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The New England Choice Awards (NECA) 2024, held on November 15 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA, was a memorable evening that celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations across New England. This gala, organized by Dr. Manju Sheth and the core team members of INE MultiMedia—Upendra Mishra, Anu Chitrapu, Mandy Deb Pant, and Aditi Taylor—honored the region's finest, highlighting their contributions across art, culture, education, and empowerment.

The event was a vibrant tapestry of inspiring speeches, stellar performances, and heartfelt moments of recognition that illuminated the remarkable accomplishments of the honorees. The evening began with an exquisite dance performance by Sapna Krishnan and her students from Lasya School of Dance, setting the tone for the celebration with their graceful artistry. Their graceful performance not only showcased the beauty of Indian classical dance but also served as an inspiring tribute to the occasion's spirit.

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Inspiring Words: Leadership and Collective Effort​

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Upendra Mishra, in his speech, set the tone for the evening by motivating the audience to strive for excellence. His words, "If you try to climb the mountain at the top, we will meet there," resonated deeply, emphasizing that the pursuit of greatness is not an individual endeavor but a shared journey of resilience and determination. Upendra Mishra's message was a powerful reminder that success is achieved through collective effort, and when individuals come together with a common purpose, they can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable outcomes.

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Dr. Manju Sheth, the co-founder and president of INE MultiMedia, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the success of the NECA Awards 2024. In her speech, she highlighted the true purpose of the awards — to honor the exceptional individuals and organizations that make meaningful contributions to society. Dr. Sheth emphasized, “The NECA Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations that are making a meaningful impact,” acknowledging the tireless work of the award recipients in their respective fields.

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She also reflected on how the NECA Awards offer a platform to showcase the diversity, innovation, and leadership that define the spirit of New England. Dr. Sheth spoke passionately about the power of art, culture, and education in shaping communities and fostering positive change. Her words were a tribute not only to the honorees but also to the wider community of supporters, volunteers, and collaborators whose collective efforts make such events possible.

Dr. Sheth’s gratitude extended to the INE MultiMedia team, whose vision and commitment to empowerment and excellence have made the NECA Awards a signature event in New England. Her speech was an uplifting reminder that when we come together as a community, our collective efforts lead to greatness, and by lifting one another, we ensure the success and well-being of all.

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Visionary Leadership: Honoring Excellence in Various Sectors

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A key highlight of the evening was the speech by John Sculley, former Apple CEO. Sculley shared his experiences and observations about his journey and his connection to India. He recalls his first introduction to India in 1992 when he hosted a delegation of Indian industrialists in Silicon Valley. Over the years, he developed a close friendship with Ratan Tata, who passed away recently. Sculley speaks of his regular visits to India and his work at Nirvana H in Southboro, where he collaborates with a team primarily composed of Indian engineers.

Sculley admires two key traits in Indians: patience and the ability to work together to navigate complex challenges, particularly in fields like machine learning and AI. He believes these qualities have contributed to the success of many Indians in leadership roles in major tech companies.

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Another key highlight was Susan Hockfield, who delivered a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, during the India New England Multimedia Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony. She highlighted Reshma's groundbreaking achievements, including being the first woman to lead a major U.S. biotech company and her transformative leadership at Vertex, which has pioneered treatments for cystic fibrosis and CRISPR-based therapies for untreatable diseases. Hockfield celebrated Reshma's journey as a "triple threat" physician, teacher, and researcher, emphasizing her contributions to cutting-edge medicine and human need. She concluded by honoring Reshma as an inspiring leader whose innovations are shaping the future of healthcare.

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Another key highlight was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, for her exceptional leadership in biotechnology. In her acceptance speech, Reshma acknowledged Dr. Manju Sheth as "a force of nature" and thanked her Vertex team for their support.

She shared a personal reflection on her family's journey from India to the U.S. in 1983, overcoming early challenges to thrive academically and develop a passion for science. Reshma celebrated the advancements in CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which Vertex is using to develop treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, now an approved medicine transforming healthcare.

She also highlighted the progress of women in business, noting that while there were only three women CEOs on the Fortune 500 list in 1990, she now stands as one of the few leading a Fortune 500 company, underscoring strides in gender equality in corporate leadership.

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Public Service and Governance: The Role of Leadership
 

Diana DiZoglio, the 26th Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shared her insights on transparency and accountability in state government. As State Auditor, DiZoglio is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts is treated fairly, regardless of background, bank balance, or zip code. She emphasized that her office audits government spending, making sure taxpayers' money is used wisely, rather than auditing individuals.

In her speech, DiZoglio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the event and acknowledged the contributions of various community leaders across different sectors, including arts, music, and healthcare. She reaffirmed that the government is working hard to create opportunities and improve governance through programmatic audits.

Diana DiZoglio presented the Legacy Award and two Community Group Awards during the event, recognizing the significant efforts of individuals and organizations in the community. She congratulated all the award recipients and emphasized her commitment to continuing to work toward a more transparent and accountable government for the people of Massachusetts.

Community Engagement and Gratitude: A Personal Touch

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Harish Dang delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing profound gratitude to the community for their unwavering support and love over the past 40 years. He humbly shared the award with everyone who had trusted and stood by them, whether through their radio programs or the vibrant musical concerts Harish reflected on the journey, remarking, “At that time, it wasn’t just a project; it was a desire—a fundamental need for togetherness.” He concluded with a poignant sher, “Mujhko itni mohabbat mile aapse, yeh mera haq nahin. Meri taqdeer hai,” emphasizing humility and the fleeting nature of fame and recognition, urging everyone to cherish today’s love and preserve it for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Preetesh Shrivastava, Founder of Hindi Manch, shared his heartfelt reflections on heritage and resilience. Preetesh, in his moving address, reflected on his heritage and acknowledged the guidance of his mentors and the strength of his team. He shared a heartfelt moment by quoting, "मेरी रगों में जो जोश है, वो पुरखों के प्रताप का है," (The passion in my veins is the legacy of my ancestors’ strength). In a beautiful tribute to his roots, he dedicated his recognition to everyone who had supported him along his journey, humbly emphasizing that the achievement belonged to all. His poem resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of heritage, resilience, and unity.
 

Sunayana Kachroo shared her journey of chasing dreams, acknowledging that it’s not always easy, but the struggles are worth it. Her poem emphasized the loneliness and challenges faced while pursuing goals but also the resilience required to overcome them. Her lines in Hindi express this deeply: "कुछ करने की जब ठानते हैं, मंजिल ख्वाबों में न होती है, सपनों का रास्ता मुश्किल है, तन्हा चलना भी शामिल है।" (When you decide to do something, the goal isn't always clear, and the path is tough with solitude.) She spoke about how success can sometimes feel lonely, but ultimately, we return to our roots and find strength there: "मैं अपनों में लौट आती हूं।" (I return to my people.) Her message is clear: persistence, staying true to oneself, and finding meaning in the journey, even when the path gets difficult.

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Celebrating Excellence: NECA 2024 Award Recipients

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The evening’s spotlight was on eight distinguished individuals and organizations, each of whom has made an indelible impact in their respective fields:

• Hamsa Balakrishnan, Associate Dean of Engineering at MIT, recognized for her leadership in fostering diversity and innovation in STEM. As a pioneering academic and advocate for underrepresented groups in engineering, Hamsa has been at the forefront of reshaping the landscape of STEM education, ensuring that the next generation of engineers and scientists reflects a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives

• Dr. Mandeep Mehra, MD, a renowned cardiologist and researcher, was honored at the NECA Awards 2024 for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of cardiology. With a distinguished career dedicated to advancing heart health, Dr. Mehra has made remarkable strides in cardiovascular medicine, particularly through his pioneering research, which has helped shape the current understanding of heart disease, heart failure, and innovative treatments.

• Ravi Ika, the Founder and CEO of Nirvana Health, was celebrated at the NECA Awards 2024 for his transformative contributions to the healthcare industry through innovative technology. Under his visionary leadership, Nirvana Health has become a trailblazer in the intersection of healthcare and technology, revolutionizing how care is delivered and experienced by patients and providers alike.

• Mohan Nannapaneni, founder of Team Aid, celebrated for his humanitarian work in disaster relief, education, and healthcare. Through his vision, compassion, and leadership, Mohan Nannapaneni has significantly impacted communities both locally and globally, with a particular focus on providing essential aid and resources to those in need during times of crisis.

• Preetesh Shrivastava, Founder of Hindi Manch, recognized for his efforts to promote Hindi language and Indian culture. Preetesh’s dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he has worked tirelessly to build bridges between generations, encouraging young people to embrace their heritage while fostering a sense of pride in their cultural identity. Under Preetesh's leadership, Hindi Manch has become a key player in organizing events, educational programs, and cultural exchanges aimed at raising awareness of Hindi’s rich history and its contemporary relevance. The organization focuses on providing a space where individuals of all backgrounds can connect with the language through various artistic and cultural expressions, from literature and poetry to music, dance, and theater.

• Academy of Creative Arts, acknowledged for nurturing young artistic talent. The Academy’s work has been greatly supported and shaped by its founders, Hetal Joshi and Java Joshi, whose dedication and leadership have helped shape it into the influential institution it is today. Hetal Joshi, with her deep-rooted passion for the arts, has been instrumental in curating a curriculum that not only emphasizes technique but also celebrates the cultural and emotional aspects of artistic expression. Java Joshi, a creative visionary in his own right, has played a key role in the Academy's outreach and development, building partnerships and expanding opportunities for students to showcase their work both locally and nationally.

• Shishu Bharati was recognized at the NECA Awards 2024 for its unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Indian language and culture, especially among the younger generation in the United States. Since its inception, Shishu Bharati has made a significant impact in fostering an environment where young children can not only learn the Indian languages—such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and others—but also gain a deep understanding of Indian customs, traditions, and values.

• Vision-Aid, honored for supporting individuals with visual impairments, was founded by Ramakrishna M. Raju (Ram Raju) and Revathy Ramakrishna. Vision-Aid's impact is far-reaching, as they not only offer specialized training but also create awareness around the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Vision-Aid offers vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, life skills development, and career counseling tailored specifically to the needs of people with visual impairments. By providing access to these resources, Vision-Aid ensures that individuals with vision loss can achieve greater self-sufficiency, dignity, and independence.

A Night of Celebration and Reflection

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The evening was punctuated by stellar performances by Sapna Krishnan, Valentino Almeida, and Sunayana Kachroo. Together, these artists created a night that was not only a celebration of their individual talents but also a reflection of the collective spirit of creativity and passion.

The success of the event was due to the tireless efforts of the organizing team, volunteers, and sponsors. As Dr. Sheth concluded her speech, she expressed her deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to the NECA Awards 2024’s success.

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🎉Final Acknowledgements

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Dr. Sheth expressed deep gratitude to the invaluable support team: Ramakrishna Penumarthy, Surendar Madadi, Ramesh Dadigala at Sraveo LLC, Aneesha Karody, Deepa Jacob, Jaison K. Jose, Sidd Chhayani, Yogz Rana, Sanjay Kudrimoti, Vasudha Kudrimoti, and Fotu Duniya - The Picture World for capturing unforgettable moments. She also extended thanks to Yogi Sood, Vishal Sood, and Gourmet India for providing delicious food that delighted attendees.

Dr. Sheth particularly praised the core organizing team, saying, “Without the brilliance and dedication of Upendra Mishra, Anu Chitrapu, Mandy Deb Pant, and Aditi Taylor, this event would not have been possible. Their commitment to excellence has elevated the NECA Awards to a signature event in New England.”

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Ascend Jiva Media congratulates the NECA Awards 2024 for a night filled with inspiration, achievement, and recognition of excellence across New England. This remarkable evening, held at the Burlington Marriott Hotel, highlighted the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations across art, culture, education, and empowerment. The event was a testament to the collective efforts of the INE MultiMedia team—Dr. Manju Sheth, Upendra Mishra, Anu Chitrapu, Mandy Deb Pant, and Aditi Taylor—who worked tirelessly to honor these visionary leaders. Ascend Jiva celebrates the spirit of community and empowerment that defines the NECA Awards and is proud to stand with the awardees and organizers in acknowledging the impact of their work.

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