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IACCGH Inaugural Reception Celebrates Leadership, Growth, and Collaboration
By Somdatta Basu
HOUSTON, TX – Leadership, legacy, and collaboration took center stage at Houston City Hall’s Legacy Room as the IACCGH ushered in a new chapter with its 2025 inaugural reception. The event marked the formal induction of Malisha Patel as the new president, celebrated the Chamber’s ongoing impact, and highlighted strong partnerships across business, government, and community sectors.
Malisha Patel, Senior VP and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospitals, opened her address by expressing heartfelt gratitude. “It truly is an honor to stand before you as the incoming president of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston,” she said. “This organization holds a special place in my heart, and I’m proud to represent its rich legacy.”
Reflecting on her professional journey and its intersection with the Chamber’s mission, Patel added, “As a healthcare leader, I see firsthand how access to quality healthcare and economic development are closely tied. A healthy workforce is essential for a thriving business environment—and vice versa.” She also emphasized a commitment to “empowering the next generation of leaders,” expanding programs like the Small Business Series, NowGen, and Women in Leadership, and deepening the Chamber’s focus on healthcare and community well-being.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who was warmly welcomed at the event, praised the Chamber’s contributions to the city’s growth and diversity. “Chambers like the Indo-American Chamber are doing missions that government quite often does not address,” he said. “You certainly couldn’t have chosen a better incoming president—certainly with a healthcare background—because that’s one of our challenges.”
In an impassioned call to action, Mayor Whitmire noted, “Let’s celebrate our greatness and our successes—but also know we have a lot of work left to do. If we collaborate with different levels of government, and we don’t worry about partisanship and politics, the people expect us to govern.”
Consul General of India D.C. Manjunath emphasized the strength of Indo-U.S. relations and recognized the Chamber’s pivotal role in business diplomacy. “The relationship between our two nations continues to grow stronger with very strong bipartisan support,” he said. Praising the IACCGH’s impact, he added, “Under the leadership of past president Rajiv Bhavsar, the Chamber has made remarkable progress in building collaboration, supporting businesses, and strengthening Indo-American leadership.”
Manjunath also acknowledged the contributions of founding Secretary and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia, saying, “Perhaps I will not be wrong in saying this—he was the one who brought the Chamber to where it stands today.”
Ahluwalia later shared his thanks, noting, “We are proud to be serving the business community for over 25 years. Our presidents are the building blocks on which our Chamber stands.” He highlighted the Chamber’s consistent engagement with local and international partners, and its commitment to visibility and opportunity for members and young professionals alike.
Outgoing president Rajiv Bhavsar, who served for two years, reflected on the Chamber’s growing influence. “We have been very successful in doing all the events… and we have seen growth in all small businesses because the SBA is also supporting our events,” he said. “IACCGH stands between India and the U.S. for all the success stories we’ve seen—and will continue to see.”
With its 2025 agenda centered on collaboration, health, and leadership development, IACCGH continues to build a resilient and prosperous business community. “Together,” said Patel, “we will build on our legacy and create a thriving business environment for all.”
Pic Credit: Bijay Dixit