Suranjoy Hazarika
President - AANA

I am a long-time resident of Skillman NJ where I live with my wife, Kamalakshi, and our daughter, Shivani. Our son Sandeep is a resident of Jersey City, NJ. I was born and raised in Shillong and did my schooling at St. Edmund’s. I completed my graduation from BITS, Pilani, Rajasthan.  I started my career, as a software professional, in Mumbai but within a couple of years moved to the United States (in 1984).

We have been AANA members for a long time. Every July we look forward to attending the annual Assam Convention. I have also had the privilege of serving in the AANA Executive Committee as the Treasurer between 2015 and 2017. 

I am grateful to the General Body for giving me this opportunity to serve as the President for the 2019-21 term. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Executive Committee and in the regions to build on the strong foundation that has been laid down by all the office bearers that have preceded us. We will always need your support to keep the organization running smoothly.   

 Monoranjan (Mark) Bordoloi
Executive Vice President - AANA

I call myself a “Dreamer.’ I dream for mine, families, colleagues and Societies well-being. I came through a very middle-class lifestyle in India to this dreamland called America. As an Entrepreneur, I have learned how our associate’s lives are directly related to our decisions. I have also learnt how to contribute to society. I am blessed that; God has blessed me with the ability to help the poor and needy.

I am known as Mark Bordoloi within the social as well as the business community. As a Postgraduate in Advertising and Communications management, at the very early stage, I learned the importance of being part of society. I was recognized by Bhupen Hazarika Foundation with Firingoti Award in the year 2014 for entrepreneurship. The journey of an entrepreneur is not easy, but it taught me how to be disciplined and mindful.

I have been a social person since my childhood. I took lead in organizing Sankardeva Tithi, Cricket Tournaments and offered free classes to the students during summer vacations. I understand we as a small community from the northeastern part of India must be united and be helpful for each other. The time has come to rise above our capabilities and contribute to every aspect of social and personal development.

For a short period of time, I contributed my service as General Secretary of Naamghar Association of America. I am thankful to the Assamese Diaspora for believing me in my capabilities. I will work towards bringing the community together towards becoming a mainstream community in North America. 

Since the day I landed in the United States, I have been a resident of New Jersey. The Garden State has taught me how to enjoy all the Four Seasons of life and appreciate God’s creations.

 Dr. Jonali Baruah Panging    General Secretary - AANA

Two and a half suitcases and a pocket full of hope were all we had when we moved
to this country from Assam. Starting a new life as graduate students with a one-
year-old and no steady income could have easily been a bad decision, but we managed to hold our own. Fast-forward about twenty years and my husband Pankaj and I are now eternally grateful to this country for teaching us some of the best lessons of life. We currently live in Frisco, Texas with our kids Neel, and Nishtha, and our dog named Toby.

My passion to serve others led me to engage in various community activities since my college days. As a graduate student at SNDT University, Mumbai, I was associated with various social organizations such as Youth for Unity and Voluntary Actions and the Juvenile Diabetic Association of Mumbai. I counseled underprivileged children, organized awareness camps for juvenile diabetics, and taught self-help classes to mentally challenged children at Sashi Mangalyam, Mumbai. Since then, I acquired an interest in understanding the cognitive process underlying human behavior and interactions. This subsequently led me to pursue a doctoral degree in Experimental Psychology from UT Arlington, Texas. Currently, I am a faculty at a regional university and conduct research to enhance team productivity and innovation. Apart from my academic activities, I have been actively involved in various Assamese community events in Dallas with our fellow Assamese brethren, and have been a part of AANA for past several years. I am excited to be a part of the AANA family and I look forward to giving my best as a general secretary of the organization.

I am Krishna Hazarika, currently residing at Maryland, U.S.A with my beautiful wife Anjana Bordoloi and my boy Ashwin Hazarika. I am originally from Nagaon, Assam. Professionally I am a computer engineer, but take a deep interest in music, painting, sports and so much more. I like creativity and always love challenges. I grew up in an environment of helping others and optimistic in nature. With this current role at AANA as Treasurer, I hope to serve our beautiful Assamese community in North America as well as make a difference where possible.

Arup Goswami [President, AANA]

I have been serving as AANA’s President from July 2017 till present. I was the Vice-President for 2013 – 2015 term and continued for 2015 – 2017 term as well. 

 I was born and brought up in Shillong. We moved down to Guwahati after the shifting of Capital. A Civil Engineer from Assam Engineering College, Guwahati. Worked for Assam State Electricity Board and Guwahati Development Authority. Spent 3 years in London, England for higher computer education.

 My wife Manashi Goswami and I live in Calgary with our 2 sons ( eldest son Rishi, youngest son Roni). We migrated to Calgary in 1996. Worked in private companies in the fields of Civil engineering and Project Management. 

I was one of the founders and the first President of Assam Association of Alberta, an active Rotarian, teach Guitar in an East Indian performing Arts School for last 10 years. I was the Cultural Secretary for 2005 and President for 2012 Assam Convention held in Calgary.

I joined ANNA in 2006 and became a life Member.  We always like to attend and participate in the Assam Conventions. Though we celebrate all the events like, Rongali bihu, Magh Bihu, Diwali locally here in Calgary, attending annual Convention in different location gives us a huge opportunity to maintain the tie to our cultural roots and heritage in a bigger way. And now happy and proud to be the part of the AANA Executive for the second time. Hoping to contribute some of my time and knowledge to build a stronger organization.  Long live AANA! 

Krishanu Kaushik [Executive Vice President, AANA]

 Profile to be posted soon!

Anjana Bordoloi
[General Secretary  - AANA]

I am currently residing in Columbia, Maryland with my husband Krishna Hazarika and son Ashwin Hazarika. I was born in Jorhat, Assam.

By profession, I am an IT project manager. Over the years, I worked with a number of community based organizations across Maryland, Virginia and North America. My professional and cultural background helped me to connect with the minority groups sharing cultural heritage through numerous community events. My strength lies in collaboration and partnership among all the stakeholders.

It’s my privilege to serve the Assamese community as General Secretary of Assam Association of North America (AANA). Recently, I was appointed as a Commissioner of South Asian Maryland Governors commission.

As part of American Diversity Group (ADG), I have been also instrumental in implementing various health literacy events including a number of health fairs for ethic minority groups. At ADG, we strive to be the leading organization to provide the best care to everyone through integrated medical practice, education and awareness. We are dedicated to the sole purpose of empowering communities to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. 

Pallabita Bhuyan[Treasurer, AANA]
Profile to be posted soon

Ranu Dutta [President  - AANA]
I came to the USA in 1966 when I was a teenager married to Satyajit Dutta, currently living in Austin, Texas. We have one son, Sabrin (Riku) who lives in Atlanta and our daughter Irina (Rinti) lives in Austin, Texas. We have six grandchildren to keep us busy. I have a finance degree from Worcester University, Massachusetts.

During the span of my career, I had the opportunity to work for former First Lady Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson’s Finance company. That was an exciting time in my life getting to know the Johnson family and attended a lot of their family events. Then I joined a public Pension Fund and worked as an Investment Analyst, my focus being private equity and real estate investments from which I retired 3 years ago.

I joined AANA in 1986 and have been an active member by serving AANA in various capacities throughout these years. AANA has been an integral part of my life as I believe in preserving and fostering our rich heritage, culture, traditions, roots and thereby passing on to the future generations to come. I feel the AANA's annual Convention, known as ASSAM CONVENTION provides the platform for all of us  living in North America to come together, participate and enjoy cultural and community activities and just having fun from the very young to the very old.

Arup Goswami
[Executive Vice President]

I have been serving as AANA’s Vice-President for 2013 – 2015 term and continued for 2015 – 2017 term as well.

 I was born and brought up in Shillong. We moved down to Guwahati after the shifting of Capital. A Civil Engineer from Assam Engineering College, Guwahati. Worked for Assam State Electricity Board and Guwahati Development Authority. Spent 3 years in London, England for higher computer education.

 My wife Manashi Goswami and I live in Calgary with our 2 sons ( eldest son Rishi, youngest son Roni). We migrated to Calgary in 1996. Worked in private companies in the fields of Civil engineering and Project Management. 

I was one of the founders and the first President of Assam Association of Alberta, an active Rotarian, teach Guitar in an East Indian performing Arts School for last 10 years. I was the Cultural Secretary for 2005 and President for 2012 Assam Convention held in Calgary.

I joined ANNA in 2006 and became a life Member.  We always like to attend and participate in the Assam Conventions. Though we celebrate all the events like, Rongali bihu, Magh Bihu, Diwali locally here in Calgary, attending annual Convention in different location gives us a huge opportunity to maintain the tie to our cultural roots and heritage in a bigger way. And now happy and proud to be the part of the AANA Executive for the second time. Hoping to contribute some of my time and knowledge to build a stronger organization.  Long live AANA! 

Suranjoy Hazarika [Treasurer  - AANA]

I live in Skillman, New Jersey with my wife Kamalakshi and our children, Sandeep and Shivani. I was born in Shillong and lived there till I completed my schooling.  My career as a software professional has taken me to several places. However, for the past twenty years, New Jersey has been our home.

We have been AANA members for a long time. We have been lucky to be able to attend several of the Assam Conventions over the years. The annual gathering is an occasion we look forward to.

I am glad to be a part of the executive committee of AANA.  I sincerely hope we can keep the organization running smoothly, and, make it better in any way we can.

Anjana Bordoloi
[General Secretary  - AANA]

I am currently residing in Columbia, Maryland with my husband Krishna Hazarika and son Ashwin Hazarika. I was born in Jorhat, Assam.

By profession, I am an IT project manager. Over the years, I worked with a number of community based organizations across Maryland, Virginia and North America. My professional and cultural background helped me to connect with the minority groups sharing cultural heritage through numerous community events. My strength lies in collaboration and partnership among all the stakeholders.

It’s my privilege to serve the Assamese community as General Secretary of Assam Association of North America (AANA). Recently, I was appointed as a Commissioner of South Asian Maryland Governors commission.

As part of American Diversity Group (ADG), I have been also instrumental in implementing various health literacy events including a number of health fairs for ethic minority groups. At ADG, we strive to be the leading organization to provide the best care to everyone through integrated medical practice, education and awareness. We are dedicated to the sole purpose of empowering communities to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.  

Dr. Deva Borah
President  - AANA 
[2013-2015]

My wife Anu and I became members of AANA in 1982. To me, AANA is my away-from-home family and its members are my cousins, nephews, and nieces. Anu and I make our best efforts to visit these extended family members during our annual reunions, the Assam Conventions, and also by participating in local activities and gatherings, including Bihus, Tithis, birthdays, weddings, memorials, etc. It has been my great privilege to serve this family and its sisters (AFNA and ASSNA) at various levels, locally and nationally, and work with its founders and members towards building it stronger for our future generations. Especially the last four years were rewarding while serving this great organization as the General Secretary and Treasurer and the current two-years (2013-2015) have been the most honourable and pride to serve as the President.

I was born and went through high school at the village of Kujidah in Nagaon and had the privilege of going to Cotton and Assam Engineering Colleges to earn a degree in Civil Engineering. After briefly working for the CPWD in the Himalayas (NEFA) and for the Assam Flood Control & Irrigation in Haflong and Guwahati, I went to Glasgow, Scotland to earn a Masters degree from the University of Strathclyde; and came to the US to earn a PhD degree from the University of Mississippi. Anu joined me in Mississippi. It has been nearly four decades in the US we have been living in Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and finally Virginia through my work treasuring the variety and expanding friendships. At present, we live in Chesapeake, VA with our two sons Arun and Barun and two grandchildren Caleb and Elana. 

Arup Goswami
Executive Vice President- AANA 
[2013-2015]

I have been serving as AANA"s Vice President from July 2013. Here's a little about myself:

Born and raised in Shillong, and then settled down in Guwahati after shifting of Capital. A Civil Engineer from Assam Engineering College, Guwahati. Worked for Assam State Electricity Board and Guwahati Development Authority. Spent 3 years in London, England for higher software education.

My wife Manashi Goswami, eldest son Rishi  and I live in Calgary and our youngest sons Roni  is in Queen’s  University, Kingston, Ontario. We moved to Calgary in 1996.

Anis Ahmed
Treasurer - AANA 

[2013-2015]

Coming to the US from Sivasagar, Assam in 1967, I was amazed at a different world full of new people of all colors, and ethnicities. While doing my undergraduate work at Morgan State University, where my Uncle Mohammad Amanaullah was a professor, I was enamored by the wealth of diverse people in such a small area of a college campus. The Indian population was just starting to plant roots with cultural shows and dinners there was a decided lack of engagement with the North East. In order to have my fill of my homelands culture the only option was to fly back, and as a student the opportunities to do so were few.

After obtaining my MSW degree from Howard University in Washington D.C., I joined the Department of Human Resources of the State of Maryland and working with the State Govt. since then.
It wasn't until after many flights back to Assam, and my wedding back home, that I would attend my first AANA event, it was truly amazing. Like after so many years my home had found me. The discovery of AANA filled a void in my heart, longing for Assamese culture and tradition, not just for me but something I could share with my wife and son.
With that said, I have now been in the states many years, and have made an extended family from the many Assamese families I have met through AANA. It is a great joy of mine to see the successes of this extended family and their children, and what better way to share these moments than an organization like AANA.
In the year 2012, I performed the Hajj with my wife Dina, and am planning a trip this year back to Assam.
I spend much of my time chatting with friends, volunteering at the mosque as the Principal of Sunday School, and hoping my son Aftab goes back to Assam and marries a beautiful girl. 
I am very proud to sit on the Board as Treasurer to do my part to help ensure that I can provide to the younger Assamese families the same great experience.

Geeti Das
General Secretary -AANA
[2013-2015]

I live in in Apple Valley (a suburb of the Minneapolis/ St Paul Twin Cities) with my husband, Prantor Bora. We have two children, 8 year old daughter, Nimisha, and 4 year old son, Taj. I am a Business Analyst by profession, primarily in the IT and Finance industry. Currently, I work as a Sr. Business Analyst at AON Benfield.
I grew up in Guwahati, completed my schooling from Holy Child, and my Master’s degree in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Dr. Gautam Lal Baruah
President - AANA
[2011-2013]

My wife Enakshi and I live in Vernon Hills, a suburb of Chicago. Our son Vikram (Vic) is a Bioengineering sophomore at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Both my wife and I are from Guwahati. I am a Biochemical Engineer by profession and Enakshi is a lawyer. After working in Bombay for several years, we decided to take the plunge. We moved to New York, USA in 1999 and after completing my PhD, I took up a job in Abbott Laboratories, Chicago. We have been in Chicago since 2004.

Having been outside for long years due to work and studies, we were taken aback by level of commitment, dedication and enthusiasm among Prabaxi Axomiya families to maintain and promote our rich and diverse culture so far away. 

Roopa Sharma 
Executive Vice President - AANA
[2011-2013]

I am the wife of late Dr. Bijon Sharma who was AANA's second President from 1981 to 1982. I am the mother of four children - Gautam, Priyam, Panthobi (Gautam's wife) and Sonjoy (Priyam's husband). My hometown is Jorhat, Assam. I studied in Cotton College, Guwahati earning a Master’s degree in Sanskrit from Guwahati University.

We came to this country in 1980 and made Houston our home. Later, we moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where I was working as a Senior Project Leader at a food consulting firm. Currently, I live in Naperville - suburb of Chicago. 

I have been a member of AANA since the birth of AANA in 1980. Very simply for me AANA has been a large, extended Assamese family.For over 32 years, AANA has blessed my family with a commitment to sharing our rich Assamese culture and heritage, nurturing lifelong friendships along the way.

Dr. Deva Borah
Treasurer - AANA
[2011-2013]

My wife Anu and I currently live in Chesapeake, VA. We have two sons Arun and Barun, and two grandchildren Caleb and Elana. I was born near Nagaon, Assam; came to the US in 1975; and lived in Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and finally Virginia through my education and work. I am a civil engineer working for over 30 years in universities, government agencies, and private companies.

We joined AANA in 1982. To me, AANA is my away-from-home family and its members are my cousins, nephews, and nieces. Anu and I make our best efforts to visit these extended family members during our annual reunions, the Assam Conventions, and also by participating in its local activities and gatherings, including Bihus, Tithis, birthdays, memorials, etc. It has been my privilege to serve this family at various levels, locally and nationally, and work with its founders and members towards building it stronger for our future generations.

Aabir Das
Board of Governors - AANA
[2011-2013]

I was born in Uppsala, Sweden. I work in the field of human development and social service for a community-based social non-profit on the west-side of Manhattan, NY. I came to the United States in September of 1983 and have been living in the New York City, NY since then.

I became AANA member by virtue of my parents, the late Dr. Kamna Das and Dr. Shonit R. Das becoming family members in 1984. AANA has several meanings to my life and has shaped my identity in several facets. First off, AANA represents love and family, two things which everyone needs in their life. AANA members have shared good times and not so good times with me and even if I don't talk or see AANA members for a while, I know that they are just a phone call away. Furthermore, AANA, along with my parents, have connected me to my roots and made me feel now as an adult, that I am Assamese.

Sitting in Guwahati today (December 19, 2011), I realize that without AANA, I would not have the comfort level with the social and cultural norms and traditions of Assam as I do now. Through my experiences with AANA, I have become knowledgeable and comfortable with my dual identity that is being Assamese and being part of the American mosaic.