IMAGH Lights Up Evening with a Heartfelt, Festive Eid Gala
By Dr. Hina Azam & Saeed Pathan
HOUSTON: The Indian Muslim Association of Greater Houston hosted its much-anticipated Annual Eid Gala this past Saturday, April 12, bringing together a vibrant blend of culture, tradition, and community spirit in celebration of Eid ul Fitr at the Marriott Westchase hotel. the event welcomed dignitaries, elected officials, patrons, sponsors, community leaders, community organizations and families from across Greater Houston, includingrepresentatives from the Consulate Generals of India and Indonesia.
Guests were treated to an evening of heartfelt speeches, cultural performances, warmth of togetherness and delicious food that defines the Eid spirit. After the social hour, guests entered the main ballroom and the program started with the recitationvof verses from Quran followed by the American and Indian National Anthems.
In her welcome address, IMAGH President Hina Azam highlighted the organization’s mission to foster amity across cultures, communities, and religions. “This evening is more than a celebration – it is a reflection of our values: compassion lived, service given, and togetherness shared,” she said.
The Gala showcased IMAGH’s key initiatives, including Club65, the organization’s senior outreach program; SAYA (South Asian Youth Alliance), which empowers youth through cultural connection and service; and new educational support programs (scholarship) aimed at the needy Indian Muslim students pursuing higher education. Plans for a mom-led kids and youth development group and partnerships with health institutions were also announced, signaling IMAGH’s continued commitment to the evolving needs of the community.
The Consul General of India in Houston D. C. Manjunath commended IMAGH for its various events and activities to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India and their community initiatives. The Guest of Honor Arshad Matin, President and CEO of Avetta, a world leader in providing cloud-based supply chain risk management solutions, made a very impactful speech.
Keynote Speaker for the evening was Mariyam Cementwala, Executive Advisor and Strategist at the US Department of State and also the Founder of The Blind Hijabi, a system to communicate to advance empathy, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. She offered creative solutions to complex foreign policy challenges and drive organizational change.
Chief Guest Harris County Commissioner Pct 4 Lesley Briones spoke of being a proud Latina and native Texan who grew up on the U.S. – Mexico border. She thanked IMAGH for its work to build community, strengthen relationships, and enrich the culture of Harris County. She noted the need for all to be more inclusive through expanding language access at community centers, making all communities have representation on boards and commissions and increasing the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in county contracts to create a more equitable Harris County.
Every year, IMAGH recognizes people and organizations for their exemplary work and services to the communities and this year the Sikh Community was recognized for their contributions. This year, India House was chosen for the 2025 IMAGH Col. Raj Bhalla Community Service Award. Each year India House serves around 10,000 individuals from diverse cultural background including some of the most vulnerable populations – at-risk children, the ill, and the elderly. Their core program includes a free Citizenship Service Center, a free Charitable
Medical Clinic, and monthly free Food Distribution, benefiting approximately 500 families in need. The award was accepted by Vijay Pallod as a Board Director of India House.
The 2025 Latafath Hussain Award for Exemplary Community Service was awarded to long-time Houstonian Musa Dakri, the founder and current Chairman of Wallis Bank, a role he has held for the past 34 years. Under his leadership, the Bank focused on supporting South Asian immigrants and underserved communities who faced challenges with larger financial institutions. This commitment remains at the heart of Wallis Bank’s mission, with countless individuals crediting Dakri’s help as pivotal to their success.
Mesmerizing performances by Nrityakalpna Dance School and Egyptian folklore Tanoura Dance by Sal Al Sayed were the main attraction of the evening. As the organization looks to the future, IMAGH remains committed
to promoting Indian Muslim heritage, fostering interfaith dialogue, supporting education, and serving the Greater Houston community through meaningful programs and partnerships.