HOUSTON (Diya TV) — The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) marked its Silver Jubilee with a glittering gala in downtown Houston. The event celebrated 25 years of fostering trade, investment, and cultural ties between the U.S. and India. Business leaders, city officials, and community members gathered to honor achievements in entrepreneurship, gastronomy, and global collaboration.
Founded in 1999, the IACCGH has connected businesses, investors, and institutions across Houston and India. The Chamber has helped accelerate trade, drive investment, and promote innovation. Founding secretary and executive director Jagdip Ahluwalia described the Chamber as a “flywheel” powered by Houston’s scale and India’s ingenuity. He said the ties between the two regions endure “not because they’re convenient, but because they’re rooted in mutual respect and shared benefit.”
The gala emphasized Houston’s role as a global hub for business and culture. Attendees experienced a blend of dialogue, awards, and cultural performances, highlighting the Chamber’s impact on international trade and community development.
A key part of the evening was a conversation on health and competitiveness. Dr. David L. Callender, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, and Dr. Renu Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston, discussed challenges in healthcare and education.
Callender pointed to uneven health outcomes despite advanced technology. “Despite having the best people in the world, the United States is dead last among industrialized nations in health outcomes,” he said. He noted life expectancy can vary by 20 years across Houston neighborhoods.
Dr. Khator highlighted the importance of education and workforce development. She stressed the need for more nursing professionals as Texas faces a projected shortfall of nearly 60,000 nurses by 2030. Callender added that collaboration with universities is essential to sustaining growth in healthcare and beyond.
The Chamber presented four major awards at the gala. The Business Advocate Award went to Jasjit Singh, CEO of EDGE Partners, for his leadership at SelectUSA. Singh helped facilitate $145 billion in investments and welcomed India’s largest business delegations to the U.S.
Houston’s Michelin-starred Musaafer restaurant received the Business of the Year Award. The restaurant impressed diners with a 100-day culinary journey across India, elevating Houston’s gastronomic profile.
Snehee Chaplot, founder of Gallivant Mawa Ice Creams, was named Woman of the Year. She was recognized for creating a unique frozen dessert that combines food science with South Asian heritage. Chaplot dedicated the award to “every dreamer and every founder who dares to believe in their vision.”
The Global Gateway Award honored the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in India for two decades of partnership with IACCGH. This alliance has strengthened bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and India.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire issued a proclamation declaring September 27, 2025, as Indo-American Chamber of Commerce Day. His chief of international affairs, Gigi Lee, praised the Chamber for its “tremendous impact” in linking Houston and India.
The gala also featured a performance by the Houston Grand Opera. The program reinforced the Chamber’s theme of blending commerce with culture. It concluded with a call for new partners and sponsors to support the Chamber for its next 25 years.
IACCGH president Malisha Patel, who also leads two Memorial Hermann hospitals, encouraged continued collaboration. “When we work together, we build community, we strengthen our organization, and we help businesses thrive,” she said.
