NRI Harvinder Anand elected mayor of Laurel Hollow, New York State

NEW YORK, July 02, 2007
Ranveer Sharma

NRI Harvinder Anand, 46, Chemical Engineer from Punjab University, Chandigarh was elected as Mayor Laurel Hollow of New York State. "I'm honored and humbled," said Anand a resident of Laurel Hollow.

In Laurel Hollow, 3 percent of the village's 1,930 residents are from India. Laurel Hollow is a water front community on the North Shore of Long Island, in Nassau County which has some of the most expensive real estate in the country, prices of homes range from $2 million to $15 million. He has been a resident of the village for over 10 years and an active participant in community service

It is a home to the 107-acre Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an internationally recognized genetic and cancer research center. Three researchers at the center have won Nobel prizes for their genetic work.

• In December, 2002, Anand was appointed to the position of Trustee to fill a vacancy.
• He won a full term in hotly contested election in 2003. Anand has served as the village Police Commissioner.
• Anand is a graduate of Nassau County Civilian Police Academy and an active member of the Nassau County Police Reserves.
• He also serves on the Advisory Board of Nassau County Law Enforcement Explorers.
• He is the President of Royce International; a multi-national corporation involved in manufacture of industrial chemicals for textile, aerospace, electrical, automotive, marine and construction industries.
• He served as the President of Harbour Ridge Homeowners Association, an exclusive gated community in the village.
• In 2005, he also served as deputy mayor. When DeVita decided not to seek a fourth term as mayor in June, she asked Anand to run.

According to Newsday, Ram Sinha, chairman of the Indian American Democratic Club of Long Island, said it's encouraging when Indians are visible and involved in their communities. "Indians should participate, no matter whether it is a Democrat or a Republican," he said. "They must share their ideals and values in society."

Anand said his commitment to the community is more important than where he was born. I want to serve my village to the best of my capabilities and do what's right for the residents

Anand also attended Hofstra University for MBA. Anand is married to Dr Chandni Anand, a practicing Internist. They have two children, Nikita K. Anand (15) and Angad S. Anand (14).

NRI Harvinder Anand, Chemical Engineer from Punjab University, Chandigarh

• Attended Hofstra University for MBA