[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. BHAGWATI J. MISTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend, Dr. 
Bhagwati J. Mistry, who is being honored with the D. Austin Sniffen 
Medal of Honor for 2016 by the Ninth District Dental Association.
  Born on February 17, 1953 in the City of Ahmedabad, India, BJ as she 
is better known was the youngest of five children born to Laxmichand 
and Shakriben Gajar. Her parents were always supportive, especially her 
mother who would often encourage BJ to go into medicine, as it was 
``the best profession to serve.'' From humble beginnings, BJ went on to 
complete her schooling and attend the Government Dental College in 
Ahmedabad. Soon she met the love of her life and future husband, 
Jagdish Mistry, and following their marriage in 1977 they emigrated to 
the United States in 1978. Following graduation from the Government 
Dental College in India, BJ entered a Postgraduate Pediatric Dentistry 
program at the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. In 
1982, she established a thriving Pediatric Dentistry practice in 
Tarrytown New York, ``Pediatric Dental Care of Westchester.'' In 1991, 
BJ became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In 
2005, her work was recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) 
which awarded BJ the Best Grassroots Team Leadership Award.
  But no recognition is as important to BJ as her family. She and 
Jagdish have been happily married for almost 40 years, and together 
they have raised two wonderful and accomplished daughters, Nisha and 
Shivani.
  I have known BJ for many years, and I treasure our friendship 
together. She is incredibly deserving of this honor, and I want to 
congratulate her on this joyous occasion.

                          ____________________