BOSTON– Seven outstanding individuals and organizations from across New England—representing excellence in academia, healthcare, business, community service, the arts, and non-profits—have been named recipients of the 2025 New England Choice Awards (NECA). The honorees will be recognized during a black-tie gala on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts. (Updated: July 20, 11:17 AM)
Presented by INE MultiMedia, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting art, culture, education, and empowerment, the annual NECA Gala is one of the region’s most anticipated events, drawing over 400 distinguished guests including entrepreneurs, business executives, educators, philanthropists, and community leaders.
“These remarkable individuals and organizations exemplify the spirit of innovation, service, and cultural enrichment,” said Dr. Manju Sheth, MD, President of INE MultiMedia, president of Women Who Win, creator of the NECA Awards, and co-producer of the event. “We are thrilled to honor their contributions and look forward to an inspiring evening with the New England community on November 1.”
A diverse jury of 11 distinguished professionals from business, academia, and the nonprofit sector selected the awardees through a rigorous nomination and review process.
Founded in 2016, the New England Choice Awards celebrate leaders and changemakers associated with the Indian American community who have made significant impacts in their fields and in society at large. The initiative is a flagship service of INE MultiMedia, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The gala is organized in collaboration with INDIA New England News, one of the region’s leading media platforms for the Indian American community.
To purchase tickets and reserve your place at the gala, please click here. Early registration is encouraged, as seating is limited. The event is attended by about 400 community and business leaders.
As previously announced, Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo and one of the most influential business leaders of our time, will be honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration, and community spirit. The 2025 NECA Honorees are:
Academia & Innovation Award 2025
Sanjay Sarma, Ph. D
Professor, Inventor, Global Education Leader
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
A true visionary at the intersection of engineering, innovation, and education, Sanjay Sarma is the recipient of this year’s Academia & Innovation Award at the 2025 New England Choice Awards. Currently the Fred Fort Flowers (1941) and Daniel Fort Flowers (1941) Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Dr. Sarma’s work has transformed not only how we interact with technology—but how we learn and share knowledge across the world.
A globally renowned pioneer in RFID technology, Sarma co-founded the MIT Auto-ID Center, laying the foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT). His early innovations fueled the global adoption of RFID, reshaping industries from logistics and manufacturing to healthcare and retail. He also served as the CTO of OATSystems, one of the first RFID software companies.
As MIT’s former Vice President for Open Learning, Sarma led the charge in democratizing education. His visionary efforts in online and blended learning platforms have made high-quality education more accessible to millions across the globe. Most recently, he brought his leadership to Southeast Asia as President, CEO, and Dean of the Asia School of Business, further extending his impact on global education and innovation.
Sarma has authored over 100 influential papers on sensing, automation, CAD, and learning sciences. His thought leadership extends beyond academia; he serves on the boards of GS1US, Hochschild Mining, and other organizations, and is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide.
With degrees from IIT, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Berkeley, Sarma is not only a scholar of the highest caliber, but a champion for innovation, accessibility, and lifelong learning. His work continues to shape the future of education, technology, and human potential.
The New England Choice Awards is proud to honor Sarma with the 2025 Academia & Innovation Award—celebrating a lifetime of breakthroughs that are changing the world.
Art & Culture Visionary Award 2025
Shadaj
Preserving Tradition, Inspiring the Future of Indian Classical Music
Founder: Rajesh Godbole
In recognition of its extraordinary commitment to preserving and elevating Indian Classical Music, Shadaj is honored with the Art & Culture Visionary Award at the 2025 New England Choice Awards. Founded by Rajesh Godbole, Shadaj has, over the past decade, become a cultural beacon in New England—bridging heritage, innovation, and community.
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Shadaj is driven by a mission to keep the essence of Indian classical music alive in its purest, most authentic form. Through immersive baithak-style concerts, intimate gatherings that replicate the traditional Indian setting of artistic exchange, Shadaj revives the soul of classical performance for modern audiences.
But Shadaj is more than a concert platform—it’s a cultural movement. With music appreciation workshops, open mic nights, and educational outreach, the organization cultivates deeper understanding and connection across generations and cultures. Whether through masterclasses with legendary artists or spotlighting the next generation of talent, Shadaj is a vital platform for learning, performance, and artistic growth.
Strategic collaborations with renowned institutions such as Berklee College of Music and MIT’s MITHAS have helped Shadaj expand its footprint and infuse Indian classical traditions into broader academic and artistic spaces—demonstrating how timeless art can find renewed relevance in today’s world.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Shadaj has not only preserved an art form—it has reimagined how it can be experienced. Through music, Shadaj builds bridges: between past and present, artist and audience, tradition and innovation. The New England Choice Awards recognizes Shadaj as the 2025 Art & Culture Visionary, honoring a decade of dedication to cultural excellence and community enrichment through the universal language of music.
Business Luminary Award 2025
Naveen Pawar
Innovator, Entrepreneur, and Craft Beer Trailblazer
Co-Founder: Mighty Squirrel
For his bold vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and success in a uniquely creative industry, Naveen Pawar, Co-founder of Mighty Squirrel, is honored with the 2025 Business Luminary Award at the New England Choice Awards.
Pawar ventured into the world of craft brewing in 2013, co-founding Mighty Squirrel, a Boston-based brewery that has since become one of the most vibrant and recognized names in New England’s beer scene. Known for its adventurous flavors, modern branding, and welcoming taproom atmosphere, Mighty Squirrel has redefined what a local brewery can be—not just a place to drink, but a place to gather, create, and connect.
What makes Pawar’s journey particularly remarkable is the unconventional path he took to get here. Before launching his company, he built a distinguished career in the medical device industry, holding senior product management roles at Smith & Nephew, Freedom Innovations, and Alphatec Spine. There, he led global marketing strategies and spearheaded the development of advanced biomedical technologies, bringing a rare combination of analytical rigor and user-centered design to his work.
At Mighty Squirrel, Pawar applied that same product-focused mindset to a completely different domain—craft beer—blending technical precision with creative experimentation. The result is a brewery known not only for its quality brews but also for its forward-thinking culture and commitment to community. From open mic nights to food truck festivals and fitness events, the Mighty Squirrel taproom has become a hub of local engagement and shared experiences.
As a brand, Mighty Squirrel stands out in a crowded market by embracing both innovation and inclusivity, much like Pawar himself. Under his leadership, the company continues to grow while staying true to its roots as a people-first, passion-driven business.
For breaking the mold, excelling in a highly competitive industry, and turning a personal passion into a community-based success story, Naveen Pawar is a true Business Luminary and an inspiring force in the New England entrepreneurial landscape.
Healthcare Trailblazer 2025
Healthcare Trailblazer Award
Dr. Anil Chandraker, MD
Pioneering Transplantation Expert, Educator, and Global Healthcare Leader
For his groundbreaking contributions to transplantation medicine, his transformative leadership, and his dedication to advancing education and clinical excellence, Dr. Anil Chandraker is honored with the 2025 Healthcare Trailblazer Award at the New England Choice Awards.
Dr. Chandraker is a globally recognized leader in kidney and pancreas transplantation, whose work has reshaped the field across multiple dimensions—research, patient care, policy, and training. With a career spanning decades, he has not only improved lives through medicine but also helped define the future of transplantation on a global scale.
As the former President of the American Society of Transplantation, Dr. Chandraker led high-impact national initiatives that continue to influence transplant policy and innovation. Among his key achievements was the creation of the Transplant Therapeutics Consortium, a groundbreaking public-private partnership designed to streamline the development of new therapies and improve transplant outcomes. Under his leadership, the Society also modernized how success is measured in organ transplantation, ensuring better accountability and care for thousands of patients nationwide.
Dr. Chandraker’s research legacy is equally impressive. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to some of the most influential medical textbooks in nephrology and transplantation, and helped shape clinical guidelines that are followed in transplant centers around the world.
As a physician, Dr. Chandraker served as the Medical Director of the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one of the country’s premier transplant centers. Today, he leads the Division of Nephrology at UMass Memorial, bringing his expertise to central Massachusetts and continuing his mission of patient-centered, innovative care.
He is also a revered educator and mentor, best known for organizing Harvard’s Renal Board Review Course, a landmark program that has trained countless physicians preparing for board certification and specialty practice. Many of today’s leading nephrologists and transplant physicians count him as a teacher, mentor, and role model.
For his unmatched contributions to medicine, leadership, and mentorship, and for blazing a trail that will benefit generations of patients and physicians alike, the New England Choice Awards proudly recognizes Dr. Anil Chandraker as the 2025 Healthcare Trailblazer.
Legacy in Community Service Award 2025
Legacy in Community Service Award
Dr. Gopala Dwarakanath, MD
Spiritual Visionary, Community Builder, and Lifelong Servant Leader
Founder: Chinmaya Mission Boston
For more than three decades, Dr. Gopala Dwarakanath, MD, has exemplified the true spirit of seva—selfless service—by dedicating his life to building a spiritual, cultural, and educational haven for Indian Americans in New England. As the recipient of the Legacy in Community Service Award at the 2025 New England Choice Awards, his contributions stand as a beacon of lasting impact and generational inspiration.
In 1992, Dr. Dwarakanath was personally appointed by Swami Chinmayananda, one of the foremost spiritual leaders of modern India, to establish a local chapter of Chinmaya Mission in New England. With nothing more than a vision, deep faith, and unwavering determination—and with the steadfast support of his wife, Dr. Shashi Dwarakanath—he began the journey of building what would become Chinmaya Mission Boston, headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.
Over the following decades, Dr. Dwarakanath singlehandedly galvanized a community of volunteers, families, and youth, transforming a small gathering of devotees into a thriving institution. His leadership culminated in the creation of a full-fledged ashram campus, which opened in 2008, housing the Chinmaya Maruti Temple, a vibrant Sunday Bala Vihar school, and year-round programming for spiritual learning, cultural education, and youth development.
Today, the Mission is home to hundreds of families, with students and devotees attending Sanskrit classes, Vedanta lectures, music and dance programs, language courses, and youth leadership training—all rooted in the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Hindu philosophy. The campus not only serves as a temple and educational center, but also as a community hub where generations come together to celebrate heritage, deepen faith, and build meaningful connections.
Beyond his spiritual leadership, Dr. Dwarakanath also had a distinguished career in medicine, serving as the Medical Director of the Pain Management Center at Lowell General Hospital before retiring. Yet even in retirement, he continues to serve as President-Emeritus of Chinmaya Mission Boston, offering wisdom, mentorship, and support to ensure the institution continues to thrive.
For his visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and a legacy of community service that has uplifted thousands, the New England Choice Awards is proud to honor Dr. Gopala Dwarakanath with the 2025 Legacy in Community Service Award.
His work is not just remembered—it is lived, week after week, by the very community he helped build.
Legal & Justice Champion Award 2025
Legal & Justice Champion Award
Judge Neil Sherring
Trailblazer, Advocate, and Guardian of Fairness in the Courtroom
For his historic appointment, unwavering dedication to justice, and lifelong commitment to serving the people of Massachusetts with integrity and empathy, Judge Neil Sherring is honored with the 2025 Legal & Justice Champion Award at the New England Choice Awards.
A proud Boston native and first-generation Indian American, Judge Sherring made history in 2018 when he became the first Indian American appointed to the Massachusetts Housing Court. In this pioneering role, he brings not only a sharp legal mind, but also a deep understanding of the diverse communities he serves—grounded in his own life experiences and the values instilled in him by his immigrant family.
Judge Sherring’s career has been marked by a strong foundation in public service and a passion for civil justice. Before ascending to the bench, he served as a partner at Dakoyannis & Sherring, LLC, where he represented clients in complex civil litigation across state and federal courts. His earlier work as a litigation associate at Mintz Levin and as an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts gave him valuable experience in advocating for both individuals and institutions—always with a focus on fairness and the public good.
In the Housing Court, Judge Sherring presides over cases that directly affect the lives of Massachusetts residents—landlord-tenant disputes, housing code enforcement, and access to safe, stable housing. Known for his compassionate courtroom demeanor and deep respect for due process, he is committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of background, status, or circumstance—is treated with dignity and heard with fairness.
Judge Sherring is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School, and his journey serves as an inspiration to young lawyers and law students from underrepresented communities. His visibility and impact extend beyond the courtroom, helping pave the way for greater diversity, representation, and equity within the Massachusetts legal system.
For his groundbreaking service, commitment to justice, and enduring role as a champion of fairness and inclusion, the New England Choice Awards is proud to present Judge Neil Sherring with the 2025 Legal & Justice Champion Award.
Best Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award 2025
New England Malayalee Association (NEMA)
Honoring Two Decades of Culture, Community, and Connection
Priyanka Ranjith, President
In recognition of its outstanding commitment to cultural preservation, community building, and intergenerational engagement, the New England Malayalee Association (NEMA) has been named the 2025 Non-Profit Organization of the Year by the New England Choice Awards. Priyanka Ranjith currently serves as the organization’s president.
Founded in 2004, NEMA has spent over two decades building a vibrant, inclusive, and enduring platform for Malayalee families in Massachusetts and beyond. As a registered non-profit organization, NEMA is devoted to promoting Kerala’s rich heritage, from its classical music, dance, and literature to its food, festivals, and linguistic traditions. But its mission extends far beyond celebration—it’s about creating belonging, fostering understanding, and building bridges between generations and cultures.
A secular and community-driven organization, NEMA thrives because of the deep-rooted commitment of its volunteers and members, many of whom have served for decades. Its events are not just programs—they are cultural lifelines. From Onam and Vishu celebrations to literary festivals, drama productions, and youth talent showcases, NEMA provides year-round opportunities for artistic expression, leadership, and cultural education.
One of NEMA’s greatest strengths is its intergenerational focus. By creating spaces where elders, adults, and children can all participate and contribute, NEMA ensures that the values and language of Malayalam culture are passed on with pride and relevance to younger generations growing up in the United States. Its programs also serve as a bridge for cross-cultural engagement, offering the broader New England community opportunities to experience and appreciate Kerala’s unique contributions to global heritage.
Beyond the stage and celebration halls, NEMA is a true community anchor. It supports new immigrants, engages in social service, and provides a welcoming home for all who seek connection through culture. Its continued collaboration with local artists, educators, and professionals ensures its offerings are both authentic and evolving.
For its exceptional dedication to preserving cultural identity while promoting unity and community spirit, and for transforming celebration into meaningful impact, the New England Choice Awards proudly honors NEMA as the 2025 Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
Reflecting on the purpose and long-term impact of the New England Choice Awards, Upendra Mishra, Co-Founder of INE MultiMedia and Publisher of INDIA New England News and its sister publication Life Sciences Times and Boston Real Estate Times, emphasized how the event goes beyond recognition—it serves as a platform to inspire, elevate, and empower. He shared:
“The New England Choice Awards are more than just a celebration of success—they are a call to action. Each honoree represents the very best of what it means to lead with purpose, give back selflessly, and uplift others through excellence,” said Mishra. “By shining a light on their stories, we hope to inspire a new generation to dream bigger, work harder, and serve their communities with heart and integrity.”
