Politics & Tiger Ball
Society with Ruchi
The weekend started with a bang with politics and fashion. Indo American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston on Friday hosted a reception at India House to honor their new President Mini Timmaraju. It was a momentous occasion for the Indian American community as they graciously welcomed their first female President for IAPAC in the Greater Houston area.
With a new young and vibrant Mini the organization definitely reflects a fresh approach with bigger and better ideas. Speaking at the evening Timmaraju was very thankful to the founding member of IAPAC Jagat Kamdar, Randhir Sahni and Dinesh Shah. 
She shared her goals to reach out to the community via hosting events that will help her to learn about their concerns and issues. She also strongly recommended the youth’s participation. On a similar note Sanjay Rao 2012 President Elect is already planning Internship programs for IAPAC.
Various Indian and American organizations and political leaders participated with high profiles including Mayor of Houston, Harris County Judge Ed Emmitt, Sugarland Councilman Thomas Abraham, Fort Bend ISD Board President Sonal Bhuchar, Indo American Charity Foundation President Anu Bala, Manisha Mehta, Ramesh Anand, Nat and Leela Krishnamurthy, Jacquie Baly Chaumette, Harish Jajoo, and members of the NetIP group. Overall an inspiring evening with innovative ideas and powerful networking opportunity along with spicy Mayuri Restaurant sponsored light bites.
The Hilton Americas Downtown Houston captured a good 600 plus guests in swirling evening gowns, elegant saris and sophisticated tuxedos as Asia Society Texas Center celebrated its annual 2011 Tiger Ball. This year’s theme was Pan Asia an evening that paid tribute to the cultures and accomplishments of all of Asia - from Japan to Iran and Central Asia to New Zealand and it also celebrated the approaching completion of ASTC’s new $48 million Center in the Museum District. The spectacular new center designed by renowned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, will have its grand opening a year from now, in March 2012.
The highlight of this event was the food and beautifully decorated ballroom with kites from all over the world. At the gala Marie Goradia was spotted in a exquisite red embroidered sari, Renu Khator showed up in anarkali style churridar, Rice University First Lady Y. Ping Sun in a sophisticated Asian inspired evening gown.
The star-studded event was organized by Honorary Co-Chair Nancy C. Allen, a leading ASTC supporter and Board member, and Houston power couples Anne and Albert Chao and Marie and Vijay Goradia, who served as gala co-chairs. Their collective efforts for Tiger Ball 2011 raised a record amount of over $600,000 in support for the organization.
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