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Art, music and knowledge highlight Indian medical gala

The Halls of St. George in Schererville were awash with silks and sparkles as beautiful saris swirled amid the background of black tuxedos and starched white shirts as hundreds gathered for the 29th annual dinner and cultural program of the Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana.

Greeting guests at the door were Dr. Krishnakant Raiker, president of the assocation, and his wife, Dr. Smita Raiker. Beautiful daughters Nisha and Rina were by their side.

During the social hour, guests mingled while noshing on the appetizers provided by the fine Indian cuisine of Gaylord catering.

As the program began, guests were asked to stand for the U.S. and Indian national anthems.

Dr. Smita Raiker gave the invocation and the Welcome Diya Dance was performed by the Kalapriya Dance Company.

During his president’s address, Dr. Krishnakant Raiker highlighted the importance of the funds that are raised every year for scholarships to high school valedictorians, nursing students and medical students locally and in India.

This year alone, the organization has awarded $24,500 in scholarships and also contributed to Haiti Earthquake Relief and the Indian American Cultural Center.

Kudos to the doctors who were given the Lifetime Achievement Awards, Dr. Amaranth Agrawal and Dr. Mahesh Mehta.