New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. last night honored six city leaders at his South Asian Heritage celebration on Tuesday, June 28, 2005. The event was co-sponsored by the Asia Society.

Addressing more than 150 people gathered at the New York State Supreme Courthouse, Comptroller Thompson applauded the South Asian community for mobilizing in response to the December 26 th tsunami that killed at least 176,000 and left more than 50,000 missing.

“In the aftermath of the tsunami, the people of our city came together in sympathy and support,” Thompson said. “Leaders in the South Asian community mobilized, helping families there and here address the crisis. Countless other New Yorkers sent help in the form of donations of food, clothing, supplies, and monetary support.”

“Today, we know that the need for help is still great, and that we have a responsibility to do everything we can to support rebuilding in the region. We need to keep our sense of unity, as a city and as a world community, as that effort moves forward. Tonight, we are celebrating this sense of community, and the strength, the spirit, and the many accomplishments of New Yorkers of South Asian descent. ”

Thompson noted that the honorees have excelled in a wide range of professional and civic pursuits.

“They are diplomats, business leaders, educators, and community leaders,” Thompson said. “They have a few things in common: They are all dedicated New Yorkers, and they have all made extraordinary contributions to our city.”

The Comptroller presented the International Service Award to Ambassador Iftekhar Ahmed Chodhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations. Appointed in November 2001, he previously represented Bangladesh in Geneva . He has served as Vice-President of the 59 th United Nations General Assembly, and chairman of several entities, including the U. N. Economic Committee and the Commission for Social Development.

“Over the course of his distinguished career, Ambassador Chodhury has shown tremendous leadership in the global effort to strengthen communities, cities, and nations,” Thompson said. “In recognition of his outstanding service and leadership, it is my pleasure to present this award to Ambassador Iftekhar Ahmed Chodhury.”

The second honoree was community leader Bhupinder Singh Boparai. Since 2004, Mr. Boparai has served as President of the Sikh Cultural Society, the oldest and largest Sikh temple in New York . The temple, which serves the estimated 35,000 Sikhs who live in Queens as well as the wider community, provides a wide range of services, including educational programs, charity services, and sports and cultural activities.

“Mr. Boparai came to America in 1986, and since then, has dedicated himself to serving the needs of families and individuals, and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to building bridges of cultural understanding among the people of our city,” Thompson said.

The next honoree was Vijay K. Gupta, a community leader. He currently serves as Chairman of the Federation of Indian Associations of the Tri-State area. In that capacity, Mr. Gupta helps many community-based organizations provide much-needed services in communities throughout the region. He has also been a member of the Immigration Advisory Committee of the Comptroller's Office for 13 years, and is active in local school matters.

“Mr. Gupta has achieved great heights professionally, and been a strong champion of the Indian-American community,” Thompson said.

The fourth honoree was accomplished scientist Dr. Varuni Kulasekera. Dr. Kulasekera is recognized as an expert on the “lower flies,” the group of insects in which mosquitoes are categorized. In that capacity, Dr. Kulasekera was a key member of the New York City Department of Health team that was working to study and contain the spread of West Nile Virus between 2000 and 2003. Dr. Kulasekera is currently a research associate in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History, where she is continuing her research on the virus.

“ Dr. Kulasekera has served on the front line of helping our city combat a serious threat to public health, and helped further the scientific understanding of the West Nile Virus,” Thompson said.

The next honoree was attorney and community leader Binod Roka. Since his arrival in the United States in 2003, Mr. Roka has been helping families and individuals in the Nepalese community. He also is involved in community organizations, serving as President of the Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal , and vice-president of the Nepal Center in New York . He also is a published poet, with several poems featured in a recent collection.

“Binod Roka has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering unity within the Nepalese community and to promoting cultural activities celebrating the customs and traditions of Nepal ,” Thompson said.

The final honoree was attorney Inayat Shaikh, a respected community leader. He has assisted people of all nationalities facing immigration issues, representing many individuals on a pro bono basis. Mr. Shaikh recently was appointed a judge in the Taxi and Limousine Commission court system. He also serves as Chairman of the Pakistan Federation of America, Chairman of the Constitution Committee of the Pakistan Day Parade, and is involved in several Muslim organizations citywide.

“Mr. Shaikh has achieved great heights professionally, and has made tremendous contributions to the quality of life in our city,” Thompson said.

Punjabi Folk Dance Bhangra performed at the event.

To receive photographs, contact Marla Maritzer at (212) 669-2597 or mmaritz@comptroller.nyc.gov .

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