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First Indian American woman joins AAPI Commission
New York State launched its first-ever Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission, with Neeta Bhasin as the first Indian American woman member.
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Neeta Bhasin / ASB Media
New York State inaugurated its first-ever Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Commission on Dec. 12, swearing in 13 members, including Neeta Bhasin, the first Indian American woman to join the Commission. The event took place at Queens College, hosted by President Frank H. Wu.
Bhasin, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and founder of Diwali at Times Square and Sammaan for All, has focused her career on promoting South Asian culture. She started ASB Communications, the first South Asian advertising firm in the US, and Event Guru Worldwide, which launched Diwali at Times Square in 2013.
She has received numerous awards, including the Mahatma Gandhi Samman in London and the Shakti Award for women’s empowerment. Bhasin believes in educating children about diversity to foster respect and understanding.
With her experience and passion, Neeta Bhasin is set to make a significant impact on the AAPI Commission.
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Gajendra Suri, AAPI Chair Gaurav Vasisht, Neeta Bhasin, commission member, and Harish Bhasin / ASB MediaThe Commission focuses on addressing the needs of AAPI communities, including economic growth, social well-being, education, and health. It also seeks to combat hate crimes and foster cultural understanding. As the fastest-growing ethnic community in the United States, Asian Americans face unique challenges, including an increase in hate crimes.
The Chair of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission is Gaurav Vasisht. The commission members are Tai Ngo Shaw, Neeta Bhasin, Maf Misbah Uddin, Joyce Wu, Marjorie Hsu, Faustina Sein, Andrew Sta Ana, Peter Tu, Ambrosia Kaui, Tim Law, Kyung Yoon, Jeffrey Gu, and Frank Wu.
AAPI’s work so far
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American legislator, introduced the AAPI Commission Bill, which was unanimously passed by state legislators. She is also the driving force behind the NYC Diwali School Holiday. Reflecting on the progress of Asian Americans, she said that in the late 1800s, the US Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, preventing Chinese individuals from becoming citizens. “In 1921, the US Supreme Court ruled that Indians could not be US citizens. And now, look at us—we are thriving in all fields and have come a long way.”
She further mentioned, “It is just the beginning. Our commission members will bring excellence to our government. They will make the impossible possible. I believe that Neeta Bhasin, who single-handedly organized Diwali at Times Square, made Diwali a global phenomenon.”
Tiffany Smith, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, and Neeta Bhasin / ASB Media
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the AAPI Commission Bill into law, joining over 12 other states and the White House in creating similar commissions on Feb. 7, 2024.
She praised the initiative and said, “Your voices are essential to our state’s future.” The state has invested US$35 million to protect Asian Americans from hate crimes and US$30 million to support local AAPI organizations.
Senator Jeremy Cooney, who co-sponsored the legislation, highlighted the Commission's importance.
AAPI_Commission Chair, Members, and Dignitaries / ASB Media“Our communities need to know we care and are listening,” he said. Cooney, raised in an orphanage in Calcutta, India, added, “We’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m proud to have sponsored this bill with another historic champion, Jenifer Rajkumar. The Asian American voice is growing, but it must be heard. We need to show our communities that we’re listening, that we care, and that there are both challenges and opportunities for New Yorkers from all over the world.”
The public hearing was hosted by the NY State Department of State. Shawn Ma, director of Asian American Affairs, and Sibu Nair, deputy director of Asian American Affairs, represented the NY State Governor's office with their team.
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