The American India Foundation will honor Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh for their philanthropic contributions and leadership at its 2026 Appreciation Gala on May 9, marking the organization’s 25th anniversary.
BOSTON — The American India Foundation (AIF) has announced that it will honor philanthropists Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh at its upcoming 2026 Appreciation Gala, set to take place on May 9 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. The event aims to recognize their extensive contributions to philanthropy and their ongoing commitment to enhancing opportunities for underserved communities, which aligns closely with AIF’s mission to strengthen the relationship between the United States and India.
The gala, organized by the AIF New England Chapter, will be themed “Catalyzing Change, Shaping Tomorrow” and will mark a significant milestone in the organization’s history as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. This occasion is expected to attract supporters, donors, and community leaders who are dedicated to fostering initiatives that benefit both nations.
Honorees: Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh
Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh, both of whom have served as co-chairs of the AIF New England Advisory Board, are being honored for their deep engagement in philanthropic efforts and their commitment to addressing social inequalities. Their personal experiences growing up in India have significantly shaped their missions, as they have witnessed firsthand the barriers that hinder access to opportunities for many.
Navjot Singh is a Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company, where he dedicated over two decades of his career and also held the position of Managing Partner of the Boston office. Singh’s professional background includes a tenure at General Electric, where he contributed to research and development for seven years and co-invented multiple patents. His civic leadership is noteworthy, including past service as the Chair of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and he currently holds trustee roles at both the Museum of Science and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Nithya Iyer Singh has built an impressive career in clinical drug development, specialty healthcare, and investment. She has held significant roles at major companies such as GSK, Tesaro, and Medco Health, contributing to the launch of several medicines and advancements in patient care initiatives. Additionally, she serves on advisory boards for Virginia Tech and Newton-Wellesley Hospital, further exemplifying her commitment to healthcare and education.
Together, the couple recently co-founded 2123iX, a venture focused on building new business initiatives while also investing in causes that reflect their philanthropic values. Their collaborative work emphasizes a commitment to creating sustainable, impactful change within communities.
Significance of the Gala
In a joint statement, Meena Subramanyam and Sundar Subramanyam, co-chairs of the New England Chapter Advisory Board, expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming gala, emphasizing the importance of honoring AIF’s dedicated supporters and donors. “As co-chairs of the New England Chapter Advisory Board, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 2026 Appreciation Event on May 9 honoring AIF’s long-standing supporters and donors,” they stated. “We look forward to celebrating our generous donor community that brings together individuals and organizations united by a shared commitment to philanthropy and positive change in India.”
Gala Chairs Sumitra Sivaram and Nikhil Goray echoed these sentiments, underlining the significance of this year’s honorees and AIF’s broader mission. “As AIF marks its 25th anniversary, we are honored to celebrate its legacy of driving transformational change across communities in India,” they remarked. “We hope you will join us as we continue these efforts and serve as catalysts for meaningful change.”
AIF’s Broader Initiatives
The gala will also serve as a platform to spotlight AIF’s mental health initiative, MAANAS, alongside its extensive portfolio of programs that focus on education, public health, and livelihood development. Since its inception in 2001, AIF has positively impacted over 21 million individuals across India through initiatives designed to foster sustainable, long-term change. The organization’s work encompasses various areas, including the provision of education, healthcare access, and livelihood programs that aim to empower marginalized communities.
AIF’s mental health initiative, MAANAS, is particularly noteworthy given the increasing recognition of mental health issues as critical components of overall health and well-being. By addressing mental health needs, AIF seeks to create a supportive environment that enables individuals to thrive, thus contributing to broader societal improvements.
As the New England community prepares to gather on May 9, the recognition of Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of leadership, philanthropy, and cross-border collaboration in the pursuit of a more equitable future. The event not only celebrates individual contributions but also aims to inspire collective action toward addressing the pressing challenges faced by underserved communities in India.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Appreciation Gala is expected to be a significant gathering that reinforces AIF’s mission of fostering sustainable change and building bridges between the United States and India. As the organization reflects on its first 25 years, it also looks forward to future initiatives that will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions.
In conclusion, the gala represents not just a celebration of past achievements but also a commitment to ongoing efforts that aim to create a better tomorrow for communities in need. Through the recognition of individuals like Nithya Iyer Singh and Navjot Singh, AIF underscores the importance of leadership and philanthropy in driving social change and building a more equitable world.
