NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Federation of Indian Associations (NYNJCT&NE) warmly welcomed the new Consul General of India, New York, Shri Binoy S. Pradhan. The FIA delegation first extended a heartfelt welcome to the Honorable Consul General on behalf of Chairman Ankur Vaidya and the entire FIA team in New York. The delegation comprised President Dr. Avinash Gupta, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Kenny Desai, Anil Bansal, Anand Patel, and Alok Kumar. The FIA team has pledged its full support to the Consul General, assuring him that they will stand behind every initiative that benefits the community. Consul General Mr. Pradhan reciprocated, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the consulate remains accessible to the community under all circumstances.
Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph informed the Honorable Consul General about the overwhelming support from the larger community towards the consulate. He also highlighted the significant contributions made by FIA to the community and their steadfast support.
Dr. Avinash Gupta extended an invitation to Hon. CG and DCG to participate in the “Dance Pe Chance” event on February 10th, one of the largest dance competitions organized by a community organization. The event aims to connect the younger generation with our culture and celebrate Republic Day.
Hon. Consul General Shri Binaya S. Pradhan expressed gratitude to all team members for braving the inclement weather to visit the consulate and extend such a warm welcome. Dr. Parikh assured the CG of FIA’s unwavering support to the consulate.
Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu also joined the farewell event
GARDEN CITY, NY (TIP): American Indian community of New York, bids farewell to outgoing New York Consul General Randhir Jaiswal. The event was hosted by community leaders Harish Thakkar & Ajay Patel. Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu also joined the farewell event. Ajay Patel extended a warm welcome to Consul General Randhir Jaiswal who was accompanied by his deputy Dr. Varun Jeph.
AIA NY Past President & Community leader Harish Thakkar voiced appreciation for the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Mr. Jaiswal in his tenure, particularly during the challenging months of the pandemic. Harish Thakkar said the Consulate under Mr. Jaiswal’s leadership has been proactive, particularly during the difficult days of Covid, and issued emergency visas, alleviating the distress of those in need.
Consul General Randhir Jaiswal shares his thoughts.
Randhir Jaiswal, India’s outgoing Consul General in New York, bids farewell with a sense of accomplishment. Jaiswal’s tenure has been marked by dedicated efforts to boost bilateral ties, garnering praise from the India-American community, who organized a reception to express their appreciation.
Mr. Jaiswal said that as Consul General, he has endeavored to “tell the world what India means to the world today. It is a country which is progressing, which is reaching out to the moon, a country that is developing technologies that are going to define the pathway to the 21st century. It is a country which believes in peace, non-violence, in the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi”.
The farewell reception to Mr. Jaiswal organized by community leaders Harish Thakkar and Ajay Patel, was supported by several diaspora organizations which included AAPI -QLI, Long Island Diversity Council, Gujarati Samaj, Rajasthan Medical Alumni Association, World Vegan Vision, Anand Sangeet, Kali Mandir of NY and their members. India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, also attended the farewell reception. “Delighted to attend farewell reception for Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, organized by the Indian community and American Friends of India in Long Island” Sandhu tweeted. In his address at the reception, Mr. Sandhu lauded Mr. Jaiswal for taking the consulate to “new heights” and recalled the work done during challenging times, especially during the pandemic.
Mr. Sandhu recalled efforts by Mr. Jaiswal and the Consulate during the peak months of the pandemic in helping those in dire need, saying that he “measured up” to the difficult task and ‘he and his team performed a fantastic job” in transporting community members and Indians back to their motherland amid challenges.
“There are revolutionary changes taking place in India,” he said, adding that many Americans are becoming conscious of it now.
The India-US relationship is ‘now on the roll and the future economic recovery of the world will come through this partnership”, Sandhu said. Heeta Thakkar & Davika Patel Emceed the event.
Organizers with guests , from L to R: Harish Thakkar, Ajay Patel, Prem Bhandari, Davika Patel (MC), Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Heeta Thakkar (MC), CG Randhir Jaiswal, DCG Dr. Varun Jeph
The Maharashtrian folk dance Laavni by the students of ‘Archana Nritalya’ run by Guru Archana Joglekar. (Photo / Jay Mandal- On Assignment)A Garbha performance (Photo / Jay Mandal- On Assignment)Organizers with the Consul General (Photo : Jay Mandal- On Assignment)
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Federation of Indian Association and the Indian Consulate celebrated Gujarat Maharashtra Day on May 1. 2022 at the Indian Consulate premises in New York as part of the ongoing celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence.
The chief guests to grace the occasion were Ms. Archana Joglekar – a celebrated actress, director & a renowned Kathak exponent, and Ms. Kaajal Oza Vaidya – a noted author, scriptwriter, radio jockey, and a motivational speaker.
The event was attended by Consul General Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, DCG Dr. Varun Jeph, FIA President Mr. Kenny Desai, FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya, Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah, Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mayor of Edison Mr. Sam Joshi and FIA’s Srujal Parikh, Alok Kumar. Smt Smita Miki Patel amongst others.
Mr. Randhir Jaswal welcomed the guests and said that the Indian Diaspora from both the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, not only in America but in other countries as well, continues to contribute towards the economic and social progress of the countries they live in.
DCG Dr. Varun Jeph, in his speech said that people from both the states are leaders in Finance, Business, Entrepreneurship and they also stand out for their rich cultural traditions and heritage.
FIA president Mr. Kenny Desai said that the state of Gujarat is the ‘Karmabhoomi’ of Lord Krishna and has been the land of many notable figures hailing from different fields like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Bhakt Narsi Mehta, Vikram Sarabhai, PM Sh Narendra Modi, and the Industrial houses of Ambanis and Adanis. He mentioned that Maharashtra has been the guardian of Hindu Sanatan Dharam and has produced bravehearts like Chattrapati Shivaji, Baji Rao Peshwa and Ahilyabai Holkar. He said that people from both states have contributed to the Economic, Industrial and Financial growth of India.
FIA Chairman Mr. Ankur Vaidya in his speech said that he was born and brought up in Baroda in Gujarat which had a significant Maharashtrian Influence and as such had the best of both cultures. He also emphasized the need to engage other Indian Communities and have events and gatherings where all the members from the various Indian communities can participate. He said that CG Sh Jaiswal has done a tremendous job in this direction to bring the communities together. He also lauded the efforts of the officials and staff of the Indian Consulate for doing an unprecedented job and in being accessible to all.
One minute’s silence was observed in the memory of founding member, Past President and Vice Chairman Emeritus Late Mr. Yashpal Soi. Mr. Vaidya remembered him for his selfless service and dedication to the cause of FIA and lamented the loss FIA has suffered in his passing away.
Guru Archana Joglekar spoke about the folk of Maharashtra. She explained in detail about the culture and folk tradition of Maharashtra. She also spoke about the shared culture of both states.
Ms. Kajal Oza Vaidya said that both the states should be seen in unison and commended the fact that the twin states took to the path of progress and development and have excelled in the fields of enterprise, culture, commerce, and entertainment. She said that today’s gathering is proof of the fact that our country lives in our hearts. Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah said that he is honored to be there for the event and gave a brief outline of the history behind the Gujarat Maharashtra day when the two states came into being.
Ms. Sam Joshi Mayor of Edison said that it was an honor to be present and spoke about his vision to have a satellite office of IIT India in Edison. He thanked the FIA for their initiatives which go a long way in keeping the Indian Community in touch with their Indian roots.
Event Chair, Past President, and member of Board of Trustees of FIA, Sh. Srujal Parikh said it’s a great honor to celebrate the event and took pride in the fact that Gujarat is the Land of Lord Krishna & Mahatma Gandhi. He recognized and felicitated the sponsors, supporters, partner associations, and members in their effort to make the event successful
Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh said that he shares a personal bond with Maharashtra as he did his schooling from Mumbai. He attributed his success to the State of Gujarat as it accorded him his higher education
The audiences were regaled with cultural performances from both the states and especially the ‘Garbha’ and ‘Laavni’ which they thoroughly enjoyed. The Maharashtrian folk dance was performed by the students of ‘Archana Nritalya’ which is run by Guru Archana Joglekar
It was a well-attended event and was an absolutely packed house.
(Based on a press release)
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