Assembly Resolution No. 862

BY: M. of A. Cook

HONORING Malini Shah upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Visionary Award by the National Action
Network, West New York Chapter on March 22, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Malini Shah upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Visionary Award by the National Action Network,
West Nassau Chapter to be celebrated at its Gala on Sunday, March 22,
2020, at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square, New York; and

WHEREAS, Malini Shah is a prominent community leader who serves as
President of her diamond company, Difference Inc., and is the founder of
Nritya Kala Kendra, Inc., and Indo-American Arts and Cultural Forum, a
cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient
and modern arts of India; and

WHEREAS, Through various classes, workshops, lectures, and visiting
artist programs, Nritya Kala Kendra offers numerous educational programs
throughout New York City and abroad, and has assisted with various
events such as Year of India at Queens College, International Yoga Day,
and International Children's Day; and

WHEREAS, Malini Shah is an Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP)
from the Gemological Institute of America, and earned two bachelor's
degrees in Arts and Child Education in India; for more than 30 years,
she has been teaching children in some of India's most prestigious
schools including the Modern School; and

WHEREAS, A well-known cultural ambassador and a community icon,
Malini Shah has traveled extensively all over the world as a
representative of Indian Tourism Development and the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations, and was part of the delegation of ICCR headed by the
former Vice President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Malini Shah was a member of the Advisory
Board of both Queens Museum and The Queens Council on the Arts, and
served on the Advisory Committee for South Asians for many
well-respected dignitaries; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Malini Shah volunteers as a Community and
Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Vallone, and serves as a
representative for New York City Speakers Melissa Mark-Vivirito and
Corey Johnson to the Museum of Arts and Design Board of Trustees in
Manhattan; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Malini Shah holds the titles of Chairperson of
the Maharastra Chapter of Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) and Vice
President and co-Chair of the IOC; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to her craft, Malini Shah is a member of the Queens
Council on the Arts and Women's Jewelry Association; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
community, Malini Shah is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including the 2016 Queens Ambassador Award from Times Ledger Newspapers,
Jewel of India Award, Outstanding Mother Award by C.A.P.S.C, Hind Ratan
Award for Outstanding Service, Positive Indo-American Image Award, and
the Outstanding Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, as well as numerous
citations from notable politicians; and

WHEREAS, Malini Shah was also honored for exceptional Community
Service "Celebrating Women Leaders on International Women's Day" by the
Society of Foreign Consuls at Bohemian National Hall; on April 29, 2017,
she received the Women of Distinction in Leadership Award by the Center
for the Women of New York, and on May 7, 2018, the Bayside-Whitestone
Lions Club Community Service Award; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Nilesh Shah, who
feels privileged to be a part of her life and rejoices in her
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Malini Shah has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Malini Shah upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visionary Award by the National Action
Network, West Nassau Chapter on March 22, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Malini Shah.