India Tribune Newsdesk

Chicago, IL: On a crisp fall evening, the Indian American Medical Association (IAMA) Illinois chapter transformed the chill in the air into an atmosphere of warmth, pride, and celebration at its 45th Annual Gala and Business Meeting. Hosted at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, the event radiated a spirit of unity and purpose, echoing the deep bonds that Indian American physicians share—between medicine and mentorship, between heritage and homeland, and between community service and personal passion. What unfolded was not merely a gathering, but a vibrant testament to a community that continues to heal, uplift, and inspire.

The evening opened with an infectious energy brought to life by the charismatic hosts, Ashok and Megha Doshi. Ashok encouraged guests to “relax and enjoy a fun-filled evening in the warm company of friends,” while Megha, proudly coining her “gift of gab,” playfully affirmed the importance of conversation. Citing studies linking social connection to better brain health, she asked the crowd, “Talking is an art, do you agree?” sparking laughter and nods throughout the hall. Their lively exchange marked the perfect segue into the musical expressions of identity and pride that followed.

Sixteen-year-old Ashi Sarai, a Hinsdale Central High School junior known for her passion for tennis and choral music, delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Her voice, clear and confident, filled the banquet hall with patriotic emotion. Moments later, the room was transported across the globe as Dr. Rohit Vasa—physician, marathoner, photographer, traveler, and dedicated IAMA leader—offered a heartfelt rendition of India’s national anthem. Together, these performances symbolized the dual heritage that thrives at the heart of the Indian American medical community.

The Master of Ceremonies, Jason Shah, son of outgoing IAMA President Dr. Dilip Shah, brought wit and heart to the stage. A tech entrepreneur and former CTO of Mediafly, Jason joked that being the only non-MD in his family led his father to wonder where he “went wrong.” Yet, his tribute to the physicians in the room was deeply personal. Recalling moments like assisting during an emergency when his father rushed to help a heart attack victim, he described doctors as “community connectors”—the people who turn confusion into clarity, fear into reassurance, and even the most mundane medical questions into opportunities for compassion. His words earned warm applause.

Business intermingled seamlessly with celebration as the program continued. In the absence of Dr. Suresh, who was away due to a family emergency, President-Elect Dr. Medavaram introduced the chief guest, Mr. Larry Herman, Village President of Oakbrook. Herman, an accomplished JD and CBA and head of an independent insurance brokerage, praised the remarkable concentration of medical professionals in Oakbrook, jokingly encouraging non-residents to consider relocating. Following in the footsteps of former Village President Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Herman spoke of Oakbrook’s appeal—from top-rated schools to thriving commerce—and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of IAMA families like the Shahs who strengthen the village’s rich cultural fabric.

The annual business meeting, led efficiently by IAMA Secretary Dr. Rajeev Kumar, formalized the chapter’s leadership for 2026. With nominations from Drs. Raj Arora, Amarjit Singh, and President Dilip Shah, and unanimous approval from members, the slate of incoming officers—Dr. Kumar as President-Elect, Dr. Neetha Dhananjaya as Secretary-Elect, and Dr. Vivek Mohan as Treasurer-Elect—was confirmed. Joining them on stage for a celebratory moment were incoming President Dr. Meher Medavaram, Treasurer Dr. Ram Saladi, and Young Physicians leader Dr. Divia Surabhi, symbolizing the chapter’s blend of continuity and innovation.

Outgoing President Dr. Dilip Shah reflected on a year rich with impact. He recounted community outreach initiatives including donations of warm blankets to the Salvation Army, free medical camps serving over 400 attendees with screenings, CPR training, and medications, and the IAMA CF fundraiser that raised over $180,000. He highlighted collaborations such as World Yoga Day with FIA and shared memories from a September group trip to Vietnam and Cambodia that forged lasting friendships. From the Golden Stethoscope Award encouraging research excellence among young physicians to the scenic Fall Walkathon and ongoing webinars, the year showcased IAMA’s commitment to service and education. Dr. Shah thanked his executive committee—especially Dr. Niranjana Shah, whom he lovingly called his “backbone”—and reflected humorously on age, wisdom, and leadership.

A special address by AAPI President Dr. Amit Chakrabharti elevated the evening with a national perspective. Calling IAMA Chicago a “beacon of community engagement, professional excellence, and cultural pride,” he outlined upcoming AAPI initiatives spanning wellness, global outreach, and cultural celebration, including international summits and a major convention coinciding with America’s 250th Independence anniversary.

The night featured well-deserved awards honoring leaders in medicine, service, and community empowerment. From the President’s Appreciation Award to Village President Laurence Herman to the Distinguished Physician Award for Dr. Piyush Vyas and leadership and community service recognitions, each honoree embodied IAMA’s mission of service above self.

As formalities eased into festivities, Annu Malhotra of Mindful Meditation Yoga and FIA commended IAMA’s role in achieving a record-breaking International Yoga Day. She then introduced the band led by vocalist Heat Fire, whose repertoire of classical, Sufi, fusion, and Bollywood-inspired melodies transformed the hall into a vibrant celebration of culture and connection.

Dinner, conversation, music, and laughter carried the evening to a joyous close. The gala served not merely as a celebration of accomplishments, but as a reminder of the powerful bridges that this community continues to build—between cultures, generations, and aspirations. As Suresh Bodiwala, founder of Asian Media USA, beautifully put it, these physicians are more than healers; they are bridge-builders shaping unity, pride, and hope across the diaspora and beyond.