CHICAGO: The Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA) hosted its Annual Diwali Party on Saturday, December 13, in the Sheraton in Lisle that also coincided with the upcoming holiday season. It was an event that members, their families and friends await and enjoy the most
AIPHA also took the opportunity to discuss the progress and outlook of the pivotal group for the over 400 guests in attendance. The program was highly successful with the active support of the Executive Board, AIPHA members and volunteers.
The Banquet was attended by dignitaries including Tim Schneider, Chairman Illinois Republican party; Dr Yash Amin, Director of drug compliance in the state of Illinois, Fernando Grillo Former Secretary of Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, John Lagattuta Director of Human Resources and Labor relations, Nimesh Jani Elected Trustee of Schaumburg Township, Ryan Higgins Republican Committeeman for Schaumburg Township, Jake Miller Our lobbyist for Pharmacy Association, Aarti Parikh Drug Compliance Investigator, Steve Lawrence Cardinal Drugs and Bill Bodin HD Smith drugs and Dale Smith as today they complete 60 years in business.
The event started with the social hour followed by the main program. The program was gracefully emceed by Tushar Mehta. One highlight was that the issues faced by independent pharmacists in Illinois were discussed and solutions sought. Harish Bhatt, president of the association, said that “Indian pharmacists are the largest minority in the pharmacy community, and we own the most pharmacies in urban areas. We not only provide a much needed health service in poor communities, we also provide jobs for the residents of these areas”
Gita Patel, Pharmacist, stated, “This organization has been around over 25 years. This is the largest crowd that I have ever seen for this organization. It is a cause for everyone to get together to learn what is going on in the pharmaceutical industry and to have fun.”
First time attendee pharmacy student from Chicago State University, Aarti Shah said, “This is a great event and we, the students are very happy to be invited to help celebrate Diwali and contribute to AIPHA.”
“The turnout is different every year for this event. This year the turnout is more than before because people enjoy networking and being involved. This Diwali event is good for students and all involved in AIPHA.” said Bharat Mehta, Accountant for AIPHA
Award were given to Dr Yashwant Amin for his Extraordinary Service and Dedication to Our Pharmacy Profession and Nimish Jani for his Positive Accomplishments and Dedicated Service to Our Community
Delicious dinner was served by Saffron. The evening’s music was provided by DJ Sobash for the audience to dance till late into the night.
The national organization of the Association of Indian Pharmacists in America (AIPHA) was founded in 1985 by 20 members. Today, there are over 453 members. The student chapter of AIPHA at the University of Illinois-College of Pharmacy was established in 1996 with the same drive and initiative that was shown in 1985. The student chapter of AIPHA has established specific objectives that need to be fulfilled year in and year out.
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