Despite challenging weather conditions across New Jersey—with heavy snowfall in several areas and milder conditions near the venue—the spirit of unity and tradition remained strong as the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), in collaboration with members of Bihar Foundation USA – East Zone (ETZ), celebrated Makar Sankranti at the sacred Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Toms River, NJ.
More than 150 community members attended the celebration, demonstrating deep commitment to cultural traditions, togetherness, and community bonding.
The newly elected BJANA President (2026–2027), Ms. Priti Kashyap, warmly connected with attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants. She also acknowledged the dedication of her committee members and the BJANA Advisory Board for their continued guidance and support.
A Powerful Example of Community Spirit
A touching moment was shared by Nidhi from Jersey City (originally from Patna) and her husband Raghavendra Singh (from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh). Although the temple was more than an hour’s drive from their home, they chose to attend their first BJANA event. They shared that the experience helped them truly understand how organizations like BJANA foster cultural connection, togetherness, and the spirit of selfless service.
Community members joined the celebration.
Several new members traveled long distances—including attendees from Philadelphia and locations over 100 miles away—reflecting the growing strength and reach of the BJANA community.
Cultural & Culinary Highlights
The celebration was enriched with traditional flavors and authentic delicacies, including:
Chura–Dahi; Tilkoot directly sourced from India; Khichdi served with special homemade curd prepared in traditional earthen (soil-crafted) utensils; Refreshing special chai prepared by the BJANA team.
Children thoroughly enjoyed the festive atmosphere and food, while seniors deeply appreciated the warmth, hospitality, and nostalgic taste of traditional cuisine.
The event became even more soulful when Nidhi Mishra and other community members led folk songs, devotional prayers, and bhajans, creating a deeply emotional and cultural environment.
Community Leadership Reflections
Temple Trustee Dr. Geeta Gupta thanked all attendees and emphasized that such cultural gatherings strengthen unity and help preserve cultural roots within the diaspora.
Community leaders including Past President Shashi Sinha, Anurag Kumar, and Immediate Past President Sanjeev Singh encouraged members to continue working collectively to strengthen BJANA and uplift the community.
Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA – ETZ, expressed his happiness at seeing strong participation despite difficult weather conditions—especially the enthusiastic presence of children. He emphasized that communities must continue to support those in need, celebrate together, and build long-term unity.
Event Organization & Acknowledgment
The successful event was organized by the BJANA leadership team, consisting of Sushant Krishnan (Vice President), Rakesh Roy (Treasurer), Bishwanath Sharma (Secretary), Dipen, Priya Ranjan Ji, along with the entire BJANA volunteer team.
Their collective dedication made it possible to experience an authentic and memorable Makar Sankranti celebration in New Jersey—preserving tradition while strengthening diaspora bonds.
MANASSAS, VA (TIP): The Washington area-based National Council of Asian Indian Associations (NCAIA HQ-VA) presented its Distinguished Service Award to Anurag Kumar, outgoing Minister for Community Affairs at the Embassy of India. Kumar, who was posted to Washington in 2018, was presented the award at a farewell reception hosted by NCAIA in Manassas, VA, on Sunday, September 12. A number of top embassy officials and community leaders from the area attended the event, held at Hilton Garden’s Lake Terrace and Ballroom.
“Directly or indirectly, you have always brought laurels to India,” Kumar said thanking his hosts. “You basically have a sense of achievement and honor to the people of India and you represent the very best of India.”
“Your continued association with the motherland, that is something which is of great value,” he said noting, “All of you have done well in your respective professions and careers.”
“India is a country of diversity, we have different religions, languages, different cultures and everything. And those things are equally and well represented in the United States of America,” Kumar noted.
Previously Kumar has served as Joint Director IB in New Delhi.
Speakers included NCAIA president Nayna Desai, its chairman Sunil Singh, the organization’s senior adviser Sambhu Banik, and community leaders Sant Gupta and Satish Korpe.
Dr. Jaydeep Nair, Minister (Consular), Dr. Dhananjay Tiwari Counselor (Science &Technology), Vinayak Chauhan, Naresh Kumar, First Secretary (Visa) were among the other embassy officials who attended the event.
Meenal Singh served as the MC of the event and Sashi Agarwal delivered the vote of thanks.
Coordinated by Dr. Alok Shrivastava, the event was supported by other Indian community organizations in the Greater Washington, DC, area.
WASHINGTON (TIP): “I am pleased to know that this year’s annual Mushaira Kavi Sammelan program, organized by the Washington Aligarh Alumni Association in association with Metro-Washington GOPIO with the support of other reputable associations of Washington is a part of the Azadi ka Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of Independence” said Mr. Anurag Kumar, Minister for Cultural Affairs, Embassy of India in Washington inaugurating the program. He thanked the organizers for holding such a beautiful program every year and appreciated showcasing of new talents through this program. He also lauded the efforts of the association in providing Covid relief and support for educational programs in India.
Anurag Kumar, Minister for Cultural Affairs, Embassy of India in Washington inaugurated “Azadi ka Mahotsav” celebrating 75 years of Independence.
Professor Majida Asad—first female receiving a Ph.D. in Hindi from AMU and former head of the Hindi department, Jamia Millia Islamia delivered a keynote address expressing the close relationship between Urdu and Hindi languages. “Both languages are like twin sisters born and matured in India; however, unfortunately, some people gave religion to them,” she added. She observed that many Urdu words are used by Hindi poets and writers, and similarly many Hindi words have been incorporated in Urdu literature. It should be noted that the grammar of both languages is the same. She participated in this program from Hawaii.
Prof. Majida sad, Keynote speaker
The Aligarh Alumni Association-Metro DC (AAA-DC), in association with the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro DC (GOPIO-DC), hosted a successful Mushaira/Kavi Sammelan on Sunday, 8th August 2021, celebrating the Independence Day of the Subcontinent. This annual event has been a part of Washingtonians’ literary life for the last several years. AAA-DC and GOPIO-DC are the only organizations that bring local Urdu and Hindi poets under one roof to promote a sense of brotherhood in the best traditions of Sanjhi Virasat and help maintain Ganga-Jamuni culture. These programs also encourage and promote the talents of local poets and writers by releasing their recently published books.
A short video paying tribute to the iconic Bollywood actor Dileep Kumar was shown in the program.
Tributes were paid to the iconic Bollywood actor Dileep Kumar
Greeting authors, poets, and the audience, Program Coordinator Dr. Zafar Iqbal said, “The goal of this annual program is to provide a forum where diverse people—transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries—could assemble under the same umbrella and appreciate the Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent.” In addition to sharing poetry, this event also recognizes local poets and authors by releasing their recently published books, he added. He recognized five cultural and social community organizations that supported this event. The organizations with their leaders are the Association of Indian Muslims (Mr. Kaleem Kawaja), the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations, Inc. (Mr. Pavan Bezwada and Mr. Shammi Singh), the Center for Pluralism (Dr. Mike Ghouse), the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations, VA (Mr. Sunil Singh and Mrs. Nayna Desai), and the Hyderabad Association of Washington Metro Area (Mr. Mohsin Alikhan). “We are pleased that the Embassy has been supporting this program from the beginning and it hosted the First Bilingual Poetry recitation program on 10th June 2011 with the help of AAA-DC and Metro GOPIO,” Iqbal added.
Zafar Iqbal who thanked the participants
The program was conducted using Zoom technology and it was simultaneously broadcast on Facebook. Several hundred literary enthusiasts enjoyed the event, and many encouraging and positive comments were posted on the media. A recording of the event is now available on Facebook.
The event brought the diaspora with multiple ethnic backgrounds together using social media. Participating poets (in alphabetical order) included: A. Rehman Siddiqui, A. Abdullah, Astha Naval, Aziz Qureshi, Gulshan Madhur, Madhu Maheshwari, Misbah Uddin, Mohammad Akbar, Mohammed Jaweed, Narendra Tandon, Preethi Govindaraj, Rakesh Khandelwal, Razi Raziuddin, Satyapal Anand, Sukesh Chopra, Suman Vardan, Vandana Singh, Vishakha Thaker, and Yusuf Rahat
Professor Misbah Uddin-a senior Aligarhian and retired professor from Jamia Millia Islamia was invited as a special guest for the event.
Samples of the poetry recited at the event:
Halat e corona ne ye bura haal kar diya Begum ki qurbat ne hamein paamal kar diya
Khole jo raaz dil ke samajh ke unhe rafeeq Badqismati ne hamara jeena muhal kar diya
Mohammed Akbar
Rising poet Vandana Singh said:
Khud se jo kabhi mil ana ho usko kiya samjahao ge
Dekh aeena aksar log khud se Dar jaate haiN
Tamaam umr udhaar pe guzri apni PaoN jab qabr meiN laTke, fikr hai udhaar chukani ki
Andhera haath mein liyae barood, kab tak amn-o-chaen ko nigalta jae gaa
Khuda kab tak apni rahmatoN ko, bahisht ke sandooq mein Chhipaye gaa
Madhu Maheshvari
Dhoop ke jal rahe is bayabaan mein, phool ek aas ka khil sake na nahiN
UD rahi reit par jo ibarat likhi, naam us mein koee mil sake ga nahiN
Rakesh Khandelwal
Karam hai ghareebi, meri laut aayi Ameeri na humse nibhi na nibhaya.
Ibaadat usee ki, mohabbat mein jiski Giron ko uThaaya, gale se lagaaya.
Preethi Govindaraj
Hum us desh ke baasi the jis meiN Ganga bahti hai
Ek laher us Ganga ki ro kar hum se kahti hai
Kiyon Hindu Muslim ke chakkar meiN desh ko apne toD gae
MeiN Hindu hooN na Muslim hooN, kiyon daman mera chhoD gae
Yusuf Rahat
Desh ke liyae kuchh karna chahte ho kiya Apne desh ka parcham vishvu pe phairana chahte ho kiya
Are chhoDo desh ka ho kar kiya karo ge Aao apni jebaiN bhar lo, apna naam baDa tum kar lo
Aao Party khelein, Aao Party khelein
stha Naval
Describing the close relationship of Urdu and Hindi, a veteran poet from California Rekha Maitra said:
Jism se rooh alag mat karna varna jaan hi nikal jae gee
Meri Hindi, meri Urdu mere ghar ke aangan meiN dono saath palte haiN
Eik ko agar sanwaron ge dooji saath sanwar jae gi; eik ko ukhaDo ge, ddoji ssath ukhaD jae gi
Mazhab ki talwaroN se bhi tum usko mat kaat dena
Tun ka kaTna dekh bhi sake to, man ka kaTna dekh na pao ge.
Aziz Qureshi-a veteran Urdu poet had to suddenly leave the event in between because of health reasons. He sent two couplets related to the Covid situation.
QurbateN theeN thee dooriyaN ho gaeeN Haey kiya mehroomiaN ho gaeeN
Dekh to sakte haiN, mil sakte nahiN Kaisi yeh majbooriyaN ho gaeeN
AbdurRehman Siddiqui
Aap naraaz haiN sabab kiya hai Kuchh batate naiN yeh Dhab kiya hai
Hum to khud ko bhi bhool baiThe haiN Log bholleN hameiN ajab kiya hai
Haath meiN bum, jaib meiN dollar Yeh bhi kah deejiyae hadaf kiya hai
Professor Satya Pal Anand, presiding this literary event, briefly described how Urdu and Hindi words have been assimilated in both languages. He also addressed the role of both languages in Independence Day celebrations.
Bhare mele mein gaye the kis ke sahare bhool gae Kis ki ungli muTTHi me thi hum beChare bhool gae
Jeevan ki jab shaam huee to socha ghar ho aayeN Kitne din yuvan ke the, aur kahaN guzare bhool gae
Many people expressed their views about the program on Zook as well as on Facebook. Some of them are given below.
Kaleem Kawaja, activist and executive director of the Association of Indian Muslims said that the program was a great success despite the constraints of being online and limited time. The participation of lots of Hindi kavis with excellent poetry was very heartwarming in these terrible times to undo religious hatred. He suggested that we should have these Ganga-Jamuni cultural similar programs periodically.
This is a wonderful thing you are doing. I like the Sangam of Hindi-Urdu Poetry. I will also send it to the different WhatsApp groups. Anoop Bhargava, Global Ambassador for Hindi at World Hindi Secretariat
The Mushaira was very well planned and conducted. Unfortunately, the zoom format does not lend itself ideally to staging Mushairas. Deprived of a live audience and their constant acclamation that serves oxygen for the poets, it is hard to create the same magic as the traditional Mushairas do.
Dr. Syed Amir, Retired Scientist, NIH–
“We have been watching for the past so many years. Both my wife and I enjoyed it. It seems to me, despite the difficult circumstances, you worked hard to arrange the event and then handled it so well. Aap sub logon ki Muhabbat jhalak rahi thee,” said Mr. Gajinder S. Ahuja, Senior Advisor and former Chairman, Sikh Human Development Foundation (SHDF).
Alka Batra and I enjoyed the program. It was a synthesis of Ganga-Yamuna Tehzeeb. Our Metro Washington area is rich with a big pool of Urdu and Hindi poets, and the program could have continued for hours. It reminded us of the programs which are organized on the eve of independence at the historic Red Fort. Thanks to AMU for organizing such a program. Ashok Batra, Senior Attorney
Dr. Moazzam Siddiqi, former Chief of South-Asian Service, Voice of America was very pleased with the event. He noted that this was the second year that mushaira-cum Kavi Sammelan, celebrating the independence of the Subcontinent, was conducted virtually because of the ongoing pandemic. In addition to all the Hindi and Urdu poets from the Metro Washington Area, guest poets from India also participated. He said that “over these past 12 years this gathering of poets on the literary platform provided by the AAA-DC has assumed the status of a cherished tradition. I congratulate the organizers for a stellar performance.”
“Not just your organization presents the best literary events of this metropolitan area but you represent diversity in unity which is a true introduction of our Ganga-jumuni tahzeeb in a very meaningful and graceful way,” said Madhu Maheshwari-a well-known Hindi scholar.
Dr. Mohammed Akbar, President AAA-DC in his welcoming address thanked the participants and the audience on behalf of the association. He also applauded the increasing popularity of the program and expressed pleasure that so many sister organizations are joining hand with AAA-DC. Welcoming on behalf of GOPIO-DC, Dr. Zafar Iqbal appreciated the participation of poets and guests attending the program. “We have been with this program promoting Ganga-Jamuni culture since the start of the program in 2007,” said Iqbal. GOPIO-DC Chairperson, Dr. Renuka Misra could not join the live broadcast due to technical problems.
Mr. Afzal Usmani compered the poetry recitation session with remarkable literary skill. His interjection of appropriate poetry while introducing poets is excellent.
Afzal Usmani- the gracious host and MC
Mr. Mohammed Jaweed, Secretary AAA-DC thanked the invited guests, poets, and audiences for their participation in the program and appreciated the support of local social and cultural organizations and volunteers for the program.
Mushaira/Kavi Sammelan celebrating the 74th Independence Day of the Subcontinent
By Dr. Zafar Iqbal
Greeting authors, poets and the audience, Program Coordinator Dr. Zafar Iqbal said “The goal of this annual program is to provide a forum where diverse people—transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries—could assemble under the same umbrella and appreciate the Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent.”
MARYLAND (TIP): “India is proud of its diversity and this program is a manifestation of this diversity,” said Mr. Anurag Kumar, Minister for Community Affairs, Embassy of India. He thanked the organizers for holding such a beautiful program every year and appreciated showcasing of new talents through this program. He also conveyed the best wishes from the Ambassador of India, H.E. Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Kumar indicated that subject to easing of COVID-situation, the Embassy would consider hosting this program.
The Aligarh Alumni Association-Metro DC (AAA-DC), in association with the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-Metro DC (GOPIO-DC), hosted a successful Mushaira/Kavi Sammelan on Sunday, 9th August 2020, celebrating the 74th Independence Day of the Subcontinent. This annual event has been a part of Washingtonians’ literary life for the last fourteen years. AAA-DC and GOPIO-DC are the only organizations that bring local poets of Urdu and Hindi at one platform to promote a sense of brotherhood in the best traditions of Sanjhi Virasat, as well as to encourage and promote the local talents of these literature(s).
This year, because of the COVID-19 situation, the program was conducted using Zoom technology and it was simultaneously broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Several hundred literary enthusiasts enjoyed the event and many encouraging and positive comments were posted on the media. A recording of the event is now available on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/AligarhAlumniAssociationOfDC/) and AAA-DC YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/qNmkjJ-jAso).
Greeting authors, poets and the audience, Program Coordinator Dr. Zafar Iqbal said “The goal of this annual program is to provide a forum where diverse people—transcending political, religious, regional, and geographical boundaries—could assemble under the same umbrella and appreciate the Ganga-Jamuni culture of the Subcontinent.” In addition to sharing poetry, this event also recognizes local poets and authors by releasing their recently published books, he added. He recognized the leaders of four cultural community organizations —Mr. Kaleem Kawaja of the Association of Indian Muslims (AIM), Mr. Pavan Bezwada and Mr. Shammi Singh of the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations, Inc. (NCAIA, Inc.), Mr. Sunil Singh & Mr. Kirpa Shankar of the National Council of Asian-Indian Associations (NCAIA), Mr. Moazzam Siddiqi and Mr. Mohsin Alikhan of the Hyderabad Association of Washington Metro Area (HAWMA), and Dr. Mike Ghouse of the Center for Pluralism (CFP), who were co-sponsors of the program. “We are pleased that the Embassy has been supporting this program from the beginning, and it hosted the First Bilingual Poetry recitation program on 10th June 2011 with the help of AAA-DC and Metro GOPIO,” Iqbal added.
Mr. Afzal Usmani, President AAA-DC welcomed and thanked the participants and the audience on behalf of the association. He also applauded the increasing popularity of the program. Welcoming on behalf of GOPIO-DC, Dr. Zafar Iqbal appreciated the participation of poets and guests attending the program. “We have been with this program promoting Ganga-Jamuni culture since the start of the program in 2007,” said Iqbal. GOPIO-DC Chairperson, Dr. Renuka Misra could not join the live broadcast due to technical problems.
The event brought the diaspora with multiple ethnic backgrounds together using social media. A special treat was the participation of Dr. Ashok Narayan from his home in India. He retired from the Indian Administrative Service. Participating poets (in alphabetical order) included: Abdullah, Ashok Narayan, Astha Naval, Daler Ashna Deol, Khurram Yusufzai, Mike Ghouse, Mohammad Akbar, Mohammad Jaweed, Narendra Tandon, Preethi Govindaraj, Razi Raziuddin, Satyapal Anand, Sukesh Chopra, Suman Vardhan, Vandana Singh, Vinita Tiwari, Vishakha Thaker, and Yusuf Rahat. Stalwart poet, author, and critic Professor Satyapal Anand presided over the mushaira. Afzal Usmani compered the poetry recitation session with remarkable literary skill.
Several poets and authors in the past have released their books through our program. Some of them are Professor Satyapal Anand, Professor Asghar Wajahat, Dr. A. Abdullah, Dr. K. Mohan, Mr. Raj Kumar Qais, Mr. Anadi Naik, Dr. Astha Naval, Mr. Dhananjaya Kumar Mrs. Rashmi Sanan, Mrs. Daler Deol Aashna, and Mr. Surender Deol.
This year also three recently published books were presented at the event by Dr. Abdullah. Commenting on Dr. Salman Akhtar’s book Meer Nama, he said that the beauty of the book that each couplet of 54 Ghazals Meer in it. This book is published in both Urdu and Devanagari scripts. The second book Urdu Ghazal- A Gift of India’s Composite Culture was co-authored by Professor Gopichand Narang and Surinder Deol. Dr. Abdullah also presented Deol’s book Sahir—A Literary Portrait that has a foreword by Dr. Narang. This book emphasizes Sahir’s passion for democratic ethos, Sanjhi Virasat, bhajans, women’s rights, and world peace. Reminiscing his fascination with Sahir, Deol said that Sahir’s book Talkhian was the first book he had bought during his student days and he reads it now and then.
The AAA-DC started this Independence Day annual Mushaira-Kavi Sammelan tradition more than a decade ago, and GOPIO-DC joined its efforts soon after. It is very gratifying to see that other community organizations are also supporting this program.
