Who’s Who in Asian American Communities
Indian-Americans honored at Inaugural Gala Event
Who's Who in Asian American Communities held their Inaugural Gala on April 29th at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. Among the 67 distinguished members of the Asian American communities who were honored, 13 were Indian-Americans. The honorees were from varied backgrounds such as corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, respected individuals in medicine and academia and renowned artists.
"Asian Americans have long been overlooked for their achievements in their diverse professions. I think the time is overdue to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments," said Sachi Koto, Chair of Who's Who in Asian American Communities (WWAAC) in Georgia and President of Sachi Koto Communications, Inc. Sachi Koto established the WWAAC Committee with the purpose of recognizing the accomplishments of Asian Americans, publicizing their achievements, and promoting the Asian American community to mainstream America.
John Jung, author of "Southern Fried Rice", was the keynote speaker at the gala. Jung said, "We must recognize that successful though we may be, we did not do it alone. We stood on the shoulders of our parents and families; a strength of our Asian culture." Guests were treated to a special musical performance by Takana Miyamoto, celebrated pianist, organist and composer, and Junko Takeo, one of the most talented Koto players in the world whose concerts are frequently attended by the Japanese royal family.
The Indian-Americans honored were Mr. Ranjan Dattagupta, Director of IBM Corp., Mr. Ritesh Desai, VP of Eshco International Inc., Mr. Sandeep Gauba, President of Metasys Technology Inc., Mr.Vir Nanda, Chairman and CEO of SureServ Inc., Dr. Kabayam Venkat Narayan, Chief of Diabetes Epidemiolgy and Statistics at CDC, Mr. Mike Patel, CEO of Diplomat Companies, Dr. Mukesh Patel, Physician at Emory Eastside Medical Center, Mr. Subash Razdan, Chairman of The Gandhi Foundation of USA, Mr. Sthanunathan Srinivasan, VP of Knowledge and Insights at The Coca Cola Company, Mr. Ash Thakker, CEO of Global Technology Connections Inc., Mr. Sanjeev Tirath, Cofounder and CEO of Pyramid Consulting Inc., and Dr. George Vargis and Dr. Salli Vargis, Assistant Professors at Georgia Perimeter College.
Verizon Wireless sponsored the WWAAC awards ceremony. Saxbys International Coffee, UPS, Haven Trust Bank, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Ajani Investments, BellSouth Corporation, the Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power Company, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Summit National Bank, and Wachovia Wealth Management were some of the major sponsors of the event.
"The efforts of Sachi Koto with WWAAC have been historic. For the first time in Georgia history, the accomplishments of Asian American residents have been showcased. The event has inspired those in pursuit of the American Dream." said Rudy Pamintuan, Chairman of George W. Bush's Advisory Commission while addressing those who had gathered at the Omni Hotel.
The WWAAC Committee is actively soliciting and encouraging the nomination of exemplary Asian Americans.���More information can be found at www.wwaac.net
-- Liane Tsai
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