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12 CITY VIEWS July 11, 2025 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Dr. Amit Chakrabarty And Dr. Hetal Gor Officially Assume AAPI Leadership In Historic Oath Ceremony I n a historic first for the American As- sociation of Physicians of Indian Ori- gin (AAPI), Dr. Amit Chakrabarty and Dr. Hetal Gor were formally sworn in as President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (BOT), respectively, during a special ceremony held on July 3, 2025, at the AAPI office in Oak Brook, Illinois. The oath of office was administered by Dr. Suresh Reddy, a past President of AAPI and an elected Trustee of Oak Brook Township. The ceremony marks an important leadership transition for the organization, as both incoming lead- ers prepare to guide AAPI through a new chapter of growth and impact, according to a statement from AAPI. AAPI President, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, emphasized the significance of the occa- sion: “In accordance with AAPI Bylaws, the President-Elect and Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees officially assumed office on July 3. While the ceremonial Gavel Transfer will be held during the Annual Convention Gala on July 26, the formal Presidential & BOT Chair Handover Cer- emony was held on July 3. This ceremony marks a meaningful leadership transition for our organization.” Expressing his vision for the year ahead, Dr. Chakrabarty stated, “We have the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape of this country. My goal this year is to unify AAPI by transcending the regional divides that have hindered our progress in recent years. Indian American physicians repre- sent tremendous talent and potential, and the key to realizing that lies in collective action and a united voice, something I am committed to fostering.” Dr. Gor, a board-certified obstetrician- gynecologist, brings decades of leader- ship experience to her new role. She is the Founder and President of the Bergen Indian Medical Association, as well as the U.S. Chapter of the Federation of OBGYN Society of India (FOGSI). A past President of the American Association of OBGYN of Indian Origin, Dr. Gor also chairs the North New Jersey chapter of the Indian AmericanWomen Entrepreneurs Associa- tion and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ, where she promotes In- dian culture and heritage through the arts. During the ceremony, Dr. Meher Me- davaram was also sworn in as President- Elect of AAPI. A board-certified family medicine physician and Fellow of the Academy of American Family Physicians, Dr. Medavaram serves as Medical Director at Mount Sinai Hospital’s FAQHC Center. Highlighting the growing footprint of Indian American physicians, Dr. Meda- varam noted, “The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. We the physi- cians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, and our adopted land, the US.” Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, Dr. Kathula added, “Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. I trust and believe that the new Team under Dr. Amit Chakrabarty will continue the noble mission and strengthen our efforts to make AAPI reach greater heights.” The statement added that currently, AAPI members serve 1 in every 7 patients in the United States. Beyond their clini- cal contributions, many hold influential positions that shape healthcare policy, innovation, and delivery—both nationally and globally. -(Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald) By South Asian Herald PHOTOS:AAPI Swearing in ceremony of Drs. Amit Chakrabarty and Hetal Gor, by Dr. Suresh Reddy, in Oak Brook, Illinois, July 3, 2025 to head AAPI. Members of AAPI pose for a photo at the swearing in of new leadership of the organization, July 3, 2025, in Oak Brook, Ill. 17th Patotsav Celebration At Shreeji Dwar Haveli Draws Hundreds In Chicago T he Shreeji Dwar Haveli in Ad- dison, Illinois, marked its 17th Patotsav (temple anniversary celebration) June 22, 2025, with grandeur, devotion, and strong com- munity participation. The celebration brought together hundreds of Vaishnavs from across the greater Chicago area and beyond, reaffirming the temple’s role as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for the community. The event was led by Acharya Go- swami 108 Shree Madhusudan Lalji Mahoday, affectionately known as Shree Tilak Bawa, who was specially invited from Ahmedabad, India, in Yugal Swaroop(divine couple form). The invita- tion was extended by Dr. Umangbhai Patel, Chairman of Shreeji Dwar Haveli, on behalf of the community. The day began with a grand Shob- hayatra, a sacred procession through the temple grounds featuring devotional singing, traditional dance, and drumbeats that set a spiritually uplifting tone for the day. Devotees joyfully accompanied the image of Shreeji, expressing devotion and reverence throughout the procession. Festivities included a Flower Mandal Manorath (ceremonial floral offering), Tilak ceremony, and Rajbhog Aarti per- formed by Shree Tilak Bawa. The temple courtyard came alive with Raas-Garba, where devotees of all ages joined in traditional dance, creating a colorful and joyous atmosphere. A central highlight was Shree Tilak Bawa’s Vachanamrut, a spiritual discourse By Prachi Jaitly, Special to Desi Talk PHOTOS:CourtesyPrachi Jaitly Scenes from the 17th Patotsav celebrations held June 22, 2025, in Chicagoland, which attracted hundreds of Vaishnav devotees. - Continued On Page 14