The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission presented Ranjani Saigal with Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the Unity Dinner held at Boston University on May 3.
The Asian American Commission( AAC) is a permanent body dedicated to advocacy on behalf of Asian Americans throughout Massachusetts. The Commission’s goal is to recognize and highlight the vital contributions of Asian Americans to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the Commonwealth; to identify and address the needs and challenges facing residents of Asian ancestry; and to promote the well-being of this dynamic and diverse community, thereby advancing the interests of all persons who call Massachusetts home.
Governor Charlie Baker sent a video message for the occasion. “ You bring so much to our communities, so much to our economy, to our culture, and so much to our civic way of life. We are the huge beneficiary of all that you do,†said Baker.
“This year’s theme recognizes the need for increased representation of the Asian American community in more areas. As one of the appointing officers of the Asian American Commission, I know firsthand the tremendous work that each commissioner does to ensure that our Asian American communities are fairly and accurately represented. I hope that the Commission’s work to empower and strengthen the AAPI community throughout Massachusetts continues for many years to come,†said treasurer Deb Goldberg. Goldberg presented a few remarks and congratulated the awardees.
Dr. Pam Y. Eddinger, President of the Bunker Hill Community College presented the keynote address for the evening. The Community Hero award was given to Dr. Richard Chu, a faculty member at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. Ranjani Saigal won the Lifetime Achievement Award. “We are so impressed with the variety of activities she has involved herself in. Her work with Ekal Vidyalaya, where she is bringing education to over 1.7 million children is truly amazing,†said Dimple Rana, AAC commissioner who introduced Saigal.
"I am truly humbled to receive this award. I am very grateful to Asian American Commission to give me this award," said Saigal.
The Diversity and Inclusion award was given to Wheelock Family Theatre. Thillai Fine Arts Academy, Que Shing Chinese Music & Opera Club and the Wheelock Family Theater provided entertainment for the evening.
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