In 2004 few registered nurses under the visionary leadership of Hon. Dr. Aney Paul formed Indian Nurses Association (INANY) to bring the nurses and nursing students of Indian heritage in New York state under one umbrella to celebrate their cultural and professional commonness, to cultivate
their academic growth and to elevate the standard of nursing being provided by the community to the societal healthcare. Since its foundation, INANY has been employing its vision to empower its members at all levels to reach their highest potential.

                     This was a time when nursing was facing an acute staffing shortage due to demand and supply. Concerned authorities were making strides to address the problem that was potentially affecting patient safety. Indian nurses, majority of them diploma holders, were being encouraged and promoted to look ahead and to optimize their potential for the individual growth and to become influential and forceful for a better healthcare world.
                    One of the primary goals was to motivate the members to advance their academic education in nursing by contracting with universities to provide tuition discounts. Nurses have availed this to earn BSN, MSN, and DNP or PhD degrees. To enhance the standard and integrate new knowledge in professional
practice, INANY has been periodically conducting continuing education classes on topics that are relevant in healthcare arena and the newest evidence-based knowledge. Every year INANY awards scholarships to deserving nursing students and honors nurses who are dedicated to giving exceptional
service to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
                     INANY was founded at a time the immigrant Indian nurses were in the process of integrating themselves in the society and exploring the ways to avail the opportunities this great nation offered. The families that moved into America from a male dominant society still had had some effect in bringing registered nurses under a professional organizational umbrella. As a leader Dr. Aney Paul and the nurses that worked with her, overcame various challenges and barriers in persuading nurses to join INANY and in promoting them for education and using opportunities in elevating themselves to play greater role in
healthcare. She and her team organized networking events, health seminars, workshops and community health fairs which were instrumental for many nurses to pursue higher education.
                   Sosamma Andrews, the president took the lead of INANY after Dr. Aney Paul’s two terms, continued the efforts to make an impact in the Indian nursing community and to attract more and more nurses through medical seminars and continuing education conferences. She expanded the charity work, in collaboration with NAINA to help the people in need beyond New York and the United States. When Japan was struck in 2011 with the worst Tsunami disaster of Japanese history, Ms. Andrews initiated a fundraising and made a financial contribution to the relief fund. Under Ms. Andrews’ leadership INANY
was also quick in extending financial help to families suffered in the devastating earthquake in Haiti and to the families of nurses killed in Amiri Hospital in Kolkatta. She also initiated a need-based scholarship for nursing students in India. During Ms. Andrews’ tenure, two of INANY nurses, Dr. Simon and Dr.
Eapen served as volunteer visiting professors providing education in India. In recognition of the growth
and multifaceted services, INANY was awarded with the Ever Rolling Trophy by National Association of
Indian Nurses in America (NAINA).

                   Dr. Solymole Kuruvilla’s dynamic involvement as a pivotal member of INANY leadership team and her role as chair of the Research and Grants Committee showcased her vibrant dedication. Her election as president of NAINA, the parental organization of INANY, stood as a well-deserved acknowledgment of her exceptional scholarly leadership capabilities, underscoring her invaluable contributions to the nursing profession. Dr. Solymole Kuruvilla, later in 2023, also became one of the handful of Indian nurses inducted as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing. INANY hosted NAINA’s biennial conference in New York under the convenorship of Ms. Sosamma Andrews. She also led INANY for two terms from
2009 to 2012.
                   Under Usha George’s visionary guidance from 2013 to 2016, INANY experienced a remarkable period of growth and empowerment. She spearheaded a robust program of professional seminars, continuing education conferences, and health fairs. These events provided invaluable opportunities for nurses to enhance their knowledge, skills, and networking connections. The association’s commitment to promoting higher education resonated deeply, motivating numerous INANY nurses to enroll in college programs and advance their careers. Under George’s leadership, INANY nurses gained increased
visibility and recognition within the healthcare community. Many members confidently presented their research and expertise at regional and national conferences, contributing to the collective body of knowledge and raising the profile of Indian American nurses. Inspired by George’s trailblazing example,
numerous INANY nurses pursued advanced roles as nurse practitioners, leveraging their expertise to provide comprehensive patient care. Additionally, many members assumed challenging leadership positions within healthcare organizations, driving positive change and advocating for the nursing profession. Usha George’s tenure as the driving force behind INANY left an indelible mark, empowering Indian American nurses to reach new heights of professional excellence, leadership, and influence. The 10th year anniversary organized in 2014 under Usha’s leadership was a colorful exemplification of INANY’s growth in the state. A 10 the anniversary souvenir was also published that year. INANY received citation from Queens borough and Nassau County governments in recognition of its services. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of nurses to embrace lifelong learning, contribute to the advancement of healthcare, and serve as beacons of compassionate care.
                 Mary Philip, a prominent figure in the Indian community, was elected to lead INANY for the term 2017 and 2018. As a veteran military nurse, Mrs. Philip guided her dynamic team in advancing the association’s mission of elevating and transforming the Indian nursing community. Reinforcing INANY’s
identity, she unveiled a new logo and banner. She organizined multiple educational events including comprehensive EKG review. Celebrating National Nurses Day and Onam a cultural festival of the southern state of Kerala were boosting the proud and cultural spirits of the nurses. The forceful promotion of INANY’s goals by Mary Philip’s team was instrumental in the enrollment of 50 nurses for higher education in nursing. Through her visionary leadership and the collective efforts of her vibrant team, Mary Philip played a pivotal role in advancing the Indian nursing community, promoting
professional growth and embodying the spirit of compassion and service.
                Tara Shajan, another veteran military nurse, took the helm of INANY after Mary Philip. Her dynamic team of leadership enthusiastically organized celebration of Nurses Week and Mother’s Day, an event of celebration attended by so many nurses. Under Tara Shajan’s leadership a large team of nurses made its presence at NAINA’s clinical excellence conference in New Jersey. INANY also attended a UN meeting focused on “Women Empowerment in Minority Populations.”  Tara Shajan’s tenure of 2019 and 2020 experienced the worst pandemic, the COVID-19. While the members of INANY were doing their best to save lives of the people with COVID and helping others to be safe simultaneously protecting themselves and their loved ones safe through strict adherence of COVID, the Association also organized supplies to needy families in New York, making monitory donations to families and nursing homes and providing food to hospital healthcare workers. Tara’s tenure was capped off by INANY receiving the DAISY Team
Award.
             INANY also became a 501(c)3 organization. A process initiated by Mary Philip and became fruitful in Tara Shajan’s presidency.

           The election of Dr. Anna George, marked the beginning of a golden era for INANY. Her leadership was rooted on three pillars, viz. education, charity, and service. Her leadership style has been dynamic, vibrant, democratic, and transformational. With boundless energy and enthusiasm, she has reached out to every segment of the society, expanding INANY’s influence and driving positive change in all corners. Her ability to connect with diverse groups and inspire action has been truly remarkable. Indian nurses from all walks of professional practice were being attracted to INANY. Her tenure witnessed the largest
number of nurses becoming members of the organization. Health fairs in underserved communities, educational conferences, awards and scholarships, recognizing individual successes, initiating fund raising and coat drives, blood drive, mentoring nurses, promoting nurses to explore their potentials for
advancement, making the public leaders aware of INANY’s activities, collaborating with other community organizations, participating in India Day parades, taking leadership in organizing a prayer vigil at United Nations against religious persecution, bringing lawmakers and government officials to
INANY’s forums, are some of the endeavors that took place in Dr. George’s leadership. She credited the
success of INANY’s growth and success to her highly qualified and talented leaders, namely, the chairs of
each committee and subcommittee leaders.
             During her two terms as president from 2021 to 2024, Dr. Anna George enabled INANY to take an active role in combating the unprecedented surge of anti-Asian hate incidents across the United States. With funding from a New York state grant and in collaboration with the Coalition of Asian Children and
Families, INANY successfully planned and initiated an educational training program called “Bystander Intervention.” This program aimed to equip potential witnesses with the knowledge and skills to safely intervene when observing hate incidents. Surprisingly INANY was again awarded with a grant of
$16,800 for multilevel service to the Asian American Pacific Islander community. INANY is in the process of projects to effectively utilize the fund to bring outcome.
            The year 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of INANY’s formation. The anniversary celebration, combined with Nurses Day, featured a uniquely diverse program of scholarly speeches, colorful cultural performances, valuable networking opportunities, and appreciation and felicitation leaders from New
York City, Nassau County, Rockland County and New York State Assembly. This multifaceted event celebrated INANY’s two decades of service while honoring the nursing profession’s vital role in healthcare. INANY’s leadership team also received DAISY award for the compassionate care enshrined
in its activities over the years.
           INANY’s membership comprises of direct care nurses, nurse managers, chief nursing officers, nurse scientists, nursing educators, researchers, and university professors.

INANY provides a transparent and open forum for all nurses and nursing students of Indian origin and welcome each one of them to get involved to enrich themselves and extend our helping hand to the society we live in.