The South Asian American Women’s Alliance celebrated its fourth gala, Colors of Life, on June 7 at the Swan Club in Roslyn. With the objective of inspiring South Asian American women to become the leaders of tomorrow, every year it awards outstanding high school and college girls and recognizes the success of exceptional women.
“The awards are intended to spotlight and recognize outstanding girl students and women leaders who have excelled in their business and professional lives, while giving back to community,” Dr. Anila Midha, president and founding member of SAAWA said.
Awards were given to Mineola High School Monika Dharia and Ward Melville High School’s senior Niyati Desai, who won the STEM award, while Tosha Patel, a Farmingdale High School senior and Jericho High School student Uma Kanth nabbed the SAAWA Science Award.
Sanskriti Bimal, a junior at Mineola High School, won the SAAWA Journalism Award and Cathedral High School junior Francisca Fernandes took home the SAAWA Leadership and Character Award while Aishwarya R. Madan, a student pursuing a master of arts at CUNY won the SAAWA Community Service award. Swati Madankumar, a ninth grader in Jericho High school, was named a SAAWA Rising star.
The students were given a scholarship and also a Certificate of Achievement from Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, a certificate of recognition, achievement and appreciation from Town Supervisor of North Hempstead Judi Bosworth, and a citation from Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages.
Seven distinguished women, who have excelled in their careers and have made outstanding contributions to the community, were also recognized and honored. The honorees included Raji Kuncham, president of Telugu Literary and Cultural Association, one of the oldest Indian organizations in the country.
Gitanjli Anand and Zubeida Lunat, community leaders, Pandita Tripti Mukherjee, an illustrious Indian classical vocalist with global performance credits and discography, Dr. Isha Mehta MD, Chief of Gynecology at Elmhurst Hospital and Prabha Golia, well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist. The honorees were presented with citations. Dr. Ellen McGlade-McCulloh, science research teacher at Mineola High School, was awarded SAAWA Teacher of the Year.
The attendees, in addition to lunch, were also treated to colorful and appealing Bollywood dance performances. SAAWA, based in Long Island, seeks to encourage, promote leadership and innovation among South Asian American girls and women through education, mentoring,internship, networking and leadership conferences.
