Tag: Diwali

Diwali At Times Square in New York 2022

Staff ReporterCulture, News 0

The Iconic Times Square at the heart of New York City on Saturday, October 15th was witness to a grand Diwali celebration along with India’s 75th Independence Day with cultural extravaganza depicting the  rich heritage of India, electrified the gathering of hundreds of thousands of thousands of people.

Considered the Biggest Festival of Lights – Diwali, at the Brightest place of World – Times Square, the celebrations in New York offered a showcase of cultural performances, ethnic attractions, local shopping stalls, and mouth-watering Indian cuisine. This two-day celebration of the Hindu festival of lights is a Times Square tradition that began in 2013. It’s an epic event that brought together dance and musical performances, an array of Indian dishes and lightings of the diya—a traditional clay lamp that is meant to attract Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. 

Diwali, the ancient festival of lights, has long been a unique celebration of new beginnings with diyas (clay lamps), fireworks, paper lanterns and bonfires. “Diwali at Times Square” is clearly one of the most spectacular Indian cultural events in Times Square, New York showcasing the vibrant Indian culture to metropolitan NYC. The event started off in 2013 and continues to grow stronger and better each year. 

This celebration was full of international musical showcases, Bollywood stars performing live, Indian bazaars and flea markets, delicious Indian food, and yes, how can we miss the colorful lights & fireworks. Various live events bring an otherworldly charm to Times Square that is hard to pass by and a great loss to miss!

The organizer of this grand event is a well-known event management company in the US called ASB communications. The producer of this event is Ms. Neeta Bhasin – a prominent public figure – has consistently arranged such gatherings and other events in the past and continues to do so successfully. The motto is to connect all the south Asians, create a strong bond, contribute to society, and retain our cultural identity in a foreign land. 

AR Helping Hands Foundation in association with Diwali at Times Square organization, EventGuru Inc. organized the 7th annual Diwali at Times Square this year. Diwali at Times Square is the New York City celebration of the holiday, bringing the vibrant Indian tradition to metropolitan New York. The day long festival is full of international musical showcases, Bollywood stars, delicious Indian food and of course, colorful lights.

Diwali festival is all about sharing happiness and showing your love and respect for your family and friends. Hence the main objective of Diwali at Times Square is to share this joy with the world and celebrate the diversity of India through art, culture, and food. This event is truly a harbinger of peace, harmony, and togetherness.

“Diwali at Times Square 2022 is overwhelmed with joy after such a grand celebration of Diwali. We are grateful for everyone who came to grace this event and make it even more meaningful. We hope you also enjoyed the celebration of Indian heritage with a twist of the modern urban culture of NYC.  Diwali at Times Square is more pumped than ever to come back next year!,” said Neet Bhasin, the main organizer of the vent.

Diwali declared holiday in New York’s Herricks Public Schools

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

Hindus have welcomed the inclusion of Diwali, most popular of their festival, as holiday by Herricks Union Free School District (HUFSD) in New York State on its School Calendar for 2017-2018.

Nearby Syosset Central School District, East Meadow School District, Half Hollow Hills Central School District and East Williston Union Free School District recently declared Diwali as an official holiday; while Mineola Union Free School District announced that no home work or examinations would be given on Diwali, reports suggest.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, describing it as a step in the right direction, urged all other public school districts and private-charter-independent schools in New York State to do the same.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that it would be a positive thing to do in view of presence of a substantial number of Hindu students at schools around the state, as it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs of these pupils.

Rajan Zed indicated that schools should make efforts to accommodate the religious requirements of Hindu students and show respect to their faith by not conducting regular business and scheduling classes on Diwali. We did not want our students to be put at an unnecessary disadvantage for missing tests/examinations/papers, assignments, class work, etc., by taking a day-off to observe Diwali.

If schools had declared other religious holidays, why not Diwali, Zed asked. Holidays of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion, Zed added

Rajan Zed suggested all New York State schools, public-private-charter-independent, to seriously look into declaring Diwali as an official holiday, thus recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education. Zed noted that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make New York State students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

Zed urged New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Education Department Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa and New York State Commissioner of Education MaryEllen Elia; to work towards adding Diwali as an official holiday in all the 728 school districts, and persuading the private-charter-independent schools to follow.

Rajan Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Besides Hindus; Sikhs and Jains and some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali, which falls on October 19 in 2017.

Zed thanked HUFSD Board of Education President Nancy Feinstein and other Board members for supporting Diwali holiday. HUFSD, headquartered in New Hyde Park; operates schools in Williston Park, New Hyde Park and Albertson; and its Mission includes promoting “intellectual curiosity and creative expression”. It runs a free half-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program and has a Department of Spanish Language Immersion. Dr. Fino M. Celano is Superintendent.

Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Diwali on Times Square on Oct. 7

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

New York, NY (March 20, 2017) – EventGuru Inc. is delighted to announce Saturday, October 7, 2017 as the date for this year’s DIWALI AT TIMES SQUARE celebration.  Mark your calendars!  Diwali is  the “Festival of Lights,” is the one holiday that unifies the diversity of Indian regional cultures.This annual celebration is the largest celebration of Diwali outside of India, and it brings the South Asian community together for a fun-filled day showcasing cultural dance and musical performances, a Diwali bazaar, and mouth-watering Indian cuisine.  The celebration lights up Times Square with interactive, traditional Diya (lamp) lighting ceremonies, and the world’s best digital fireworks display. There will be a Bollywood celebrity filled evening concert ,and opportunities to interact with your favorite stars.  The fun will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2017 in Times Square!

Diwali at Times Square was established  in 2013 by Neeta Bhasin – a nationally recognized business leader specializing in multicultural marketing . She wanted to bring the most vibrant, national  festival of India to the “Center of Universe” – New York’s Times Square – to showcase India’s rich culture, heritage, and arts to the world, while invoking a sense of pride among South Asians.  This historic event is managed by ASB Communications, a New York-based multicultural marketing agency now celebrating its 20th anniversary which was founded by Ms. Bhasin. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities for Diwali at Times Square are available for businesses and organizations looking to deepen relationships with the South Asian community.

Event Guru World Wide is a premier full service event company specializing in festivals, concerts, trade shows, gala dinners and press conferences. We conceptualize and implement events of all sizes and statures. We have built a team of passionate individuals who are sure to create impactful and memorable experiences for its clients.

Queens Borough President Attends BAPS Flushing Temple Diwali

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

Scores of BAPS Volunteers came together to organize the Diwali celebrations Oct. 31 at the Swaminarayan temple in Flushing, New York, attended by local community leaders, politicians as well as India’s Consul General in New York Riva Ganguly Das.

The temple said in a press note that over 2,000 people throughout the day visited the temple, experiencing the culture and traditions of the auspicious day as they offered prayers, exchanged well-wishes, and resolved to mark the New Year with spiritual enlightenment.

Designs called rangoli, decorative oil lamps and annakut offerings of vegetarian food before the images of god filled the atmosphere with a festive spirit and bonhomie. Children also enjoyed the annual Diwali festival that was filled with games, activities and sweet treats.

Local community leaders, including assemblymen Peter Koo and David Weprin, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, state senators Toby Ann Stavisky and Tony Avello, and Council Member Rory Lanceman, besides Consul General Ganguly Das attended the fesrival.

Also among the many guests in attendance was Queens Borough President Melinda Katz who spoke highly of the celebration to the assembly, noting that Diwali is the time to celebrate the light over darkness.

Diya lit at White House Diwali celebration

Ajay GhoshPolitics, U.S. 0

Diwali celebrated across America

Recognizing the growing importance of India, Indian Americans and the rich culture of India, President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali Oct. 30 by lighting the first-ever diya in the Oval Office of the White House and hoped that his successors would continue the tradition.

While the festival of lights has traditionally been celebrated by the Indian-American community, especially the Hindus, this year it has attracted more attention of politicians across the board welcoming he festival that signifies triumph of good over evil.

Obama, who was the first president to celebrate Diwali personally at the White House in 2009, talked about this momentous occasion in a Facebook post soon after he kindled the diya in his Oval Office with some Indian Americans working in his administration.

“Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” he recalled. “I was proud to be the first president to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali,” Obama said.

“This year, I was honored to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office — a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future presidents will continue,” Obama said on the White House Facebook page, which became viral on social media. On behalf of the entire Obama family, I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali,” Obama said.

“To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” said the president.

“It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together,” he said.

Obama said that it is a time to renew the collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other’s shoes and see the world through each other’s eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters — and as fellow Americans.

Both presidential candidates – Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton – have indicated their respect for the festival. At the Republican Hindu Charity concert in New Jersey, Trump lighted a diya on stage. Last week, his campaign released a video in which he wishes people a ‘happy Diwali’ ahead of the festival. Clinton issued a press statement in which she wished everyone a happy Diwali and “Saal Mubarak.”

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greeted Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains across the world on the occasion of Diwali. “On Sunday, nearly a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists around the world — including more than two million Americans — will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp (the diya) is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” Clinton said. “To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” she said.

Senator Tim Kaine, who is also the Democratic vice presidential nominee, tweeted, “Diwali is a beautiful reminder of the ultimate victory of light over darkness. Saal Mubarak to all those celebrating!”

Senator John Cornyn, who is co-chair of the bipartisan Senate India Caucus said, “Diwali’s message of compassion is one that resonates with all Texans. Wishing you a joyous and prosperous new year.” Senator and a former Republican presidential nominee Ted Cruz said the central theme of Diwali reinforces the “shared hope and common outlook” the U.S. and India enjoy as “friends” and allies. “As we mark Diwali, may the United States-India alliance be a shining light of truth and peace,” Cruz said in a statement. Several Lawmakers from across the nation also issued statements, greeting people on the occasion of Diwali.

Also, joining Indians around the world, the United Nations celebrated Diwali for the first time this year. “Happy Diwali! UN celebrates Diwali for 1st time,” Syed Akbaruddin, India’s permanent representative to the UN, tweeted Oct. 29. Thank you president of the General Assembly for this initiative,” he said. From this year, Diwali was made an optional holiday at the UN and a message was displayed on the UN building, greeting the whole world, “Happy Diwali.”

5,500 residents celebrate Diwali – Festival of Lights in Aurora, IL, the City of Lights

Staff ReporterCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

By Asian Media USA ©

Aurora IL- Over 5,500 people attended the 3rd Diwali celebrations organized by the City of Aurora’s Indian American Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) at Waubonsie Valley High School on Oct 22nd.

Among the dignitaries who attended the event were US Congressman Bill Foster, Acting Indian Consul General O P Meena, outgoing Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner,  Illinois State Rep Stephanie Kifowit, Democratic Congressional candidate for the 8th district, Illinois Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lt Commander Keith Cross of the Aurora Police, Rick Guzman, Assistant Chief of Staff to the Aurora Mayor, Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, President of the Village of Oak Brook,  Dr. Siva Sivananthan CEO of Sivananthan Laboratories and Aurora Aldermen Rick Mervine.

As the members of the audience started trickling in, they were greeted with a scintillating video presentation of India’s diverse cultures and faiths, prepared by Jassi Parmar of Desi Junction, who was the EMCEE for the evening. Jassi held the event together with his wit, interactive sessions with the audience, and sheer joie de vivre.

The event kicked off with lighting of the traditional lamp while Prasad Garkhedar recited the Gayatri Mantra from the Rig Veda.  This was followed by the American national anthem sung by Avni Limdi (student at Neuqua Valley High School) and the Indian national anthem rendered by Ajai Kumar, as the respective flags were projected on the screen.

Half-way through the performances, all elected officials and dignitaries were invited on stage by Gautam Bhatia & Sharon Garcia and honored with shawls (scarfs) as a traditional Indian mark of respect by IACOAB board members.  Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and his wife were given gifts as a gesture of gratitude for the mayor’s service to the city’s growth from a sleepy town to a hub of industrial and cultural activity. Gautam Bhatia, Chairman of IACOAB, said that the board owed a debt of gratitude to Mayor Weisner, Rick Guzman and Alderman Rick Mervine for their support in the formation and growth of the board. Others dignitaries were honored with a memento and a shawl.

Gautam Bhatia and Roopa Anjanappa (Cultural Committee Chair) welcomed the guests with a brief history of the board and its agenda. Gautam thanked the board members, Jassi of Desi Junction, DJ Monu and the many volunteers for spending countless hours to make the event a resounding success. Roopa said that the board had incorporated improvements in the celebration as a result of feedback received from past events.

Kunal Majmundar (Treasurer & Sponsorship Committee Co-Chair), Deepak Mehta (Secretary and Sponsorship Committee Co-Chair) and Girish Kapur (Media and Public Relations Committee Chair), thanked the sponsors & media partners without whose support the event would not been possible on such a large scale.

Shabbir Shikora (Vice Chairman) and Anupama Setty (Cultural Committee) introduced “Varkatunda” which is an invocation to Lord Ganesha performed by Odissi dance center.5500-residents-celebrate-diwali-_

Other performances including those from the groups Bolly Mix and Bollywood Medley and a vigorous ‘Bhangra’ got an enthusiastic response from the packed hall.  At Jassi’s invitation, all the dignitaries including Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner, his assistant Rick Guzman and Alderman Rick Mervine did an impromptu Bhangra on the stage to the delighted cheers of the audience.

The presence of several stalls of Indian cuisine, apparel, craft and jewelry ensured that the visitors had ample opportunity to engage in the festive mood of eating and shopping. The evening concluded with a colorful display of fireworks which brought a tinge of nostalgia to Indian Americans who recalled the robust Diwali celebrations they enjoyed growing up in India.

The Event Partners were Sivananthan Laboratories, M/I Homes while the Gold Partners were BMO Harris Bank, Biologix Solutions, Lubrication Engineers, IT People Network, Nicor Gas. The Silver Partners were Waubonsee Community College, Yoga by Degree, AAA, Alderman Edward Bugg, Alderman Rick Mervine, Deepak Mehta of ReMax, Aurora & Naperville Montessori, PMSI, Asim Hamidi of AllState. The Bronze Partners were Creative Lending Solutions, Moonstar Mortgage and Xsport Fitness.

The IACOAB members are Gautam Bhatia (Chairman), Shabbir Shikora (Vice Chairman), Deepak Mehta (Secretary), Kunal Majmundar (Treasurer), Anupama Setty, Ashok Easwaran, Girish Kapur, Niveditta Ahuja, Prasad Garkhedkar, Roopa Anajanappa, Sanjeev Pandey and Sharon Garcia.

Ivanka Trump celebrates Diwali with Indian American Community at Virginia Hindu Temple

Staff ReporterCulture/Religion 0

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump participated in a Diwali event in Virginia on October 26, in yet another attempt by his campaign to reach out to the Indian American community. Mr. Trump had earlier this month addressed an event organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHA).

The Rajdhani Temple in Chantilly on the outskirts is one of the busiest in the Washington metropolitan area. Rajesh Gooty, a Hyderabad-born tech entrepreneur and organizer of the event, said the Diwali celebrations would give an opportunity for Ms. Trump to get some familiarity with the Indian culture.

“Like Christmas is celebrated by people of all sects, Diwali is celebrated by all Indians. Ivanka will get to witness some invocations, puja and Diwali gaiety. We are confident that she will be more familiar with India after this event and it will be greatly helpful when her father becomes the president,” he said. Inaugurated in 2000, the Rajdhani Temple is the oldest temple in Loudon County of Virginia, which has experienced one of the fastest growths of Indian Americans in the past decade.

Diwali at Times Square 2016 lights up NYC

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

‘Diwali at Times Square 2016,’ the annual celebration of India’s most famous festival lit up the streets of New York City with colors and lights, showcasing to the world of India’s rich and diverse culture. Rhythmic dances from across India, Bollywood music, ethnic Indian cuisine and performances by leading stars were a treat not only to the participants who filled the iconic Times Square, but to the onlooker and the entire world. An interactive diya lighting ceremony, on the largest Times Square digital screen, brightened the ambience of the event and the hearts of the audience.

Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The program also featured a spectacular digital diya lighting on the Times Square screens followed by a special message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the launch of the U.S. Postal Service commemorative Diwali stamp.

diwali-at-times-square-2016-lights-up-nyc-3U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin, Consul General Riva Ganguly Das and former Indian representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri, were some of the guests who were in attendance. A host of appearances and performances by television actors kept the large crowds entertained, which included Shabbir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha of “Kumkum Bhagya” fame, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” 2016 winner Kushal Paul, and singers Jyotica Tangri and Arjun. The event also saw performances by young artists, differently-abled kids, and regional cultural dance performances from various states of India.

‘Diwali at Times Square’ is not just a grand celebration of the festival of lights but also a beautiful display of our community and its roots,” said Neeta Bhasin, CEO of Event Guru. “Our main focus this year was to give a platform to young Indian talent, both from India and the U.S., as they represent our future and will carry forward our culture for years to come.”

The U.S.-India Business Council is pleased to partner with Diwali at Times Square on October 16, 2016. Celebrating a holiday that represents courage and victory over evil, is perhaps even more important now as we face challenges to our global social fabric. By celebrating at the center of New York City’s iconic Times Square, the message of hope and light will be highlighted in the most befitting way. Enjoyed by millions of Americans with Indian heritage and links, this event will underscore the importance of Indian-Americans in creating and being part of American culture and values.

The festival has come to be annual feature of the Big Apple, showcasing cultural and dance performances, ethnic attractions, local shopping stalls, and mouth-watering Indian cuisine; all leading into “Lighting Up Times Square.”

Princeton, N.J. holds Diwali Fair

Staff ReporterCommunity 0

An estimated 5,000 people attended the 3rd Grand Diwali Fair held Oct. 23, at the Westin Hotel in Princeton, N.J. and featured a variety of stalls, cultural programs, dances and singing to entertain the people throughout the day, a press release from organizers said.

Many elected officials including Linda Greenstein, Assemblyman Dan Benson were there was the traditional lamp lighting ceremony to jump-start the event. Bollywood celebrity Tanushree Dutta entertained the crowd, interacting from the stage with children and adults alike, and thanked the audience for coming in such impressive numbers to celebrate Diwali together.

Sponsors of the fair were Zee TV and & TV, Aaj Tak, Parikh Worldwide Media, Desi Talk, Academic Dental, Hamilton, N.J., Theven Theviakumar, senior partner at New York Life, 8 K Miles Radio, Wells Fargo, Sistar Mortgage and numerous others.

A dazzling 36th Diwali Gala Banquet and Annual Meeting of IAMA-IL

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By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: Indian American Medical Association of Illinois (IAMA-IL) celebrated a very special 36th Annual Meeting and Gala Banquet on October 15th, 2016 at the Meadows Club Grand Ball Room at the Rolling Meadows. Despite number of other events of Diwali Festivities in Chicago, the event was well attended by many members and guests.

2015 & 2016 have been a very successful years for IAMA under the leadership of Dr. Samir Shah, the president of IAMA Dr.  Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, the past president of IAMA-IL and the Mayor of Oak brook presented a special Presidential Award to Dr. Shah with ten other past presidents and said, “As we celebrate 36th years of service to our physician community, allow me to thank Dr. Shah for his gallant services to our membership as President for last two years, a rare distinction in last 35 years in the history of IAMA, as most of us served for one year. His effective leadership and sheer passion to the service of our members, is so obvious that he has raised the bar significantly this past years and for that we feel most grateful to him.”

Dignitaries present were Dr. Clarence Brown President of CMS, Dr. Gautam Samadder, President -elect of AAPI,  Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Past President of IAMA and Mayor of Oak Brook, Mr. Mickey Straub, Mayor of Burr Ridge and Mr. Raja Krishnamurthy , running for Congress, 8th District, Illinois and  Dr. Arvind Goyal, Medical Director of Illinois Dept. of Public Aide.

The crowning glory of the event was the spectacular video presentation of the IAMA (IL), 36 Years of achievements and progress as well as community and organizational activities, created by Mr. Biju Zakaria, of Desi world TV, USA. This nostalgic journey of 36 years brought back the sweet memories of good old days for many past presidents present.  The history covered many Community and Health services provided by IAMA (IL) from 1981 to 2016, exploring achievements of IAMA-IL in last 35 years. Cocktail Reception started at 5:30 pm till 7:00 pm. Members enjoyed sumptuous appetizers and booths presented by various sponsors. The Grand sponsors for the event were the Goldstone Financial Group (Anthony Pellegrino, President) & Advocate Christ Hospital, Oak Lawn (President, Kenneth Lukhard). IAMA greatly appreciates all the booth sponsors and the advertisers for the Souvenir.

Master of Ceremonies were Dr. Dr. Radhika Chimata & Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, pleasing the crowd with excellent and efficient job as MC’s. The Indian National Anthem was recited by Dr. Piyush Buch and the American National Anthem by Dr. Radhika Chimata in her sweet voice.

Dr. Samir Shah, the President of IAMA (IL) opened the evening gala, thanking members, executive committee members, board of directors and the sponsors. He stressed the importance of leadership, hard work and commitment to excellence. His Vision, Implementation and Action plan unveiled in February-2015 was the strongest force behind many of the new initiatives. 2015-2016 were exciting and action packed with 16 Community Health and Education events working with Religious and Spiritual Organizations like Chinmaya Mission- Chicago, The Shreejidwar Temple in Addison, The Jain Temple of Chicago and many more.

IAMA provided more than 29 Educational events to members and provided information on more than 50 Hours of free CME in Chicago area. Important new initiatives include beginning of IAMA Office with a part time secretary, new improved IAMA website, Karaoke Club, progress towards having our own CME programs and IAMA’s Global Health Project in India “Hands-Only CPR” in Hyderabad. The  IAMA overseas  trips to South Africa & Spain/Morocco, Golf Outing Events, Golden Stethoscope Event and  IAMA’s  Charity Foundation Semiannual Event in April, raising more than $ 125,000, were all very successful and well appreciated by members.

The theme of the Gala Banquet was “Gift of Life”-Organ donation. What a noble theme dedicated to all transplant doctors & hospitals in Chicago, the organ recipients and the Gift of Life organization, making this possible!  The Keynote speaker was Dr. Pat Pappas, a leading cardiac Surgeon from Advocate Christ Hospital. His presentation started with video of the heart transplant history, progress and actual procedure. Members enjoyed his fantastic presentation and appreciated his service and dedication to this profession for years.

The Guest of Honor was Mr. Kevin Cmunt, President & CEO of the “Gift of Life” organization. He addressed the members acknowledging the challenges and progress of the transplant activity in Chicago & Illinois. He thanked IAMA leadership and members for serving community and providing excellent medical services.  First Lady Mrs. Prerana (Bella) Shah presented handcrafted wool shawls to these two special guests as a small token of appreciation on behalf of IAMA.

The Lifetime Achievements Awards for 2016 were given to Dr. Vemuri Murthy IAMA’s past president, recognizing his years of services to CMS, AHA and as the pioneer of many CPR projects in Chicago like “SMILE’ as well as overseas, receiving many prestigious awards in USA and internationally. The Distinguished Physician award recipient was Dr. Deepak Mital, a leading Kidney Transplant Surgeon at the Advocate Christ Hospital. He is also the past president of IAMA. The award signifies his   continued Leadership, Teaching, Service to Community and Medical Organizations.

Dr. Shah presented IAMA Community Service Award to Dr. Umang Patel, our past president & Paragi Patel for their dedicated services to the Shreenathji Temple in Addison and to the community for several years. The IAMA Leadership Award was given Dr. Rohitkumar Vasa, also our past president for his dedication and selfless Services, leadership and continued support of IAMA in various activities.

The Presidents Appreciation Awards were given to Dr. Arvind Goyal, Medical director of Ill. Dept. of Public Aid. Dr. Jay Joshi & Dr. Radhika Chimata were awarded with this year’s Young Physician awards. As a part of Annual Meeting, Dr. Sukanya Reddy, the secretary of IAMA, conducted the business meeting and presented the slate of officers and chairs of the standing committees to the General Body. The slate of candidates was unanimously approved and voted by IAMA members present.

Fireworks light up the Sky in New York as AIA celebrates Diwali

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Culture/Religion 0

Spicy Indian treats, cultural shows, a colorful street fair, and foreworks were only some of the highlights of the annual South Street Seaport Deepavali festival in downtown New York on Sunday, October 2nd. As always, the occasion was a magnet for the Indian community in this neighborhood. It is amazing that Diwali is celebrated in such a big way in New York.

The Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter (#AIA-NY) held its annual 29th Deepavali Festival at the South Street Seaport in New York City on Sunday October 2nd, 2016 from 12 noon till 7pm, culminating with a spectacular display of Live Fireworks. This event is one of the largest in the tri-state area, attracting approximately 75,000 – 100,000 people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The top attraction at the event was South Asian star Mickey Singh who performed live amid thunderous applause, especially by girls and young women who gathered by the hundreds to watch his show and danced around the open-air makeshift stage as Singh sang some of his popular Punjabi numbers. “The atmosphere on the ground turned electric as Singh called on stage one woman to dance along with his songs,” said H.P. Singh, an attendee to the event, describing the scene.

A big draw at the event was the highly sought-after, inter-collegiate dance competition, called ‘Naach Inferno’, showcasing dances fusing both East and West cultures. On another side of the venue people made a beeline to see and get autographs of Neel Sethi of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” fame who was one of the guests of honor.

The event was a full-day extravaganza, celebrating Indian tradition and culture along with food. There were numerous food and clothing vendors, corporate booths, and children’s area and health kiosks. The Kotak Mahindra stall drew a big crowd as it organized a raffle for children in which Sethi picked up the winner.

The organizers explained why they jumped the gun with their event while the actual festival of lights is still nearly three weeks away. “We’re living in the West. In the West, we have to keep in mind the weather, people’s convenience. It can only be on a Sunday,” says Arish K Sahani of the Association of Indians in America. “And we felt weather was okay only on the first Sunday in October. We have to have it on the day the city gives us the permit. We have to get a permit and we have to block the date way in advance,” he adds.

And what’s Deepavali without fireworks? Indians in this country can’t light fireworks at their doorstep like they do back home, but the spectacular finale to the event more than made up for that. When there’s food and music on the ground and sparkling fireworks in the sky, it doesn’t really matter if you’re in New Delhi or in New York – the festive spirit is the same for Indians everywhere.

Deepavali, which means ‘A row of lamps’ is also popularly known as Diwali, or ‘Festival of Lights’ and signifies thetriumph of ‘Good over Evil’. North America’s biggest Urban South Asian star Mickey Singh performed LIVE alongside DJ Ice. Withover half a million fans online and releases under some of the biggest labels such as Eros International, TSeries,Zee Music & Speed Records to name a few, Mickey Singh is definitely a treat to watch on stage.

Hollywood’s newest and youngest star, Neel Sethi of Disney’s “The Jungle Book” was on stage meeting and interacting with audiences at the Children’s Area. USA’s premier and largest Indian dance academy, Arya International made sure the entire audience learns some Bollywood moves and participates in our Open Dance Floor! Numerous local performing arts schools and academies showcased their talents on the two stages throughout the day.

This year, Deepavali also marked the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. There was a special tribute for Gandhiji along with an Essay & Drawing Competition for the youth to showcase the importance and meaning of Peace. The event culminated with a VIP Hour which was attended by top officials of New York and many other dignitaries.

This year, support from sponsors such as CheapOAir.com, Qatar Airways, Toyota, Pepsi, New York Life, SwanClub, MoneyGram, Kotak Mahindra, New York Life, HAB Bank, Navika Capital, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment,Jus Punjabi, TV Asia amongst many others have helped made this event possible.

The Association of Indians in America (AIA) is one of the oldest not-for-profit organization of Asian Indians inAmerica founded on August 20, 1967. It is the grassroots national organization of Asian immigrants in theUnited States. With chapters and membership spread across the United States of America, AIA represents thehopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian Heritage andAmerican Commitment. For more info, visit atwww.theaiany.org.

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