South Asian Women Empowerment Gala was held on March 14th at Leonard’s Palazzo in New York. Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen honored Miss India New England director Ruchika Arora with “Women Hero” award at the South Asian Women Empowerment Gala. Sushmita Sen  won Miss Universe in 1994 and became a household name in Indian community all over the world, and she is still recognized as first Indian to have won it. 

Ruchika Arora also received a prestigious citation from Nassau county Govt New York legislator Joshua Lafazan which was presented by Fmr Deputy Comptroller of Nassau County Dilip Chauhan. The women were recognized for service to community, neighbors and families; and for leadership and dedication to enriching lives of others.

All awardees that night were inspirational women who came from different states that included Massachusetts, New York, Georgia, Alabama, Wisconsin and more. Some names are Sangeeta Mudnal, Tracy Marshall, Naila Amin, Shree Saini. Their stories were shared on stage and they also gave message to all guests. 

All this was organized and directed by Bindu Kohli of New York. Photography is by Ram Ramkarram. Miss India USA founders Mr Dharmatma Saran and Mrs Neelam Saran were among the dignitaries who graced the event.