Martinsville; Srivani Sridhar, Edison; Asish P. Thaker, Jersey City; Monique S. Tanna, dark; Neelesh V. Tiruviluamila, Caldwell; Natesh Vaidyanathan, Westville; Amit A.Vazirani, Bridgewater; Kateki U.Vinod, Morristown; Reeha Sinha, Monroe; Vivek Kumar, Cherry Hill.

Five of the twenty-seven received special recognition and cash awards of $250 each. They are Arjyo N. Chakravarthy, Aditya N. Dighe, Shanon T. Peter, Chandni Sharma, and Kateki U. Vinod. La Tanya Brooks, Egg Harbor Township High school received a special award for non-Indian student for her essay on the impact of Indian culture on her life.

Kamal Agrawal, a young business consultant in his motivating speech gave practical advice to the awardees about the importance of having a balance in their daily life. The event concluded with a dance performance by Chandani Modi.

Congratulation Upendra Chivukula: NJ State Assembly
Mr. Upendra Chivukula, former Mayor of Franklin Township and Councilman in a June 26 election won the Primary. Now, he is an Official Democratic Party candidate for NJ State Assembly from the 17th. District. He needs all the support we can offer him to win the election in November 2001. We talk a lot about the political clout; here is a chance for us to support Upendra and create the clout.