Neeta Bhasin Appointed To NY State AAPI Commission

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY – On December 12, the New York State Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission was inaugurated at Queens College, where thirteen Asian Americans were sworn in to strengthen the connection between the AAPI community and the state.

Among the appointees is Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Diwali at Times Square and Sammaan for All. Bhasin’s extensive background in cultural promotion and community service is expected to greatly contribute to the Commission’s mission of enhancing the economic, social, and educational well-being of AAPI communities, while addressing their health needs and raising awareness about available resources.

The Commission, formed to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth of the AAPI population and rising hate crimes, will make policy recommendations, coordinate programs, and implement public education campaigns.

New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American legislator, introduced the AAPI Commission Bill, which passed unanimously. She also spoke of the long history of discrimination faced by Asian Americans and emphasized how far the community has come, citing the success of the Diwali at Times Square event that has become a global phenomenon. Rajkumar highlighted Bhasin’s significant role in this success, noting her dedication to promoting cultural understanding.

Bhasin shared her belief in fostering a peaceful society where cultural differences are respected. She stressed the importance of early education to instill respect for diversity, especially in schools, to ensure future generations appreciate cultural differences.

Governor Kathy Hochul, in a message sent to the Commission, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting Asian American communities, with a $35 million investment to combat hate crimes and $30 million for local AAPI organizations.

Senator Jeremy Cooney, who was raised in an orphanage in Calcutta, India, reflected on the growing voice of Asian Americans, noting the challenges and opportunities that come with the diverse experiences of New Yorkers who have come from all corners of the world.

The full list of Commission members includes Tai Ngo Shaw, Neeta Bhasin, Maf Misbah Uddin, Joyce Wu, Marjorie Hsu, Faustina Sein, Andrew Sta Ana, Peter Tu, Ambrosia Kaui, Tim Law, Kyung Yoon, Jeffrey Gu, and Frank Wu.

Neeta Bhasin, who holds degrees in Accounting and Economics from Queens College, NY, has had a career rooted in cultural advocacy. She founded ASB Communications in 1997 and later created Event Guru Worldwide, which made history in 2013 with the conceptualization of Diwali at Times Square.

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