On March 25 witnessed another chapter in the history of the Association of Indians in America – New York Chapter (AIA-NY) when it strengthened educational ties with the Queensborough Community College (QCC) through scholarships and cultural exchanges.
AIA National Past President Dr Urmilesh Arya and Dr Yashpal Arya gifted $10,000 for ten scholarships of $1,000 each to students from low-income families enrolled in certificate and associate degree programs at QCC. This University is one of the top-ranked community colleges in the CUNY system and has its campus in Bayside, NY, a press release from AIA-NY said.
The Aryas presented the scholarship check to QCC President Dr Christine Mangino thanking her and her team for the growing partnership with AIA-NY. They were joined at the ceremony by AIA-NY President Beena Kothari, Past President Dr. Jagdish Gupta, and community leaders including Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo, chairman of the Indo American Arts Council.
This collaboration with QCC started last year with the establishment of the Student Success Scholarship Fund, initiated with the support of AIA-NY leadership, the Arya Family Foundation and Dr Jagdish Gupta. Since then, 31 QCC students have been supported with scholarships during Holi and Deepavali celebrations at the campus. “It reflects AIA-NY’s ongoing dedication to educational empowerment and community upliftment,” the organization said.
Over the past year, AIA-NY and QCC have celebrated several important cultural events together, including Holi – Festival of Colors, and Deepavali – the Festival of Lights. These events brought together students, faculty, families, and community leaders in joyful celebrations featuring music, dance, and the arts.
On March 25 this year, 75 students of Indian origin exuberantly celebrated Holi with gulal.
They were joined by 50 prominent members of the Indian community invited by AIA-NY, including AIA National President Nilima Madan, Past President Gobind Munjal, Dr. Raj Modi, Harsh Vyas, Anita Thakkar, newspaper editors Sunil Hali and Jasbir Jay Singh.
“This collaboration with QCC marks a significant milestone in AIA-NY’s mission to strengthen educational access while preserving and celebrating Indian heritage through meaningful community engagement,” organizers said.
Founded in 1967, the AIA-NY chapter is one of the oldest Indian-American community organizations in the United States. It’s mission is to promote cultural heritage, education, and community service through programs, scholarships, and events. The annual Deepavali festival in the first week of October is its flagship event.
