The Consulate General of India in New York joined hands with the Indian American Muslims of North America (IMNA) to host a colorful and heartfelt Eid celebration that drew together a diverse gathering of community members, spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and elected officials. The event marked the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrated the shared values of unity, reflection, and joy among the Indian diaspora.
The celebration opened with a spiritual recitation from the Holy Quran by Qari Hafiz Faizan Mohammed Khan. Zoha Fatima Ahmed followed with the English translation of the verses, helping set a serene and contemplative mood for the evening. This spiritual beginning underscored the core themes of the night: harmony, celebration, and cultural reflection.
Among the evening’s speakers was young Nimra Fatima, who delivered an emotional talk on her experiences growing up as a Muslim in America. She spoke about how Ramadan had a profound impact on her identity and connection to her cultural and religious roots. According to organizers, her speech struck a chord with the audience and highlighted the importance of nurturing the younger generation’s involvement in cultural and religious traditions.
Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, the Consul General of India in New York, delivered the keynote address. Reflecting on his childhood Eid experiences in India, he commended the diaspora community for keeping the spirit of Eid alive while adapting to life in America. He expressed his gratitude to all those present and especially thanked IMNA Chairman Ilayas Quraishi and Co-chair Ahmed Shakir for organizing the celebration. He acknowledged the importance of such gatherings in strengthening communal bonds.
Ahmed Shakir, one of the key organizers, welcomed attendees warmly and extended his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the event. He emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the event and the importance of shared cultural experiences.
IMNA President Imtiaz Siamwalla also addressed the gathering, underlining the value of community solidarity. He expressed his ongoing support for cultural initiatives that promote unity and mutual understanding.
IMNA Chairman Ilayas Quraishi gave an impassioned speech encouraging families to become more involved in community activities. He placed particular emphasis on engaging youth and fostering future leaders. “You heard from my daughter, Nimra Fatima, earlier as she beautifully described the spirit of Ramadan. I’m proud of her and of all our youth stepping forward,” he said. “Every year, we aim to bring in the younger generation. I urge you all to bring your children, let them speak, let them lead. Each of you is an ambassador of our rich culture and heritage. India is our Janmabhoomi, and America is our Karmabhoomi. We must not only join events representing India — we must lead them.”
A number of prominent figures from various walks of life graced the celebration. Among them was Abdelkader Jamoussi, Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco, who lauded the Indian diaspora for hosting such an inclusive and meaningful event. His presence underscored the international nature of the celebration and its message of interfaith unity.
New York State Senator Robert Jackson also attended, stating that participating in the Eid celebration had become a valued yearly tradition for him. NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams offered Eid greetings and praised the event for its role in strengthening community ties. He reiterated his continued support for advocacy and empowerment within the Muslim and South Asian communities.
Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain participated as a special guest, showing solidarity with the South Asian and Muslim communities. New York State Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani also addressed the audience. Identifying himself as an Indian Muslim, he shared his family’s history of migrating from India nearly two centuries ago. He spoke passionately about how his heritage continues to inspire his identity and work in public life.
From the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan expressed his dedication to supporting initiatives that build community and cultural bridges. A representative from the office of NYC Councilman Salam Yousef was also in attendance, commending the celebration’s spirit of inclusion and diversity.
In recognition of the sustained contributions of IMNA to cultural and interfaith harmony, the Office of NYC Mayor Eric Adams presented a special citation to the organization. This honor highlighted IMNA’s commitment to fostering unity and shared cultural values among the Indian American diaspora.
Adding a national dimension to the event, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent a heartfelt video message to extend Eid greetings to the Muslim community. In his message, he acknowledged the Indian American Muslim community’s efforts to promote multicultural harmony and strengthen social ties.
The evening also included a segment to honor individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to community service and the arts. Khaliq Ahmed received a plaque for his exceptional service to the community. The Care and Share Foundation was also recognized for its contributions to public service.
Community leader Jagdish Sewhani was honored as a respected figure for his continued involvement in community building. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muneer received an award for his excellence in science and research, a testament to the wide range of accomplishments represented within the diaspora.
Celebrating the artistic side of the community, Indian American artist Noureen Sultana received special recognition. She had flown in from Boston to participate in the event and showcase her work, highlighting the importance of artistic expression in cultural gatherings.
The event ended on a soulful note with a ghazal performance by Suman Laskar, accompanied by Arindam Chakraborty on tabla. Their performance brought the evening to a close with a harmonious blend of music and tradition, leaving attendees with a sense of warmth and shared cultural pride.
This Eid celebration not only marked the end of Ramadan but also showcased the strength, unity, and resilience of the Indian American Muslim community in New York. Through speeches, performances, and recognitions, the event served as a powerful reminder of the richness of India’s cultural heritage and the dynamic role it continues to play in American society.