The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) celebrated its 27th anniversary Saturday with a space-themed Annual Gala & Awards Banquet at Hilton Americas–Houston, on Aug. 29, bringing together elected officials, business and community leaders, entrepreneurs and corporate partners to honor the strength of the Houston–India relationship.

With the theme “Connecting Business Across Borders and Beyond,” the Gala drew inspiration from Houston’s identity as Space City while reflecting IACCGH’s longstanding mission: connecting businesses, investors and institutions across Houston, the United States and India.

“What began as a vision to bring people and businesses together has grown into a lasting bridge between Houston, the United States and India — improving trade, creating opportunity and strengthening the voice of our community. When people connect, opportunities follow,” said Founding Secretary & Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, representing Texas’ 7th Congressional District, served as Chief Guest and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships among business, government and the community.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Consul General of India D.C. Manjunath also spoke, underscoring the growing economic, civic and cultural ties between Houston and India. U.S. Senator John Cornyn, co-founder of the bipartisan Senate India Caucus and a former IACCGH Gala keynote speaker, joined the celebration through a special video message.

At the VIP reception preceding the Gala, Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong presented a proclamation recognizing IACCGH’s 27 years of service and its contributions to strengthening business and community ties.
The event also saw Mayors from the surrounding cities of Sugar Land and Pearland, Commissioners from Fort Bend County and other elected officials.
Fireside Conversation: Houston’s Next Frontier

A highlight of the evening was “Houston’s Next Frontier,” a fireside conversation featuring Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia and William T. Harris, President & CEO of Space Center Houston and moderated by Sanjay Ramabhadran, past IACCGH President and former METRO Chair. The discussion explored Houston’s extraordinary growth, the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the opportunities ahead at the intersection of commerce, innovation, technology and space exploration.

Honoring Leaders Who Move Houston Forward

IACCGH honored four leaders whose accomplishments reflect the entrepreneurial energy, business leadership and community commitment shaping Greater Houston.
Businesswoman of the Year — Tina Khatri CEO, TDK Construction Company Recognized for leading a successful women-owned minority business and for her contributions to Greater Houston’s commercial and community landscape. Khatri serves as a Trustee of the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston and co-founded the South Asian Women Entrepreneurs Alliance, and has been a vocal advocate for expanding opportunities for women in business and commercial real estate.

Businessman of the Year — Sunny Bathija Founder, Satya Inc. Honored for an entrepreneurial career that has shaped Houston’s real estate and development landscape. Since founding Satya Inc. in 1999, Bathija has built an extensive development portfolio, including The St. Regis Residences, Houston — one of the company’s signature projects — exemplifying the vision and long-term investment fueling Houston’s economic growth.
Business Advocate of the Year — Milton Thibodeaux

President, Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum Recognized for decades of advocacy on behalf of entrepreneurs and small, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. Through the Forum, Thibodeaux has connected business owners with corporations, government agencies and procurement professionals, creating pathways to contracts, partnerships and economic opportunities across the region.

Lifetime Achievement Award — William T. Harris President & CEO, Space Center Houston Honored for a career defined by leadership, vision and service. Since joining Space Center Houston in April 2016, Harris has led the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and expanded its role as a destination for education, inspiration and public engagement with the story and future of human space exploration — a fitting recognition during an evening celebrating Houston’s future as a global center for innovation and space.

Special Tribute to Bal Sareen

The Gala also paid special tribute to Bal Sareen, a longtime IACCGH member and respected Houston entrepreneur. Through his leadership, Sareen built Brask Inc. into a leading manufacturer of shell-and-tube heat exchangers serving the energy and industrial sectors. His impact extends well beyond business: together with his wife, Rita, he has supported numerous philanthropic and community initiatives, including the Bal and Rita Sareen Clinic at India House Houston. IACCGH recognized Sareen for both his entrepreneurial accomplishments and his legacy of generosity and service to the Houston community.

Leadership That Builds Bridges

IACCGH President Rajiv Bhavsar, First Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer at Wallis Bank, emphasized that the Chamber’s success has always been a collective achievement.
“No one person builds an organization like IACCGH — it takes a community. Twenty-seven years ago, IACCGH started building bridges. Today, those bridges are stronger than ever.”

Culture Connects Communities

The evening also celebrated the role of culture in bringing people together. Houston Grand Opera, introduced by Monica Thakkar, Director of Strategic Initiatives, delivered a stirring performance underscoring the power of music and the arts to connect diverse communities. Guests then enjoyed dinner by Daawat Catering, followed by an array of desserts, including Gallivant ice creams, a live jalebi counter and a traditional chai station.
Partners Who Made the Gala Possible

IACCGH thanked the corporate partners and community organizations whose support made the 2026 Gala possible:
§ Gala Champion: ImmuGlow, represented by Founder & CEO Twinkle Patel
§ Gala Benefactor: Wallis Bank, represented by CEO Asif Dakri
§ Media Sponsor: Houston Business Journal
§ Gala Reception Chair: Brask Inc.
§ Host Committee Chairs: Shell, V & A Group, St. Luke’s Health, Piping Technology & Products, Upscale Productions and H-E-B

Their partnership reflects the collaborative spirit that has sustained IACCGH for 27 years and continues to expand the Chamber’s impact.
Looking Beyond 27 Years

As IACCGH enters its 28th year, the Chamber remains focused on expanding the economic bridge between Houston and India — promoting trade and investment, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, encouraging innovation, developing talent and creating new opportunities for collaboration. From energy and healthcare to aerospace, technology, manufacturing and emerging industries, the Houston–India relationship continues to offer significant opportunities for businesses and communities on both sides.

The 2026 Gala celebrated where IACCGH has been — and, more importantly, where it is going.

About IACCGH Founded in 1999, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) connects businesses, investors and institutions across Greater Houston and India to advance trade, investment, entrepreneurship and innovation. The Chamber convenes business and civic leaders, supports small-business growth and talent development, facilitates market entry and serves as a bridge connecting Greater Houston with partners and sister chambers across India.