LUCY PANDEY TAKES OVER AS NEW AIA PRESIDENT. ANNOUNCES AIA YOUTH FESTIVAL IN JUNE/JULY

By Jatinder Singh Bedi

CHICAGO - Ms Lucy Pandey is the new President of the AIA Chicago (Association of Indians In America). Chairman of the AIA Mr Salil Mishra made this announcement at AIA’s Executive meeting held at the Shikara Restaurant in Downers Grove. Ms Ruby Atwal will be the new Treasurer; and Ms Maliha Afreen the new Secretary.

Addressing the Executive, President Lucy Pandey said: “We are here to represent our culture.”

“As long as we can present ourselves in that perspective, AIA’s mission is met,” she added.

President Lucy Pandey emphasized that “[the] right direction is the only way for an organization to move forward; I will make AIA move forward with help of my team.”

Ms Lucy Pandey, President AIA

She said that under her tenure, year 2024 is going to be a hectic run for the AIA. Lucy Pandey informed that a series of engagements have been planned during the year. Organization’s hallmark event “AIA Youth Festival” has been slated for June/July, Lucy Pandey announced. Other events include Blood Donation Camp, Gandhi Jayanti Celebrations, and India I-Day Celebrations. She solicited more suggestions and ideas, if any, to be incorporated in the year’s programs.

AIA Trustee Mr Om Dhingra complimented Lucy Pandey on assuming the office of the AIA President. While describing her as a “goal oriented hardworking person” Mr Om Dhingra assured Lucy Pandey of all the assistance and participation.

Earlier AIA Chicago Chairman Mr Salil Mishra briefly introduced the organization to several guests at the meeting. He specifically highlighted AIA’s participative initiatives like US Immigration Policy Reforms, Indo-US Civil Nuclear Coop Bill, Induction of Diwali into White House Annual Schedule through Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s recommendation, etc. It be mentioned that AIA ranks amongst the oldest surviving Indian community organizations.

AIA’s National Chair Mr Santosh Pandey introduced Ms Ruby Atwal, Ms Maliha Afreen, and Mr Pritesh Patel. He also disclosed plans for a soon-to-be-announced family picnic at the Busse Woods. Mr Prem Malhotra, Mr Manoranjan Mishra, and Mr Nilab Dubey were among those who attended.