American Punjabi Society | Community, Culture & Networking

Celebrating 40 Years of Punjabi Virsa at Levittown Parkway
2026-05-30 | Levittown Parkway, Levittown Hall, Hicksville, 11801, United States
Celebrating 40 Years of Punjabi Virsa at Levittown Parkway
Dear APS Family,
With the dedicated hard work and commitment of our respected office bearers Mrs. Pritpal Kaur, Mr. Harvinder Bhatia, and their friends, a grand celebration of 40 Years of Punjabi Virsa has been organized at Levittown Parkway to honor and promote our rich Punjabi cultural heritage and traditions.
This special celebration will showcase the spirit of Punjabi Virsa through culture, unity, and traditional values that connect our community across generations.
We sincerely appreciate their continuous efforts and dedication toward preserving our heritage. We request everyone to come forward, support, and join this wonderful community celebration.
Your presence and encouragement will make this event even more successful.
Thanks 🙏 for your continued support always.
Regards,
APS Team

APS Honors Community & Civic Leaders as Part of Outreach Initiatives
2026-05-30 | Mint Restaurant, Hicksville, New York, Mint Restaurant, New York, NY, 11803, United States
APS Honors Community & Civic Leaders as Part of Outreach Initiatives
Dear APS Family,
LIMBA’s new Chairman & President Ken Nevor, a proud United States Army Veteran, along with Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Hon. Joseph Saladino and Town of Babylon Supervisor Hon. Richard Schaffer, joined by Cindy Mardenfeld, were honored by American Punjabi Society Senior Vice President Mohinder Singh Taneja as part of APS Outreach Initiatives.

The gathering reflected APS’s continued commitment toward strengthening relationships with community leaders, public officials, and organizations dedicated to public service and community development.

APS remains focused on building unity, cooperation, and meaningful engagement across diverse communities.

Regards,
Virender PS Sikka
APS General Secretary

APS Health Initiative Lecture The Healthy Triad
2026-06-07 | Mint Restaurant, Hicksville, New York, Mint Restaurant, New York, NY, 11803, United States
APS Health Initiative Lecture The Healthy Triad
Dear APS Family,
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting community health and wellness, the American Punjabi Society (APS) regularly organizes educational lectures, blood donation drives, cancer awareness walks, health screenings, and other initiatives that encourage healthy living and preventive healthcare.
Continuing this mission, APS successfully hosted a Health Initiative Lecture titled “The Healthy Triad” featuring renowned oncologist, hematologist, and author Dr. Tarun Wasil on Sunday, June 7, at Mint Restaurant.
The event was attended by more than 150 participants, including community leaders, physicians, healthcare professionals, and representatives of various organizations. Dr. Wasil delivered an insightful presentation on preventing chronic diseases and cancer through a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the vital roles of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and preventive care.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of GO Alkaline Water, introduced by APS President Gary S. Sikka.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sikka shared his vision of promoting healthier lifestyles within the community and noted that GO Alkaline Water is only the beginning. He announced plans to introduce additional green, organic, and health-oriented products in the near future as part of a broader effort to encourage wellness, nutrition, and preventive healthcare among community members.
Reflecting the seminar’s theme of healthy living, attendees were served a specially curated nutritious breakfast featuring moong dal sprouts, dalia prepared with oat milk, a wholesome chia seed dessert, and other healthy food options. The menu was thoughtfully designed to demonstrate that nutritious eating can be both delicious and practical, reinforcing the key messages shared during Dr. Wasil’s presentation.
Reflecting the seminar’s theme of healthy living, attendees were served a specially curated nutritious breakfast featuring moong dal sprouts, dalia prepared with oat milk, a wholesome chia seed dessert, and other healthy food options. The menu was thoughtfully designed to demonstrate that nutritious eating can be both delicious and practical, reinforcing the key messages shared during Dr. Wasil’s presentation.
Among those present were Dr. Kanti Rai, the internationally renowned hematologist and oncologist whose pioneering Rai Staging System for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) remains an internationally recognized standard in cancer care; Dr. Jagat Rawal (President, AAPI Queens & Long Island), Prem Bhandari (President, Rajasthan Association of North America – RANA), Anju Sharma (President, Long Island Indo American Lions Club), Jasbir Jai Singh (President, India Association of Long Island), Dr. Inderpal S. Chhabra, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Rakesh Dua, Dr. Jag Kalra, and many other distinguished guests and community leaders.
APS was represented by Gary S. Sikka, President; Mohinder S. Taneja, Senior Vice President; Paul S. Bindra and Jaspal S. Arora, Vice Presidents; and Pradeep Tandon, Director of Media & Public Relations.
APS extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Tarun Wasil for sharing his expertise and inspiring attendees to take a proactive approach toward their health and well-being. APS also thanks all participants for their enthusiastic support and engagement in advancing health awareness within our community.
Regards,
Pradeep Tandon
Director Media and Public Relations
American Punjabi Society (APS)

Beach Cleanup & Picnic 2026
2026-07-26 12:00 - 20:00 UTC | WANTAGH PARK, 1 King Rd, Wantagh, NY, United States
🌊 Beach Cleanup & Picnic 2026

Together, We Make a Difference!

Join the American Punjabi Society (APS) Women’s Council for a meaningful day of community service and celebration. Help us keep our beach clean while enjoying a fun-filled picnic with family and friends. Together, let’s make a positive impact on our environment and strengthen our community.

📅 Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
🕒 Time: Starting at 11:30 AM
📍 Venue: Wantagh Park (Near Lighthouse & Boat Docking Area), Wantagh, NY
🎟 Admission: By Invitation Only

🧹 Beach Cleanup

Time: 11:30 AM

Join our community in helping keep the shoreline clean and beautiful. Gloves, garbage bags, and litter pickers will be provided for all volunteers. Children and students can also receive volunteer service hours for participating.

Community Beach Cleanup
Garbage Bags, Gloves & Pickers Provided
Volunteer Hours for Kids & Students
Family-Friendly Activity
Help Protect Our Environment

Small actions today create a cleaner tomorrow.

🧺 Community Picnic

Time: 12:30 PM

After the cleanup, relax and enjoy a community picnic hosted by the APS Women’s Council. Spend quality time with family and friends while enjoying delicious food, music, games, and great company.

🍔 Delicious Food
🎲 Fun Games
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🤝 Community Networking
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Activities

🌱 Why Participate?

Help Keep Our Beaches Clean
Support Environmental Sustainability
Earn Volunteer Service Hours
Meet New People
Strengthen Community Connections
Spend Quality Time with Family & Friends

📍 Location

Wantagh Park
Near Lighthouse & Boat Docking Area
Wantagh, NY

✉️ RSVP

Email: info@americanpunjabisociety.com

Regards,
American Punjabi Society (APS)

APS Women’s Council Successfully Hosts Beach Cleanup Drive & Community Picnic at Wantagh Park
2026-07-31 | Wantagh Park, Wantagh, New York, Wantagh Park,, Wantagh, NY, 11530, United States
APS Women’s Council Successfully Hosts Beach
Cleanup Drive & Community Picnic at Wantagh Park

Dear APS Family,
The APS Women’s Council successfully organized a Beach Cleanup Drive and Community Picnic at Wantagh Park on July 31, 2026. The event brought together volunteers, families, community members, and sponsors with the shared goal of promoting environmental responsibility while strengthening community bonds through meaningful service.

Participants enthusiastically joined the cleanup efforts, helping keep the park and surrounding beach area clean while raising awareness about environmental conservation. Following the cleanup, attendees enjoyed a community picnic that encouraged friendship, cultural connection, and quality time among families of all ages.

The American Punjabi Society expressed its sincere appreciation to the APS Executive Committee, volunteers, sponsors, and all participants whose dedication made the event a great success. The organization remains committed to promoting environmental awareness, volunteerism, cultural heritage, and community engagement through similar initiatives in the future.

Regards,
Navneet K. Sondhi
President, APS Women’s Council

Consular Camp Hicksville, NY – Consulate @ Your Doorstep
2026-08-09 11:00 - 15:00 | Pearl Banquet Hall, 276 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY, United States
Consular Camp Hicksville, NY
Together, We Make a Difference!
Consulate General of India, New York, in association with American Punjabi Society, is hosting a Consular Camp as part of Consulate @ your doorstep
Event Details
Date: August 9, 2026
Time: 1100 – 1500 hrs
Venue: PEARL 276 Old Country Road, Hicksville, New York 11801
Admission: Book an appointment margin

American Punjabi Society is hosting a Consular Camp as part of Consulate @ your doorstep > Services Offered: > PASSPORT, VISA, OCI, PIO TO OCI CONVERSION, CONSULAR ATTESTATION, POWER OF ATTORNEY, LIFE CERTIFICATE, ETC.
Instructions: > * Submit your application & pay the fees online on the VFS website.

Book an appointment for the consular camp on the VFS website.

Consular fee will be accepted through online/postal order/cashier’s cheque only (in favor of VFS Services USA Inc.)

Bring the printout of the application, payment receipt, and all other documents as per the checklist on the VFS website.

Link: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

Contact Details: > Phone: 9172084027

Email: Info@americanpunjabisociety.com

Regards,
American Punjabi Society (APS)

American Punjabi Society at the Nassau Police Academy with President Trump
2026-08-14 11:00 - 15:00 | Pearl Banquet Hall, 276 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY, United States
American Punjabi Society at the Nassau Police Academy with President Trump
Together, We Build Stronger Communities!
American Punjabi Society (APS) was honored to be represented at an event held at the
Nassau Police Academy, bringing together distinguished law enforcement
leaders and members of the Punjabi-American community.
Distinguished Guests & APS Leadership
The event was attended by Nassau County Police Chief of Department Chris Ferro
and Deputy Commissioner Thomas Daly, along with leaders of the
American Punjabi Society.

Gary Sikka – President, American Punjabi Society
Mohinder Singh Taneja – Senior Vice President, American Punjabi Society
Dr. Dipak Nandi – Advisory Council Member, American Punjabi Society

Special Occasion
The gathering also provided an opportunity to be present at an event featuring the
Honorable President Donald J. Trump. The occasion highlighted the importance
of community engagement, public service, and strengthening relationships between the
Punjabi-American community and law enforcement leadership.
American Punjabi Society is proud to continue promoting meaningful connections,
community participation, and positive engagement between the Punjabi-American community
and civic institutions.

Regards,
Virender P. S. Sikka
General Secretary
American Punjabi Society (APS)

Consulate General of India conducts community consular service camp in Hicksville
2026-08-17 | Mint Restaurant, Hicksville, New York, Mint Restaurant, New York, NY, 11803, United States
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Consular Service Camp in Hicksville, NY
Together, We Make a Difference!
The Consulate General of India (CGI), New York, successfully conducted a Community Consular Service Camp at Pearl Banquet Hall in Hicksville, New York, in association with the American Punjabi Society (APS), with support from RANA, BRUHUD New York Seniors, and Jaipur Foot USA.

Event Highlights
The camp provided direct assistance to the Indian-American community on a wide range of consular matters, including

Indian passports, OCI cards, visas, surrender certificates, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), document attestation, and other consular services.

A total of 542 community members attended the camp, while
212 consular inquiries and service-related matters were addressed.
A total of 13 CGI and VFS officers and staff participated in the camp and provided direct assistance and guidance.
Community members traveled from across New York as well as from
New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts
to receive consular services and assistance.

Ambassador Pradhan Emphasizes Accessible Consular Services

Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York,

addressed the gathering and highlighted the Consulate’s commitment to accessible, responsive, and community-focused services.
He encouraged community members to approach the Consulate and authorized service providers directly and cautioned against unauthorized brokers, agents, and intermediaries who may provide incorrect information or charge excessive fees.

40 Youth Volunteers Lead by Example
One of the highlights of the camp was the participation of
40 APS youth volunteers between the ages of 12 and 17.
The volunteers assisted with registration, welcomed attendees, directed community members to the appropriate service areas, and helped maintain an organized flow throughout the event.
Their dedication and community spirit played an important role in making the camp a smooth and successful initiative.

Community Collaboration
The successful camp was made possible through the collaboration of

the Consulate General of India, American Punjabi Society (APS), RANA, BRUHUD New York Seniors, Jaipur Foot USA, VFS personnel, community organizations, volunteers, and community leaders.

The overwhelming response demonstrated the importance of bringing actual consular services directly to the community and providing people with reliable assistance for their individual consular needs.

With sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the camp.

American Punjabi Society (APS)
