NEW YORK (TIP): The patriarch of Rajasthan Association of North America Haridas Kotahwala must be a sad man after taking a decision to cancel the much hyped annual Deepavali Gala scheduled to be held on November 10 at the up end Long Island Hilton Hotel.

The communication from President Haridas Kotahwala cited Hurricane Sandy as the reason for cancellation of the organization’s mega event. However, The Indian Panorama learnt from reliable sources that it was not Hurricane Sandy but the storm within the organization that had compelled the President to cancel the event.

The Indian Panorama now has the detailed information about the developments leading up to a sudden decision to kill the event.

RANA proposed to honor some of its members for their services and contribution to community. Those proposed for award included former AIA President Sushma Kotahwala, AAPI Treasurer Dr Ajay Lodha, Vinay Kothari, Prabha Golia and Kamlesh Mehta. While the Board of Directors unanimously approved the first four for the award, the majority objected to an award to Kamlesh Mehta. It is said that while 4 Directors were in favor of an award to Mehta 11 voted against the proposal.. It is also reported that Haridas Kotahwala stoutly stood for award to Mehta. An acrimonious discussion ensued and the President used his veto to facilitate a resolution to honor Mehta along with the other four. When the pandemonium did not subside, Kotahwala adjourned the meeting.

The opposition to the proposal to honor Kamlesh Mehta is attributed to his failure to honor his financial obligations to many in the Rajasthani community. Haridas had pleaded with the dissenting members not to bring in personal business dealings and issues of Mehta’s financial improprieties and irregularities to the Board meeting but members opposing the proposal remained resolute and are reported to have threatened to quit the organization if Mehta who had cheated many was given an award.

The Board Room infighting has now spilled out in to the streets which is surely to damage the image of RANA and the interests of Kamlesh Mehta who is associated with many organizations and enjoys proximity with the powers that be in the County. All eyes are on RANA President Haridas Kotahwala’s next move.