The Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (FIA-Tristate) has re-elected Ankur Vaidya to serve as its president for a second consecutive term. The announcement was made at FIA’s annual general body meeting, held Dec. 5 at Royal Alberts Palace in Fords, New Jersey. Other members of the executive committee for 2015 include Srujal Parikh, vice president, Anand Patel, executive vice president, Saurin Parikh, general secretary, Alok Kumar, treasurer and Chhavi Singh, joint secretary.

Election committee members Yash Paul Soi, Ram Gadhvi, and Dr. Pravin Pandhi briefed the attendees regarding the formation of the new executive committee for the year 2015. All nominees were methodically and unanimously elected and approved for their respective positions, they said.

FIA Board of Trustees, directors and the outgoing executive committee members attended the meeting. The 2013-14 annual report provided an overview of the associations’ activities, initiatives undertaken, and accomplishments over the last year.

Last year, FIA hosted a number of community events to embrace cultural diversity, connecting with the new and emerging communities and helping them. Events such as the town hall meeting hosted to address the flaws in visa processing, passport and customer service issues, meeting with members of the Congress to discuss the Immigration Bill S744, a job forum for the diaspora, Dance Pe Chance competition to celebrate India’s Republic Day and the 34th annual India Day Parade, FIA’s flagship event.