Where Business Meets Community: IACCGH Holiday Party 2025

By Somdatta Basu

The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) brought together civic leaders, business owners, diplomats, and community partners for its Holiday Party 2025—an evening that blended celebration with purpose as the Chamber closed another impactful year of service across Harris and Fort Bend counties. Hosted at an elegant venue that set the tone for a memorable evening, the gathering reflected the very essence of IACCGH: connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s business and cultural ecosystem.

Addressing attendees, Chamber President Malisha Patel offered thoughtful reflections on the evolving role of chambers of commerce in today’s fast-moving environment. She emphasized that at their core, chambers exist to create spaces where businesses grow, leaders connect, and communities prosper.

“We bring people together—owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and partners—because we are stronger when we share ideas, resources, and opportunities,” Patel said.

She highlighted the Chamber’s robust engagement throughout the year, including small business series, Power Dialogues, Women Mean Business programs, and the annual gala, noting that each initiative strengthened the broader business community. “Beyond programs and panels, what truly matters are the relationships,” she added. “Those connections give small businesses confidence, spark partnerships, and keep our community resilient.”

Patel also expressed sincere appreciation to the Chamber’s board members, advisors, staff, and volunteers for their behind-the-scenes dedication, and shared optimism for the year ahead, thanking members for investing their time, energy, and ideas into the Chamber and into one another.

The evening was further elevated by the presence of Sugar Land Mayor Carol McCutcheon, who joined as chief guest. In her remarks, Mayor McCutcheon congratulated IACCGH on a milestone year and praised its lasting impact on the region. She highlighted Sugar Land’s strong partnership with the Indo-American business community, noting that the city’s growth as a regional and international business hub has been fueled in part by the leadership, innovation, and civic engagement of Indo-American entrepreneurs.

“Your work helps businesses grow, helps cultures connect, and helps our region remain globally competitive,” she said, while recognizing initiatives such as mentorship programs and Women Mean Business for their ripple effects across the local economy.

Representing the Consulate General of India, Consul Prashant Sona spoke about the Chamber’s longstanding role in strengthening India–U.S. ties. Reflecting on his own experience working closely with IACCGH, he underscored its effectiveness in creating new avenues for collaboration and engagement. He noted the natural alignment between India and Texas—rooted in shared values of diversity, democracy, and open markets—and encouraged members to build on that foundation in the year ahead.

Elected officials and community leaders echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Chamber’s focus on family, community, and inclusive economic growth. Representatives from Harris County and the City of Houston presented a certificate of recognition honoring IACCGH for its outstanding leadership, commitment to business collaboration, and dedication to strengthening professional and cultural ties throughout the region.

As the formal program concluded, Founding Secretary and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, partners, and media allies whose collective support made both the evening and the Chamber’s year-long efforts possible. Special appreciation was also extended to Mahesh Shah and Rajan Radhakrishnan of Daawat Catering and Indian Summer, whose exceptional cuisine was widely praised and played a key role in making the evening truly special.

With live food stations, engaging conversations, and a spirit of fellowship filling the room, the Holiday Party served not only as a festive celebration, but also as a reaffirmation of IACCGH’s enduring mission: to bring people together, build bridges across cultures and industries, and move the community forward—together.

The evening concluded on a warm and celebratory note, sending members into the holiday season with renewed connections and a shared sense of purpose for the year ahead.