The Indian Panorama

Tag: Ahmed Shakir

  • Vaisakhi celebrated Enthusiastically at the Indian Consulate in New York

    Vaisakhi celebrated Enthusiastically at the Indian Consulate in New York

    • By Parveen Chopra

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Vaisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab, and the day when Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th master of the Sikhs created a sect with a distinct identity and called them Khalsa in the year 1699 was celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm at the Indian consulate in New York on April 11. The full room gathering of over a hundred in the ornate Ball Room of the Indian Consulate in New York enjoyed every moment of their presence at the Vaisakhi celebrations organized by The Indian Panorama with the support of the Consulate.

    Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan described it as “a joyous celebration honoring the spirit of Baisakhi and Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.”
    Speaking about the creation of the Khalsa, Ambassador Pradhan said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji “dedicated a community which was standing for righteousness, and service. He gave them a unique identity and conduct and strength to stand against injustice. That’s what Guru Gobind Singh stood for. And I think in six days, we celebrated two events associated with him, Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi.

    Amb. Pradhan highlighted the teachings of Sikh gurus who emphasized qualities of compassion, harmony, service, and equality. He also recognized the Punjabi community’s contributions to India’s nation-building.

    Ambassador Pradhan is very concerned about the malpractices indulged in by some unscrupulous agents who are charging exorbitantly in the name of the Consulate or in the name of providing consular services. He spoke at length about the issue and warned against such agents.

    Keynote Speaker Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, a Sikh scholar and author reflected on the founding of the Khalsa and shared some interesting anecdotes from its history.

    Eminent attorney Ravi Batra shared his moving experience at the Golden Temple and saluted the Sikh gurus for saving India as a nation with their sacrifices. I, as a Hindu and founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, had the privilege to felicitate the Sikh community on Vaisakhi.

    Ahmed Shakir spoke on behalf of Muslims and Koshi Thomas for Christians.
    Apart from community leaders among the 100-plus audience, New York State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava graced the event and spoke briefly.
    Earlier, Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, who put together the program, while welcoming the guests, said Vaisakhi used to be a harvest festival of Punjab but in 1699 Guru Gobind Singh chose the day to create Khalsa, a sect with a distinct identity. Thus, today, Vaisakhi is both a socio-cultural event and also the birthday of the Khalsa .

    The program began with a soulful Shabad, ‘Deh Shiva var mohe’, which means O Lord! Give me the boon to never turn away from doing good deeds and ended with a lively Bhangra performance.

    After Consul, Culture, Pragya Singh kicked off the proceedings, ITV Gold anchor Pia Jyoti Kachroo ably emceed the program. All the presenters were honored with shawls and a replica of the Golden Temple. Amb Pradhan’s wife, Monalisa Shuvadarshini greeted and thanked each presenter.

    Delicious appetizers and dinner from Michelin Chef Hemant Mathur’s Saar were served.

    Amb. Pradhan thanked The Indian Panorama and Prof Saluja for organizing the event, and for holding the Holi/Hola celebration on Long Island a week earlier.

    (Parveen Chopra is the Founding Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, the premium Wellness and Spirituality web magazine published from New York.)

  • Display of the rich cultural heritage of India at the Eid celebrations at the Indian Consulate

    Display of the rich cultural heritage of India at the Eid celebrations at the Indian Consulate

    NEW YORK (TIP): The Consulate General of India in New York and the Indian American Muslims of USA celebrated Eid al-Fitr with great enthusiasm and fervor. The event was attended by elected officials and other community members who extended their greetings and met with members of the Muslim community. The event started with a Quran recitation by a 13-year-old student, Soha Naz, who also presented a presentation about the Ramadan month and Festival.

    The event was organized by Indian American Muslims under the leadership of Ilayas Quraishi, Ahmed Shakir, Ghulam Mohiuddin, Khaja Khateeb, Kazi Munir, Imran Pasha, Mudassir, Aslam, Syed Hussain, Minhaj Khan, and many others who highlighted the celebration of Eid as a shining example of the diverse cultures that coexist in India and America. The Consul General of India New York, in his speech, spoke of the rich cultural heritage of India and the flavor of India, where festivals are celebrated with great zeal. He thanked the organizers and wished all the Muslims a joyous Eid.

    Robert Jackson, a New York State Senator, not only attended the event but also addressed the audience and extended Eid greetings to the community. Another New York State Senator, John C. Liu, also greeted the audience at the event, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity.

    Dilip Chauhan, who is currently serving as Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation for NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ Office for International Affairs, also graced the occasion with his presence and extended Eid greetings to the community. It was heartening to see such a diverse group of people come together to celebrate a festival that is important to Muslims all over the world.

    Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader of the United States Senate and New York Senator addresses the gathering via video message. Photo credit / CGNY

    The highlight of the event was when Senate Majority Leader and New York Senator, Chuck Schumer, addressed the audience through a video message. He extended his heartfelt greetings to the Muslim community and emphasized the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in America. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also greeted the community with a personal message and sent his Eid Mubarak wishes.

    Randhir Jaiswal Consul General of India getting a plaque of appreciation. Seen, from left to right: Robert Jackson State Senator New York, Ahmed Shakir and Ilayas Quraishi organizers of Eid event. Photo credit / CGNY

    Several people were honored at the event, including Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York, Dr. Ashraf M. Dahod, a community supporter, and a successful entrepreneur, A. K. Vijayakrishnan, Consul (Community Affairs), Shahana Bagban (Community Affairs), Mr. Robert Jackson, New York State Senator, John C. Liu State Senator New York, and Mr. Imran Pasha, a community leader, and other members of the community who have significantly contributed to promoting diversity and inclusivity.

    Robert Jackson New York State Senator getting plaque of appreciation, left to right: Ahmed Shakir, Khaja Khateeb, and Ilayas Quraishi organizers of the event. Photo credit / CGNY

    The celebration of Eid at the Consulate General of India was not just a religious event, but also a great reminder of the cultural diversity that America and India cherish. It was wonderful to see elected officials and members of the community come together to celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm and positivity.

    The event concluded with a short poetry performance by Mohammed Darbar and a Ghazal Mehfil by Singer Suman Laskar and Gokul on Tabla, who enthralled the audience.

    Overall, the celebration of Eid at the Consulate General of India was a testament to the fact that America and India cherish and celebrate the diverse cultures that coexist in these great nations. The event was a joyous occasion that highlighted the importance of inclusivity, acceptance, and diversity.

    (Based on a press release)