Annual Gala-2025 by American Punjabi Society
Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan presents an award to community leader Harry Singh Bolla during the American Punjabi Society’s annual gala in Hicksville
The American Punjabi Society (APS) hosted its spectacular Annual Gala at the Pearl Banquet Hall
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The American Punjabi Society (APS) hosted its spectacular Annual Gala at the Pearl Banquet Hall, bringing together dignitaries, business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community members for an evening celebrating Punjabi heritage, service, and unity.
Founded with the mission of promoting Punjabi language, culture, and heritage across generations, the APS has spent years cultivating a strong artistic and cultural presence on Long Island. Under the leadership of its President, Gary Sikka, and his committed team of volunteers, the organization has become a vibrant hub for community engagement, cultural programming, youth education, and charitable initiatives. This year’s gala, one of APS’s most successful events to date, reaffirmed the society’s role as a bridge between tradition and the evolving Punjabi-American identity.
The centerpiece of the evening was the conferral of the Punjabi Ratan Award upon Harry Singh Bolla, a self-made entrepreneur whose story has inspired countless immigrants. Rising from modest beginnings to building a thriving chain of businesses in the gas station and retail sector, Mr. Bolla’s journey is often described as a classic American dream narrative. Yet what truly distinguishes him, APS leaders emphasized, is not the scale of his success, but the depth of his philanthropy.
In his remarks, APS President Gary Sikka reaffirmed the society’s commitment to cultural promotion, youth engagement, and community solidarity. He praised the volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the success of the gala and emphasized the importance of sustaining the Punjabi language and values among younger generations.