American Punjabi Society Hosts Grand Annual Gala Celebrating Culture, Service & Leadership

HICKSVILLE, NY — December 16, 2025:
The American Punjabi Society (APS) hosted its spectacular Annual Gala at the Pearl Banquet Hall, bringing together dignitaries, business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community members for an evening celebrating Punjabi heritage, service, and unity.

Warm Welcome by APS Leadership
Vice President Ajay Vir S. Sondhi opened the program by welcoming guests and dignitaries. General Secretary VPS Sikka introduced APS President Gary S. Sikka, stating that his “dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to seva have taken APS to new heights.”

President Gary S. Sikka’s Opening Message
President Sikka began with gratitude to Waheguru Ji and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, reaffirming APS’s mission of seva, dignity, heritage, and unity. He noted that APS’s achievements—from humanitarian outreach to cultural programming—are made possible by “the collective strength of our community.”

Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal — Inspiring Remarks
Padma Bhushan Sant Singh Chatwal, a towering figure in global Indian diaspora leadership, delivered a powerful message. He highlighted his historic role in facilitating President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to India—the first by a sitting U.S. President in 22 years—and emphasized the importance of cultural organizations in strengthening community identity.

Praising APS, he said:
“APS is doing exemplary work in bringing our community together through seva, culture, youth empowerment, and humanitarian service.” He added: “Gary Sikka and his team have shown what true leadership looks like—humble, inclusive, and devoted to uplifting the entire community.” Mr. Chatwal urged the community to continue supporting APS and to pass Punjabi values of hard work, courage, compassion, and seva to future generations.

Punjabi Ratan Award Presented to Harry Singh Bolla
The highlight of the Gala was the conferring of APS’s highest honor—the Punjabi Ratan Award—to Harry Singh Bolla, Patron of APS and respected community leader. Mr. Bolla’s journey from humble beginnings to philanthropic and entrepreneurial success reflects the essence of Punjabi resilience and service. In his acceptance remarks, he shared:

“Whatever I have achieved is due to Waheguru’s blessings and the love of this community. I dedicate this honor to every hardworking Punjabi who keeps the spirit of seva alive.”The award presentation served as a proud celebration of Punjabi excellence and legacy.

Chief Guest Neeru Bajwa & Live Performance by Ms. Pooja
International Punjabi film icon Neeru Bajwa was greeted with a standing ovation. Her on-stage conversation offered heartfelt reflections on storytelling, culture, and her artistic journey. Punjabi music star Ms. Pooja delivered a high-energy live performance, electrifying the audience and transforming the evening into an unforgettable musical celebration.

APS 2024–2025 Community Impact Highlights
APS showcased several notable accomplishments:
* Gurdham Yatra 2024 with 135 pilgrims
* Blood Donation Drives & Cancer Awareness Walks
* Women’s Council Family Picnic
* Youth mentorship & digital outreach
* Vaisakhi celebrations in partnership with Nassau County

Women’s Council Remarks
Women’s Council Chair Navneet Sikka Sondhi highlighted women-led initiatives and announced upcoming humanitarian efforts:
* Winter Coat Drive
* Children’s Holiday Wish Drive
She encouraged the community to participate generously.

Dignitaries & Community Leaders in Attendance
The Gala was honored by a wide spectrum of leaders, including:
* Hon. Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive
* Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India
* Edward Cox, Chairman, NY State Republican Party
* Joseph Cairo Jr., Nassau County Republican Chair
* Hon. Elaine Phillips, Nassau County Comptroller
* Hon. Steven Rhodes, New York State Senator
* Hon. Anthony D’Esposito, Former U.S. Congressman
* Hon. Arthur Walsh, Chief Deputy County Executive
* Hon. Joseph Saladino, Supervisor, Town of Oyster Bay
* Hon. Jennifer DeSena, Supervisor, Town of North Hempstead
* Hon. Ed Smyth, Supervisor, Town of Huntington
* Hon. Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk, North Hempstead
* Chaudhry Akram, Senior Advisor to Nassau County Executive
* Own Naqvi, Executive Director, Office of Asian American Affairs
* Sheharyar Ali, Community Leader
* Bobby Kumar, Chairman, Human Rights Commission
Also present were presidents of Indian-American associations, business leaders, AAPI representatives, Sikh gurdwara and Hindu temple leadership, and members of key law-enforcement affinity groups (Sikh Officers Association, Indian Officers Society, and American Malayali Law Enforcement United).

Acknowledgements
President Sikka expressed gratitude to:
* Sr. Vice President Mohinder Singh Taneja
* Vice Presidents Paul Bindra, Ajay Vir Singh Sondhi, Ravinderpal Singh Narang, Jaspal Singh Arora
* General Secretary VPS Sikka
* Women’s Council Chair Navneet Sikka Sondhi
* Youth Director Janessa Sondhi
* Media & Public Relations Director Pradeep Tandon
* Advisory Board Chairman Naveen Shah
* APS Advisory Board & Volunteers

He gave special recognition to Mr. Sunil Hali for coordinating extensive media coverage with APS Media Director Pradeep Tandon.
President Sikka concluded:
“Tonight reflects who we are — a community rooted in seva, united by culture, and strengthened by shared purpose.”