Miami Beach, Florida Aug 18, 2000. The Association of Indians in America (AIA), the oldest Indian organization in the United States feted the First Miss Universe of the New Millenium Lara Dutta on Friday, August 18 at the residence of AIA National President Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal in Miami Beach, Florida at a gala event. More than 100 community and civic leaders were there to felicitate Miss Dutta.

Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 2000, was crowned on May 12, 2000 in Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite. Lara, formerly Miss India 2000, competed with 78 other women from around the world for the title of Miss Universe. Lara a young lady of 21 years represents a rare combination of physical attributes 35-25-37, intelligence and charm. Her simple demeanor mesmerized all the guests at the AIA Reception.

As a representative of the Miss Universe Organization, Lara Dutta is travelling the world on behalf of the organization's sponsors and official cause, AIDS/HIV Awareness. Lara will be particularly active in AmFar (Americans for AIDS Research), Hale House, a home for children born with HIV and drug addiction, Gods Love We Deliver, an organization that provides meals for home-bound AIDS patients and DISHES (Determined Involved Super-rolemodels Helping to End Suffering).

During her reign, Lara will also continue to work with the Harvard AIDS Institute through an ongoing partnership, by hosting forums and participating in events throughout the year. In early December she will participate in World AIDS Day at the United Nations. In addition, recently named UN Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Lara will work with Face to Face. This international campaign is focused on increasing global awareness of women's rights, especially access to reproductive health care and family planning services.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) has been very active since its inception in 1967 in promoting social causes beneficial to the Asian Indian Community and has helped the Community in becoming a part of the mainstream America. As a grassroots level organization, the AIA has provided a forum of common action for Indians and Indian Americans to form a bond of unity between their heritage and their commitment to America.

Ms. Lara Dutta flanked by Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National President of AIA and Mrs. Sudha Agrawal

For more information, contact Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal at the numbers/address given below.