The 4th Annual Indiana-India Gala is fast emerging as a nationally recognized and internationally known Asian Indian-Hoosier event; it Is a signature celebration of the Indiana India Business Council (IIBC) which is a nonprofit organization established in 2016 by a very dedicated and visionary leader Dr. Raju Chinthala who is also the Founder and President of IIBC.
Its mission is to strengthen ties between Indiana and India as a business advocacy group by bringing together diverse leadership, engaging stakeholders, and exploring issues that benefit communities, businesses, and government entities.
IIBC serves as a direct liaison between government and business leaders that contributes to strengthening Indiana - India relations by generating economic and social growth.
The major functions of IIBC are to collaborate with companies founded in India that aim to operate in Indiana, Indiana-based companies that want to expand in India, and businesses owned by Indian Americans living in Indiana.
IIBC honored two outstanding leaders this year namely, Mr.James A. Schellinger, former Indiana Commerce Secretary and current Ambassador of Global Relations at Butler University, and Sudhakar Gande, Founder and Chairman, U.S. India SME’s Council & Chairman, FICCI Committee on Aerospace and Defense.
Both are dedicated to the advancement of IIBC. They were presented with the “INDIANA RATAN” (Jewel of Indiana) Award.
The ‘Presidential Life Time Achievement Awards were presented by US India SME’s Council Chairman Sudha and President & CEO, Elisha B. Pulivarti to 11 distinguished leaders and entrepreneurs: Sumeeta Bhatia, Raju Chinthala, Ramu Chinthala, Bharath Gali, Javed Khan, Ajay Sarin, Bharat Patel, Sravan Pathania, Dr. Ajay Ponugoti, K.P. Singh & Rupal Thanawala for their multifaceted contribution and service to Indiana and our Nation.
It was a wonderful celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. Around 325 dignitaries were present, naming a few of them as follows - Senator Todd Young.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett; Indiana Attorney General, Todd Rokita; Consul General of India, Amit Kumar; U.S. India SME’s Council Chairman; Mayor of Columbus Indiana.
Bobbi Bosch of Christel House International; Danish Punjabi-Hoosier singer, dancer & Global Music Award Winner, Anita Lerche & several businesses, organizations, and community groups.
This event became more special with the 75th celebrations of India’s Independence Day (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav)