Queens Library, the country's busiest public library system, will honour Indian American Uma Sengupta at its 4th annual Queens Library Foundation Gala as a symbol of what new Americans can contribute to society.
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The gala will be co-chaired by Joseph R. Ficalora, president of the Queens Library Foundation Board and president and CEO of New York Community Bank, and William Jefferson of the Queens Library Board of Trustees.
Although a mother and grandmother, Sengupta did not stay confined by the South Asian model of the demure housewife on arriving in the US in 1970.
She founded the Rainbow Montessori School. Combining political activism with her role as educator, she ran for political office and was elected Democratic District Leader in the 25th Assembly District in 2002.
"Through her many achievements, Uma Sengupta exemplifies the outstanding contributions that new Americans can make to our society," said Diana Chapin, executive director of Queens Library Foundation.
"Queens Library wants to honour her accomplishments and help others to reach the same high goals."