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.