Prominent Indian-Americans – author Salman Rushdie and filmmaker Mira Nair – have been honored here for their commitment and contributions to the global artistic community.

The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) honored the two along with renowned Indian-American pathologist Majula Bansal as it commemorates its 15th anniversary this year to celebrate its contributions of Indian performing, visual and literary arts to New York City’s diverse cultural scene.

“The IAAC has done invaluable work in creating a showcase for Indian-Americans in many art forms,” Rushdie said ahead of the ceremony yesterday.

Bansal said IAAC has provided a platform for nourishing and promoting Indian heritage, through the medium of performing arts, in “our adopted homeland – the US.”

IAAC represents various artistic disciplines, including theatre, dance, music, film, folk arts, literature and fashion and focuses on promoting awareness of Indian and cross- cultural art forms in North America.