By HARSHI SYAL GILL
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Association of Los Angeles Physicians of Indian Origin (ALAPIO) held its first charity fundraiser at the Westin Hotel here on Mar 18. An evening of glamour and glitz, assembled by ALAPIO members Dr. Bharat Patel, Dr. Parvin Syal, Dr. Swaraj Bose and others, was attended by about 600 people.
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Association of Los Angeles Physicians of Indian Origin (ALAPIO) held its first charity fundraiser at the Westin Hotel here on Mar 18. An evening of glamour and glitz, assembled by ALAPIO members Dr. Bharat Patel, Dr. Parvin Syal, Dr. Swaraj Bose and others, was attended by about 600 people.
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Apart from physicians, prominent members of the business community and industrialists of SoCal were also in attendance. Prior to the main event, a red carpet, provided photo-ops for guests, along with an open bar and delectable appetizers and later, a sumptuous dinner spread. The program was kick started by Nauzad Sadry, with an introduction to Dr. Patel, who spearheads the organization. He elaborated on the mission of ALAPIO “to help the less fortunate have access to healthcare at no cost,” setting the theme of the evening ‘The Art of Giving’ – a theme which was reiterated as various appeals were made for donations and volunteer services. Dr. Patel passionately requested guests to “resolve that no one should be denied access to healthcare because of their financials,social status or their country of origin or their status. “ He said,” We all came from a far away land and became successful because of opportunities provided by the US. It is our duty to give our gratitude and resources back to the community . We all want to be more successful but should not forget to carry with us those who are less fortunate.” He quoted Swami Vivekanad that” Huge wealth is a mass of evil unless it is used to help others”
Since its inception in June, 2013, ALAPIO has been rapidly becoming a recognizable entity in Southern California. As one guest, Dr.Anil Shah put it, the activities of ALAPIO are “a great way to give back to the community.” They have previously brought entertainers such as Shreya Ghoshal and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, along with ‘Kishan vs. Kanhaiya’ and ‘Mera Wo Matlab Nahi Tha’ – two plays showcasing the talent of Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher respectively.
Fulfilling the motto of “health and well-being of all,” funds raised from these events have been utilized to provide free medical services and surgeries at the Beverly Surgery Center and Downey Clinic, both made available through the auspices of Dr. Patel, who was also the convenor of the gala event. Membership of the organization is open to South Asian physicians and allied practitioners of related professions in the Southern California region. In addition to their philanthropic and volunteer services, they also hold bi-monthly CMEs for accreditation.
A short video outlined the goals of the organization through the voices of various members. Dr. Syal, whom Dr. Patel referred to as “One of the pillars of the organization,” recited his poem entitled “The Art of Giving”. Dr. Syal was also the creative force behind the production of the souvenir issue. Inspirational speeches were made by Dr. Nitin Shah and Dr. Anil Shah. Dr. Nitin Shah, quoted a Chinese proverb to encourage people to give in order to find happiness – “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, go help someone else.” Dr. Anil Shah emphasized the importance of assuming a sense of personal responsibility “to constantly build and strengthen this land” and to “fortify our community” to get respect and acceptance in this country.
From dance to music, from classical to contemporary, from comedy to art - the event included it all. Nauzad Sadry, as emcee and stage manager, carried the show with an easy charm as he introduced the artistes, who came from all parts of the globe.
A troupe choreographed by Smita Vasant modeled and showcased the jewelry of Craig and Shelly. A live auction of paintings and other collectors’ items was conducted by Basil Collier and Jeffrey from KB Auction, while a silent auction of multiple items continued throughout the evening. Another highlight of the evening was the comedy of popular stand-up comic Rajiv Satyal, whose humor and jokes resonated easily with the crowd and were received with gusto. The evening culminated with the scintillating voice of Nauzad Sadry, which energized the audience to whirl their feet ALAPIO was able to raise funds in the amount of six figures to carry on its activities and to expand the free clinic and free surgery program.
Since its inception in June, 2013, ALAPIO has been rapidly becoming a recognizable entity in Southern California. As one guest, Dr.Anil Shah put it, the activities of ALAPIO are “a great way to give back to the community.” They have previously brought entertainers such as Shreya Ghoshal and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, along with ‘Kishan vs. Kanhaiya’ and ‘Mera Wo Matlab Nahi Tha’ – two plays showcasing the talent of Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher respectively.
Fulfilling the motto of “health and well-being of all,” funds raised from these events have been utilized to provide free medical services and surgeries at the Beverly Surgery Center and Downey Clinic, both made available through the auspices of Dr. Patel, who was also the convenor of the gala event. Membership of the organization is open to South Asian physicians and allied practitioners of related professions in the Southern California region. In addition to their philanthropic and volunteer services, they also hold bi-monthly CMEs for accreditation.
A short video outlined the goals of the organization through the voices of various members. Dr. Syal, whom Dr. Patel referred to as “One of the pillars of the organization,” recited his poem entitled “The Art of Giving”. Dr. Syal was also the creative force behind the production of the souvenir issue. Inspirational speeches were made by Dr. Nitin Shah and Dr. Anil Shah. Dr. Nitin Shah, quoted a Chinese proverb to encourage people to give in order to find happiness – “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, go help someone else.” Dr. Anil Shah emphasized the importance of assuming a sense of personal responsibility “to constantly build and strengthen this land” and to “fortify our community” to get respect and acceptance in this country.
From dance to music, from classical to contemporary, from comedy to art - the event included it all. Nauzad Sadry, as emcee and stage manager, carried the show with an easy charm as he introduced the artistes, who came from all parts of the globe.
A troupe choreographed by Smita Vasant modeled and showcased the jewelry of Craig and Shelly. A live auction of paintings and other collectors’ items was conducted by Basil Collier and Jeffrey from KB Auction, while a silent auction of multiple items continued throughout the evening. Another highlight of the evening was the comedy of popular stand-up comic Rajiv Satyal, whose humor and jokes resonated easily with the crowd and were received with gusto. The evening culminated with the scintillating voice of Nauzad Sadry, which energized the audience to whirl their feet ALAPIO was able to raise funds in the amount of six figures to carry on its activities and to expand the free clinic and free surgery program.
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