East Meadow Resident Among Those Honored on India Republic Day

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino and the town board hosted Long Island’s only India Republic Day Commemoration on Tuesday.

This holiday marks the establishment of India as a republic and its liberation from British rule.

"The Town of Hempstead is happy to once again join with the Indian community in commemorating an historic occasion that recognizes India’s enduring commitment to democracy and freedom, the same values that Americans hold so dear," Murray said.

"Indian Americans are a vital part of the fabric of our nation, greatly enriching us with their gifts of art, culture, cuisine, intellect, values and abiding warmth," Santion added. "I am proud that we are able to host today’s ceremony here in an area to which so many Indians have immigrated."

For Hempstead Town’s Ninth Annual India Republic Day Ceremony, Murray and Santino presented Dr. Kishore Kuncham and Rizwan Qureshi, two premier Indian-Americans, with special awards in honor of all that they do for the community.

Dr. Kishore Kuncham, of North Bellmore, is the Superintendent of the Freeport School District. He has proven to be a strong and caring leader, visionary and a fierce advocate for children. Dr. Kuncham has had critical involvement in various educational initiatives such as the implementation and opening of the first magnet schools on Long Island, class size reduction and the design and opening of a brand new elementary school. Under his leadership, the school district’s bond rating soared from one of the lowest in the state to one of the highest, participation in college preparation testing has more than doubled and the graduation rate has increased to its highest in years.

Rizwan Qureshi, of East Meadow, is currently senior executive vice president of Habib American Bank, a multi-state bank with headquarters in New York. He oversees branch network operations and compliance, informational technology and human resources. Prior to working at Habib, Qureshi worked at Chase Manhattan Bank and was an adjunct professor at Hofstra University. He is a charter member of Long Island Import Export Association and is a member of various professional organizations, trade groups and community organizations.

Tejinder Singh Bindra, CEO of the Jeetish Group of Companies, served as keynote speaker for the historic event.

The ceremony, which was co-sponsored by the Indian American Forum, also offered many cultural features including a number of traditional Indian songs and dances. Akbar Restaurant provided Indian delicacies for attendees to enjoy after the ceremony.

"America is the home of choice for many who emigrate from India, and Hempstead Town is especially blessed with a growing number of Indian American residents,” Murray said.

"We are happy to celebrate with one of the most dramatically growing communities in the area and acknowledge how much our culture has been enriched by our Indian neighbors," Santino added. "I salute the people of India and their democracy on this important day in India’s history."

What does India Republic Day mean to you? Tell us in the comments.