IACCGH Announces the Award Winners for 2014

From Left: IACCGH Award Winners of 2014, Pallavi Dinesh, Sonal Bhuchar, Dr. Devinder Bhatia,  Judge R.K. Sandill, Gerry Morton, VP of Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc., Jayanta Sinha, President G.A.I.L Global USA

From Left: IACCGH Award Winners of 2014, Pallavi Dinesh, Sonal Bhuchar, Dr. Devinder Bhatia, Judge R.K. Sandill, Gerry Morton, VP of Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc., Jayanta Sinha, President G.A.I.L Global USA

By Manu Shah

HOUSTON: IACCGH began the countdown to its 15th Annual Gala 2014 by saluting the entrepreneurial spirit, professional accomplishments, public service endeavors and the strong philosophy of giving back displayed by members of the Chamber and the Indo American community.
One hundred and twenty five members and guests gathered at the upscale Mr. Peeples restaurant to congratulate the IACCGH 2014 award winners – Sonal Bhuchar, Pinakin and Pallavi Dinesh, Dr. Devinder Bhatia, Judge Ravi K. Sandill and GAIL and their US partners Cheniere, Carrizo and Dominion. Our famed Southern hospitality was on full display thanks to Dr. Lucky Chopra, underwriter of the celebratory dinner. IACCGH advisors Dr. Renu Khator and Paul Hamilton, Past Presidents and members of the Board were also present.

IACCGH Founding Secretary, Jagdip Ahluwalia, who currently serves as Executive Director, walked the guests down memory lane while IACCGH President, Sanjay Ramabhadran announced the names of the award winners.

The winners thanked IACCGH for this honor and looked forward to receiving the award at the 15th Annual Gala to be held on September 27. Gala Keynote Speaker, US Senator John Cornyn will be presenting the awards to the winners.

The winners were selected for their diverse contributions in the fields of entrepreneurship, energy, education, healthcare and public service. They are:

Dr. Devinder Bhatia, a highly respected and sought after thoracic surgeon and the first Indo American to be appointed to the Texas Medical Board. He and wife Gina are well known philanthropists and give selflessly of their time and money to support many nonprofit organizations. He is known to conduct several surgeries free of charge for those in need.

IACCGH President Sanjay Ramabhadran addressing the gathering at Mr. Peeples restaurant.

IACCGH President Sanjay Ramabhadran addressing the gathering at Mr. Peeples restaurant.

Yet another first is Sonal Bhuchar who was the first Indo American to serve as Chairperson of Fort Bend ISD. A physiotherapist by profession, she has been a forceful advocate about the need for better educational opportunities and healthcare and has strived to improve the quality of life and excellence in the community. She has served with multiple nonprofits like the Sugar Land Exchange Club and Child Advocates of Fort Bend and led the formation of the Student Leadership and legislative advocacy programs in FBISD.

The Entrepreneur Award of the Year goes to Pallavi and Pinakin Dinesh. A rare combination of ambition, hard work and vision, the duo, have transformed their Company, Amzer Corporation from a small organization to one with a global footprint. They manufacture, distribute and sell innovative accessories for smartphones and tablets and are “inspired by real life” in everything they do.
Judge Ravi K. Sandill, 127th District Court judge won plaudits for his distinguished law career as well as for being elected county wide in Harris County. He is also the first Indo American District court judge to serve in Texas. He runs a disciplined court and believes that “appearing before a jury is not the time for a lawyer to be learning his case”. It’s no wonder he cleared over 7000 cases during his first three years on the bench. He is extremely active in the Bar Association, is a graduate of Leadership Houston and currently a Fellow of the American Leadership Forum. In addition, he shines the spotlight on critical issues related to Houston in a weekly breakfast meeting.

GAIL and its partners Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., Cheniere Energy, Inc. and Dominion Cove Point LNG are being felicitated for their groundbreaking efforts in securing India’s energy needs and facilitating Indo US bilateral trade. Jayanta Sinha, President, GAIL Global (USA) and Gerry Morton, VP of Carrizo Oil and Gas, Inc. were present at the dinner.

IACCGH lauds the winners for their tremendous contributions that help make our world, country and city a safer and better place. The awards will be presented at the 15th Annual Gala to be held on September 27.

For sponsorship opportunities or for tickets to the 15th Annual Gala to be held on September 27, at the Hilton Americas, contact 713-624-7131 or email jagdip@iaccgh.com