Ambassador Ana Irene Delgado, Permanent Mission of Panama to the Organization of American States was Chief Guest for 4th Annual Incredible Inc Awards Gala at Martin’s Crosswinds in Maryland.
Washington, D.C., September 24, 2025 — The US-India SME Council hosted its Fourth Incredible INC. 50 Awards on Tuesday evening, celebrating entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland. The gala honored 25 distinguished entrepreneurs, professionals, and thought leaders whose work continues to uplift communities across the United States and India.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Nilima N. Mehra, who served as master of ceremonies. Guests included USME Council President Elisha Pulivarty and his wife, Council Board Chairman and Founder Sudhakar Gande, and Her Excellency Anna Irene Delgado, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Panama to the Organization of American States (OAS). CEO Sonal Pulivarthy delivered the opening remarks, followed by an invocation led by Pastor Sajan John.
In her keynote address, Ambassador Delgado praised the council’s 25-year commitment to resilience, leadership, and women’s empowerment. “This celebration is not only about business achievements, but about the enduring values of perseverance, creativity, and vision that inspire and uplift communities,” she said.
Honoring Excellence Across Sectors
The awards highlighted outstanding contributions in healthcare, technology, community leadership, arts, business, and education.
Healthcare and Technology Honorees included Dr. Sujatha Chetty (“Outstanding Services through Hi-Tech Healthcare Industry”), Dr. Jennifer N. Rios (“Best Latina Leader & Community Advocate”), Dr. Neena Eapen (“Best Psychiatric Pharmacist”), Revive Life, LLC (“Outstanding Behavioral Healthcare Program”), and Mr. Pierson Maddi of Lifeline Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. (“Best Leader in Global Tourism Health Care”).
Community Impact and Leadership Awards went to Ms. Sonia Selwin for community outreach, Ms. Sandhya Santhanam for agricultural AI solutions, Mr. Karmel Mathew for his four decades in financial leadership, Dr. A. Reza Jafari for global ICT and AI initiatives, Ms. Kamala Kacy Chetty for cinematography, Mr. Lalit Kumar Jha for pioneering virtual journalism, Ms. Jayasri Telukuntla for women’s entrepreneurship in IT, Mr. Blesson Mannil for professional innovation, Ms. Linda Plummer of Montgomery County NAACP for multicultural partnerships, and Mr. Siva Sottallu for cultural photography.
Business, Arts, and Education honorees included Mr. Praveen Samuel for community service through Food Dhaba, Mr. Nima Farshchi for educational innovation at the Center for Social Value Creation, Grand Master Yong Sung Lee for over 50 years in martial arts, and Mr. Manjit Singh for excellence in tax and accounting services.
Special Honors and Lifetime Awards
Several leaders received lifetime recognition. Drs. Wilkinson and Jennifer Ninala and Drs. Michael and Grace Swinitha Osuri were honored with the Dr. M.E. Cherian Global Leadership Award. Dr. Sanjay Rai, Maryland’s Secretary for Higher Education, received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award. New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy was presented the Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Leadership Award. Dr. Jessie Singh and Dr. Sajid Tarar were honored with the 3D Crystal Award.
The evening also featured the presentation of President’s Lifetime Achievement Certificates to Ben Raju, Kavita Challa, Mukesh Majmudar, Bhaskar Ganti, and Curtis Massey.
A Celebration of Leadership and Legacy
A highlight of the evening was the 75th birthday celebration of USME Council President Elisha Pulivarty, described as a “community legend” and “trailblazing leader.” His decades of service and dedication were honored alongside Council Founder Sudhakar Gande. Pastor Franklin G. David offered a prayer of blessing for their continued leadership.
The cultural program included a vibrant dance performance by the “Bombay Girls” and live music that energized the celebration. The evening concluded with closing remarks from board member Juhi Naithani, who commended the dedication of the honorees. Guests then shared a festive dinner, stories, and reflections on cross-cultural partnerships.
Building Bridges Across Borders
The 2025 INC. 50 Awards not only recognized individual excellence but also underscored shared values of resilience, innovation, and service. By honoring leaders in both the United States and India, the celebration highlighted the enduring ties of entrepreneurship, community service, and cultural exchange that unite the two nations.
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