The New England Choice Awards will honor nine distinguished individuals and organizations at its 10th Annual Gala on November 14, 2026, celebrating a decade of community leadership and innovation.
BOSTON—The New England Choice Awards (NECA), a prominent recognition platform in the region, has unveiled the recipients of its 2026 honors, celebrating nine exceptional individuals and organizations committed to enhancing communities across New England and beyond. The awards, which recognize outstanding contributions in various sectors, will culminate in the 10th Annual New England Choice Awards Gala scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts. This prestigious black-tie event is expected to attract over 400 distinguished guests from diverse backgrounds, including business leaders, healthcare professionals, academics, philanthropists, and community influencers.
A Decade of Recognition
Established in 2016, the New England Choice Awards aim to honor exceptional individuals of Indian origin, Indian Americans, and leaders from all communities whose efforts have significantly advanced the Indian American community in the United States as well as the broader New England region. Over the past decade, the awards have acknowledged excellence across multiple fields, including business, technology, healthcare, arts, philanthropy, and community service.
“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New England Choice Awards,” said Dr. Manju Sheth, MD, President of INE MultiMedia, the organization behind the awards. “For the past decade, these awards have recognized extraordinary individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and generosity have strengthened our communities and inspired others. We congratulate this year’s honorees and thank our distinguished jury and everyone who submitted nominations. We look forward to welcoming the community on November 14 for a memorable evening celebrating excellence and achievement.”
A Rigorous Selection Process
The selection of the 2026 honorees was conducted by a distinguished jury, comprised of leaders from various sectors including business, academia, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and community service. The jury engaged in a meticulous nomination and review process designed to highlight not only individual achievements but also the collaborative efforts that have contributed to community enhancement and social change.
Honorees of the 2026 New England Choice Awards
The following individuals and organizations have been recognized for their exceptional contributions:
- Academia & Innovation Award: Srini Devadas, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Honored for his pioneering work in secure computing and applied cryptography as the Edwin Sibley Webster Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His contributions have shaped advancements in secure processor design and cybersecurity technologies.
- Art & Culture Visionary Award: Laura Weinstein, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – Recognized for her leadership in advancing the appreciation of South Asian and Islamic art, transforming how these collections are presented and understood by a broader audience.
- Business Trailblazer Award: Chandra S. Pandey, Seceon – Acknowledged for his entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in cybersecurity through AI-driven threat detection and response, helping organizations to enhance their security capabilities.
- Beacon of Community Service Award: Lalit Sudan, Vision-Aid – Honored for his transformative work in expanding opportunities for individuals with visual impairments, strengthening the organization’s mission of enabling and empowering those in need.
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Sewa International Boston Chapter – Recognized for its unwavering commitment to community service initiatives that enhance education, health, and economic opportunity for underserved populations.
- Community Catalyst Award: Jharna Madan, Hindi Manch – Acknowledged for her dedication to preserving cultural heritage and fostering community engagement through various initiatives.
- Healthcare Trailblazer Award: Dr. Anju Nohria, Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School – Honored for her groundbreaking work in cardiovascular care for cancer patients, bridging clinical care and research.
- Philanthropist of the Year Award: Vivek Sharma – Recognized for his philanthropic efforts that support education, community development, and athletic excellence, particularly in the context of India’s Olympic movement.
- Hope in Action Award: Pramod Pandey, Cancer Mukti Foundation – Acknowledged for his commitment to cancer awareness and patient advocacy, transforming personal loss into a mission of service.
The Significance of the New England Choice Awards
The New England Choice Awards have established themselves as a respected platform for recognizing individuals and organizations that reflect excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions to society. The awards not only celebrate achievements but also foster a culture of collaboration and support within the community. The upcoming gala aims to create an environment where leaders from various sectors can connect, share their experiences, and inspire one another.
INE MultiMedia, the organizing body behind the awards, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting art, culture, education, and empowerment. Through initiatives like the New England Choice Awards, INE MultiMedia seeks to spotlight individuals and organizations that inspire positive change and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Looking Ahead to the Gala
The 10th Annual New England Choice Awards Gala promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating not just the honorees but also the spirit of community and collaboration. As the event approaches, anticipation builds around the opportunity to honor those whose achievements have made a lasting impact on society.
The gala will take place on November 14, 2026, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel. Tickets for the event are available for purchase for those interested in attending this celebration of excellence and achievement.
