The Indian Panorama

Tag: Deepak Bansal

  • Beena Kothari Inaugurated as President of AIA-NY

    Beena Kothari Inaugurated as President of AIA-NY

    MINEOLA, NY (TIP): The Association of Indians in America – New York Chapter (AIA-NY), on March 20, held a momentous inauguration swearing-in of Beena Kothari as the new President, along with the Executive Committee.

    The event was attended by over 150 distinguished guests, including elected officials, AIA founding members, Board of Trustees, AIA Past Presidents, community leaders, members, and media partners. A plaque was presented to outgoing President of AIA-NY Dr. Jagdish Gupta for his leadership of AIA-NY .

    Recognizing the AIA Past Presidents

    The inauguration ceremony featured the singing of the American and Indian national anthems by Bina Sabapthy, Jyoti Gupta, and Roopam Maini, as well as a Ganesh Vandana performance by Hamsaasya School of Dance. Harsh Vyas and Jasbir Jay Singh served as emcees.

    President Beena Kothari presenting a bouquet to Legislator Rosemary Walker

    President Beena Kothari and other dignitaries delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indian heritage and culture in the USA, while promoting integration with mainstream America.

    AIA-NY Executive Committee, sworn in included:

    – President: Beena Kothari
    – Vice Presidents: Anita Thakkar, Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Nilima Madaan
    – Treasurer: Dr. Bal K. Gilja
    – Secretary: Dr. Sharad Kothari
    – Members-at-Large: –
    Anju Sharma, Bhavana Sharma, Deepak Bansal, Deepika Modi
    Dr. Narendra Lodha, Dr.Sumita Sengupta, Dr.Usha Bansal,
    Gobind Bathija, Jay Jasbir Singh, Jyoti Gupta
    Kiran Reddy Parvathala, Narinder Kapoor
    Navneet Agarwal, Nick Garg, Nutan Roongta
    Roopam Maini, Sanju Sharma, Surin Manaktala
    Swati Vaishnav, Satnam Singh Parhar

    President Beena Kothari’s Vision:

    In her inspiring address, President Kothari emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and community engagement. “We represent not only ourselves but also our rich cultural heritage, values, and aspirations. We are the bridge between our Indian roots and our American dreams. Together, let us strive to take AIA to new heights and continue to serve our community with pride and purpose.”Embracing the inclusive spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, Beena strives to break down barriers and build bridges. She believes in the potential of young individuals and women to drive positive change and is committed to empowering them to become leaders.

    Beena’s ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the community, spreading love, kindness, and compassion, and making the world a better place for all.

    President Beena Kothari is congratulated by family and friends.

    Upcoming Initiatives:

    – Holi Celebration – March 26th, in collaboration with CUNY Asian American Student Board
    – Annual Fundraising Gala for Deepavali – June 1st
    – National AIA Medical Council Awards Gala – May 3rd, at Cipriani 42nd Street, Manhattan
    – Desi Next Youth – (TBD)
    – Fundraiser Dinner AIA’s Project India – July 20th
    – AIA-NY Iconic Deepavali Festival – October 2025

    Beena Kothari’s speech was a heartfelt tribute to the individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success. She acknowledged the vital role played by past presidents, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters.

    The evening concluded with a heartfelt thank-you note by Treasurer Dr. Bal K. Gilja and Secretary Dr. Sharad Kothari, followed by a celebratory dinner.

    The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for AIA-NY, filled with a commitment to unity, cultural preservation, and community service.

  • 4th Annual Long Island Vaisakhi Mela draws huge crowds

    4th Annual Long Island Vaisakhi Mela draws huge crowds

    The Sikh martial art Gatka on display

    LONG ISLAND (TIP): Long Island Punjabi Circle celebrated 4th annual Vaisakhi Mela, supported by Event Masters, Metropolitan Caterers, NC Asian American Affairs, IAAC, New York Kabaddi Club, Femina Spa , and LIDC on Sunday, May 19. The marketplace attracted a large number of buyers. Clothes, jewelry, and shoes vendors did good business. Corporates showcased their products and services.
    United Mortgage was the main attraction with a huge booth setup and banners all over as they were the Grand Sponsors of the event. Top Caterers like Metropolitan, Punjabi Dhaba, Badshah, Royal, Momos & Yass Tea had sumptuous food and drinks, with the unending line of customers.
    The Kids Section sponsored by Patel Brothers, Hicksville, had free games, rides, Choo Choo Train, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Pony rides, Drinks, and Ice Cream.

    Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Harry Singh Bolla at the mela

    The Raffle booth decorated with vibrant chunnis was a showstopper as KIA Car was the First prize to win. Lots of prizes including Big Screen TV’s, Jewelry sets, I-Pods, and other prizes were encouraging people to buy the raffle tickets.
    Famous Punjabi singer and heart throb Gulab Sidhu, Indian Idol Khuda Baksh, Voice of Punjab Harmanpreet Kaur and others gave great performances and made everyone dance to their tunes.

    Bhangra & Giddha showcased the Punjabi cultural roots

    An artist plays Dhol

    The administration of Nassau County including the office of Asian Affairs were given the credit with gratitude by Mela team. The County Executive Bruce Blakeman, NYS Senator Steve Rhoads, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, NYS Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, NYS Assemblyman John K. Mikulin, NC Human Rights Commission Chairman Bobby Kumar Kalotee, ICCI T-20 World Cup Chairman Harry Singh Bolla, Senior Advisor Akram Chaudhary and many more graced the Stage with Citations and Proclamations apart from enjoying the event.

    Every Year Mela Team helps a family with generous donation, and this time they chose a family of their own, team member, volunteer Late Davinder Singh. Apart from the $2500 contribution from Mela, Harry Singh Bolla of Bolla Oil donated $5000. The Vaisakhi Mela Organizers consisting of Onkar Singh, Rajeev Maini, Deepak Bansal, Jay Sharma and Jasbir Jay Singh thanked Sponsors, Supporters, Volunteers, and the team who worked hard behind the scenes to make the event a great success.

    They also thanked Metropolitan Caterers for Dinner, the celebrated singers Gulab Sidhu and Khuda Baksh as well as the Sponsors Richard Hernandez, Ravi Chopra, Purushottam ji and many others.
    Gagan and Guri of One Touch Studio who took care of photography and also supported the event were also profusely thanked. The 5th edition of the Mela will be held on 3rd Sunday of 2025.

    A singer charms
    Turn of the organizers to have their say.
  • Indian American Forum organizes 13th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Award Gala 2024

    Indian American Forum organizes 13th Outstanding Women’s Achievements Award Gala 2024

    Lifetime Achievement Award For Late Mrs. Sharan Premi

    March 3, 2024
    GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Celebrating the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’, with the aim of Inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion to forge a better world, Indian American Forum honored several dignified and accomplished women of substance at their 13th Annual Women’s Achievements Awards Gala this past weekend at the Metropolitan Caterers in Long Island.

    Under the leadership of Chairperson Indu Jaiswal and Gala Chair Shammi Singh, known for their strong commitment and dedication to the community cause, along with the entire team of IAF, were the organizing force behind the GALA, celebrating the success of the outstanding achievements by these distinguished personalities in the presence of many accomplished guests and community leaders. The honorees were presented special citations from The Nassau County Hon. Bruce A. Blakeman’s office, Certificates of Recognition from The Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer S Desena, and Town Clerk Hon. Ragini Srivastava’s office, Town of Hempstead Hon. Donald X. Clavin’s office, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Office of The Nassau County’s Comptroller Elaine Phillips office.

    Several Officials including North Hempstead Town Supervisor Hon. Jennifer S. Desena, Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Hon. Dorothy L. Goosby,, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, respectfully invited and welcomed by Dr. Bobby Kalotee, portrayed the women empowerment and success.

    Our distinguished awardees included:
    • Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan -> MD DCH MPH practices Pediatrics, Public Health and Acupuncture in Long Island New York, Chairwomen’s Affairs for AAPI QLI for many years conducts free public health educational programs in Nassau County on numerous health issues including an annual Mental Health Symposium and Annual Breast Cancer Awareness seminar. She holds several core community leadership positions not limited to: President Grant Medical College Alumni USA Inc., Regional Director Mid-Atlantic region AAPI, Chair Publications AAPI, Vice Chair Asian American Advisory Committee Nassau County and Advisory committee Hindu Temple Flushing NY.

    • Dr. Mala Sachdeva – Professor of Medicine at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and academic nephrologists, an educator, and part of the full-time faculty at the Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension in Great Neck, New York, North well Health System. Currently she has been elected as President Elect in 2024 and then will serve as President (2025-2026) for Women In Nephrology Organization, a national organization advocating and mentoring wo men and men in developing exciting careers in the field of renal disease.

    • Neela Mukherjee Lockel – President and Chief Executive Officer at EAC Network. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross on Long Island since 2016, where she oversaw Red Cross activities across Nassau County and Suffolk Counties, and sat on the Regional Leadership Team of Greater New York. She facilitated the Regional Board Diversity Committee, was a member of the Advanced Public Affairs Training Team and the American Red Cross LEAD, an internal leadership development program. She has deployed to Red Cross disaster responses for Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) and the California Wildfires (2017), and sat as the Interim Regional CEO for the Maine Region, to lead the team through a merger into the Northern New England Region.

    • Dr. Mamta Shaha – President of North Shore Rotary Club. She is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of pediatrics at New York University. She is also a Board-certified Ophthalmologist from Bombay University. She is actively involved with JAINA (Federation of Jain Association in North America) and has served as JAINA Northeast Vice president for two years and served as a director of the Jain Center of America NY for 4 years. She currently chairs two committees in JAINA: As a Chairperson of the JAINA Media Committee, she produced and directed the weekly Jain TV show “Mangalam” for 10 years.

    Rhea Manjrekar, Rani Verma, Pinky Rangi, Dr Mamta Shaha, Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, Dorothy Goosby, Ms. Elaine Phillips, Neela Lockel Mukherjee, Samyukhtha Arun Kumar, Dr Mala Sachdeva, Indu Jaiswal, Beena Kothari, Dr Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Roopam Maini Vimal Goyal, Deepak Bansal, Wioletta, Aashmeeta Yogiraj, Chanbir Kaur Sethi

    • Samyukhtha Arun Kumar – Youth leader and inspiring next generation athlete, Golfer
    • Late Mrs. Sharan Premi – Lifetime Achievement Award
    Mr. and Mrs. Premi took much pride in their incomparable ability to help the local community. They helped with anyone needing assistance. Mrs. Premi never had an issue with welcoming anyone into her home, and she would single-handedly cook meals for large groups of people at the drop of a hat. Many a times they housed people who had nowhere to go. Mrs. Premi helped new immigrants with Housing, providing shelter and guiding them in his new environment for several years. Their House was known as Mini Punjab.

    Starting with the beautiful décor and warm welcome with sumptuous appetizers, the evening started with American and Indian National Anthem followed by a rocking welcome by hosts Roopam Maini and Chanbir Kaur. Sunita Sadhnani rocked audience with her melodious singing. DJ Parminder rocked the dance floor.
    Several distinguished political and community leaders, IAF Board of Trustees, Members, Volunteers, supporters and audience graced the occasion applauding the distinguished accomplishments of women honorees. Several Board of Trustees and community leader in presence included Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Bhupendra Patel, Beena Kothari, Flora Parekh – President of Gift of Life USA, Dr. Pallavi Manvar Singh, Dr. Sunil Mehra (AAPI), Pradip Tandon (President IALI), Dr. Jagdish Gupta President (AIA), Vijay Goswamy, Anju Sharma, Dr. Purnaprasad, Dr. Prachi Dua and many other organization leaders. Aashmeeta Yogiraj emceed the event with hosts Indu Jaiswal, Roopam Maini and Chanbir Kaur and concluded with a Thank you note from Beena Kothari, Viola and Flora Parekh. Entire IAF team with several volunteers were instrumental in making the event a grand success. It was indeed a very successful evening, showcasing and honoring outstanding women achievers, who are successful in business, cultural, professional, education, and medical. Community and social services.

    (Press release by Indu Jaiswal)

    Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosy and Elaine Phillips enjoying Music and Dance.
  • IDPUSA 12th India Day Parade in Hicksville witnessed enthusiastic participation of  the community

    IDPUSA 12th India Day Parade in Hicksville witnessed enthusiastic participation of  the community

    Mallika Sherawat and Khuda Baksh were the main attractions

    Grand Marshal Naveen Shah speaking. L to R: Harry Singh Bolla, Mallika Sherawat, Kanak Golia, Ravi Chopra, Naveen Shah, Deepak Bansal.
    Harry Singh Bolla addressing the gathering. L to R: Vimal Goyal, Mallika Sherawat, Kanak Golia, Ravi Chopra, Harry Singh Bolla, Deepak Bansal, and IDPUSA Founder Bobby Kalotee,
    L to R: Beena Kothari, Consul Community Affairs Achanthodiyal Kesavan Vijayakrishnan (3rd from the left), and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker.

    HICKSVILLE,  NY (TIP): The 12th IDP USA India Day Parade on August 27,  with a record number of floats and booths, clearly indicated the efforts of the organizers and the participation of the community.

    As before, the Grand Marshals and sponsors extended greetings on the occasion before the parade started. Those who addressed the gathering included Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, Grand Marshals Naveen Shah, Harry Singh Bolla, Harshad Shiv Bhai Patel, and the celebrity Grand Marshal Mallika Sherawat. The Consulate General of India was represented by Consul Community Affairs Mr. Achanthodiyal Kesavan Vijayakrishnan.

    Co-Presidents Deepak Bansal and Vimal Goyal also spoke on the occasion. IDP Founder Bobby Kalotee welcomed and thanked the dignitaries and celebrities  for their presence. The parade started from Patel Brothers  and ended at LIRR Parking lot on West  John Street in Hicksville where around 35 booths and an  entertainment stage were set up.  Well known singer Khuda Baksh regaled the visitors with his melodious singing.

    The gathered crowd at Patel Brothers listening to the speakers

    Some booths
  • India Day Parade draws Crowds despite of Inclement Weather

    India Day Parade draws Crowds despite of Inclement Weather

    Braving the weather, dignitaries ride a float. Seen, among others, Guest of honor Dr. D. Nori (extreme left), Indu Jaiswal (3rd from left), Guest of Honor Ranju Batra, Grans Marshall Consul General of India, Randhir Jaiswal, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (extreme right)
    A group of protesters demanding justice for agitating farmers in India
    A Salute to Indian soldiers.
    Organizers and volunteers celebrate.

    Pro-farmers protesters demonstrate and disrupt the entertainment program

    I.S. Saluja

    HICKSVILLE,NY (TIP): India Day Parade (IDP) USA drew crowds despite of inclement weather on Sunday, August 8. It was the 7th parade in 10 years of the existence of IDP USA. Last year, because of Covid conditions, the organizers took out a car rally. Earlier, the parade was not taken out for 3 years on account of internal strife among the founders / organizers.

    Starting from Patel Brothers Plazaon South Broadway, the parade made it to the entertainment stage at the parking lot near Asa Mai Hindu temple, off North Broadway.

    Because of intermittent rain, not many people thronged the sides of the 2-mile route.

    On the way, pro-farmers protesters at some places gathered and shouted slogans in favor of protesting farmers in India. They also carried placards saying,“No Farmers, No Food.”

    At the entertainment venue, a larger group of pro-farmers protesters carrying placards, shouted anti-India government and anti-Modi slogans, and demanded that the government talk to protesting farmers to resolve their issues. Some of the representatives who addressed the gathering from the stage said they were protesting peacefully in favor of the farmers who have been protesting for over a year now. They held the Modi government responsible for the loss of life of more than   400 farmers during their agitation, Terming the Modi government’s attitude as callous, they demanded that the government talk with them and resolve the issues. They said that Indians abroad fully supported the protesting farmers and would continue to give them all support until the anti-farmers laws are annulled.

    Indian Overseas Congress group which was to march in the parade took a decision not to join the parade in view of the avowed support of their Party in India. Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, IOC USA president said that their support for farmers will continue until justice is done to them. He called upon Modi government to take a step forward and meet with the protesting farmers and resolve the issue in the interest of the Indian nation. “There can be no better occasion than the Independence Day of India to take a bold initiative,” he said.

    Consul General of IndiaRandhir Jaiswal, Bollywood star Ileana D’Cruz, and Dr Jay Sarkar, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and life consultant were the Grand Marshalls

    An exultant IDP USA President Deepak Bansal, said a record number of dignitaries participated which included elected officials, lawmakers, and community leaders. New York State Comptroller Thoams DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, State Senator Kevin Thomas, Supervisor of Town of Oyster Bay Joseph Saladino, Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray, New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky, and County legislator Rose Walker graced the occasion with their presence.

    The Guests of Honor included internationally renowned oncologist Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra, Navika Group CEO/President Naveen Shah and young guru and motivational speaker Ishan Shivanand. Other notable guests included Farah Mozawalla, director of minority affairs of Nassau County and Ragini Srivastava, an upcoming politician.

    The comely Ileana D’Cruz, wearing a floor length crème colored dress, was quite a sport, posing with fans. She is an Indian-born Portuguese actress who predominantly appears in Telugu and Hindi language films.

    The entertainment stage saw a few scintillating song and dance numbers and 37 performances by kids, and the program finished around dusk. Facing the stage were 45 stalls selling ethnic clothes and jewelry and food of course. For kids there were free rides and free popcorn.  Most stalls did not have customers and folded up because of inclement weather.

    A Nissan car sponsored by DP Singh of Meetu Magic was the first prize of the raffle. He was there to take out the draw and the lucky winner turned out to be Suhag Mehta, impresario, and part of the founding team of IDP. Other raffle prizes included an Apple watch, a 50-inch TV set, and 2 air tickets courtesy CheapOair.

    President Bansal said the parade represents our motherland and people who come out to support make India proud. He thanked the IDP USA office bearers and committee chairs for working tirelessly over 3 months to prepare for the massive parade.

    According to the press release sent to The Indian Panorama, the parade was supported by top brands including Phalguni-Chintu Patel, Navika Group, The South Asian Times, CheapOair, , Patel Brothers, Vass Pipe, The Portables Choice Corp, PICC, Flushing Bank, STI Consultants, Maharaja, Badshah, Property Professionals, Commercial Capital Funding Group, Elevator the movie, Indian Visa Center, BCB Bank, Omni Mortgage, HAB Bank, No Limit Auto Body and Shiv Yog. Several media organizations also supported the parade by promoting it.

    IDP plans to celebrate the success of the 2021 Parade at a Gala at Antun’s by Minar on Thursday, August 19, 2021.  A souvenir will be released at the gala, the press release said.

    (With inputs from IDP USA press release)

  • Countdown begins for the 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Sunday, Aug 8

    Countdown begins for the 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Sunday, Aug 8

    I.S. Saluja

    HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Countdown has begun for the 10th IDP USA Parade of Long Island on Sunday, August 8 to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day. Notwithstanding fresh threats from Covid variant Delta and warnings from health experts of a possible wave of the virus spreading across the country, there is a huge enthusiasm among the Indian community to participate. Moreover, the two other India Day parades- one in Manhattan and the other in Queens- are not happening, leaving the IDP USA of Long Island as the only India Day celebratory parade that people can participate in.

    According to the parade organizers, tens of thousands are expected to march in the parade and cheer it from the sidewalks as it starts at 1 PM from Patel Brothers and walks down the Little India part of Hicksville to culminate near Asa Mai Hindu temple on East Barclay Street where the entertainment stage will be set up with a live DJ as well as stalls selling ethnic goodies and food. Admission is free.

    IDP USA Past President and current Vice President Jay Jasbir Singh implored the community and community organizations to support the parade with presence and generous contributions

    Giving details of the program at a press conference, IDP USA Vice President and a former President Jay Jasbir Singh disclosed that Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, who had graced the parade curtain raiser at the Indian Consulate on June 24, is Grand Marshall. The other two Grand Marshals are renowned film star Ileana D’Cruz  and Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Life Consultant Dr Jay Sarkar. Deepak Bansal, President of IDP USA, who thanked the IDP USA office bearers and committee chairs for working day in and day out to make preparations for the massive parade, appealed to the gathering at the press conference to loosen their purse strings and bring their families and friends to the Parade to make the parade an event to remember.

    IDP USA President Deepak Bansal thanked the IDP USA office bearers and committee chairs for working day in and day out to make preparations for the massive parade.

    Mr. Bansal thanked in particular active support and guidance from Jasbir Jay Singh, under whose presidency the parade in 2019 and the gala that followed were the talk of Long Island. He said that the paradethis year is expected to be super-successful, coming as it does afterthe peak of the pandemic.

    The parade’s four Guests of Honor are: internationally renowned oncologist and Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra, Navika Group CEO and President Naveen Shah and young guru and motivational speaker Ishan Shivanand.

    The names of honorees at the parade and at the gala will be announced subsequently, the organizers said.

    A highlight of the parade will be a raffle, where the top prize is a car sponsored by DP Singh of Meetu Magic. Other exciting prizes include jewelry, smartphone and cash.

    A view of the gathering at the press conference

    The parade this year is supported by top brands and names as Grand Sponsors including Phalguni Chintu Patel, Shiv Yog, Navika Group, Bolla Market, The South Asian Times, CheapOair, Patel Brothers, Vass Pipe, The Portables Choice Corp, PICC, Flushing Bank, Maharaja, Badshah, Commercial Capital Funding Group, Elevator the movie, Indian Visa Center, Omni Mortgage, and HAB Bank. Several media organizations are also supporting the parade by promoting it.

    IDP USA key officials with a co-founder Bobby Kalotee (Standing 2nd from left)

    Addressing the press conference attended by representatives of leading newspapers and electronic media, IDP USA Founders Bobby K. Kalotee and Kamlesh C. Mehta said that this parade is special as it is celebrating India’s landmark 75th Independence Day and that it is timed well as pandemic restrictions have been lifted. It is also the only parade in the entire New York state.

    Past President Jay Singh implored the community and community organizations to come one and all to the parade in Hicksville on August 8 and support it by way of taking out floats and booths as well as booking ads in the souvenir which will be released at the gala celebrating the success of the parade at Antun’s by Minar on Thursday August 19, 2021.  30 booths and 9 floats have already been booked.

    Dr Jay Sarkar said he is honored to represent India and the community, and that we should thank both India, our motherland, for our heritage and culture, and America, our adopted country, which allows us to practice our traditions and showcase them at an event like this parade.

    “IDP USA was established in 2012 to create awareness of Indian contributions to the local community by celebrating India’s Independence Day every year. A 501(c) non-profit tax-exempt organization, its mission is to empower the Indian community through promoting economic development, education, community leadership, social advancement and environmental awareness. The non-partisan and secular IDP USA brings together over 100 religious, cultural, regional, and charity organizations serving the community”, the press release said.

    (With inputs from a Press release)

  • Great enthusiasm in community for 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Aug 8

    Great enthusiasm in community for 10th India Day Parade in Hicksville on Aug 8

    Ambassador Jaiswal, film star Kajal Aggarwal and Dr Jay Sarkar are Grand Marshalls.

    GARDEN CITY, NY: The 10th India Day Parade of Long Island to be held in Hicksville, NY on Sunday, August 8, 2021 to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day has generated great enthusiasm among the Indian community, said officials of IDP USA, organizer of the parade, at a press conference on July 28 at Mint Restaurant in Garden City, NY.

    Tens of thousands are expected to march in the parade and cheer it from the sidewalks as it starts at 1 PM from Patel Brothers and walk down the Little India part of Hicksville to culminate near Asa Mai Hindu temple on East Barclay Street where the entertainment stage will be set up with a live DJ as well as stalls selling ethnic goodies and food. Admission is free.

    : IDP USA Past President and current Vice President Jay Jasbir Singh implored the community and community organizations to support the parade with presence and generous contributions

    Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, who had graced the parade curtain raiser at the Indian Consulate on June 24, is Grand Marshall. Renowned film star Kajal Aggarwal and Philanthropist, Entrepreneur and Life Consultant Dr Jay Sarkar will also lead the parade as Grand Marshalls, informed Deepak Bansal, President of IDP USA, who thanked the IDP USA office bearers and committee chairs for working day in and day out to make preparations for the massive parade.

    Mr. Bansal thanked in particular active support and guidance from Jasbir Jay Singh, under whose presidency the parade in 2019 and the gala that followed were the talk of Long Island. Mr. Bansal implored the community to open their hearts and wallets as this parade is expected to be super-successful, coming as it does after last year’s parade during the peak of the pandemic and was restricted to a car rally.

    IDP USA key officials with a co-founder Bobby Kalotee

    The parade’s four Guests of Honor are: internationally renowned oncologist and Padma Shri Dr Dattatreyudu Nori, Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra, Navika Group CEO and President Naveen Shah and young guru and motivational speaker Ishan Shivanand.

    The names of honorees at the parade and at the gala will be announced subsequently.

    A highlight of the parade will be a raffle, where the top prize is a car sponsored by DP Singh of Meetu Magic. Other exciting prizes include jewelry, smartphone and cash.

    The parade this year is supported by top brands and names as Grand Sponsors including Phalguni Chintu Patel, Shiv Yog, Navika Group, Bolla Market, The South Asian Times, CheapOair, Patel Brothers, Vass Pipe, The Portables Choice Corp, PICC, Flushing Bank, Maharaja, Badshah, Commercial Capital Funding Group, Elevator the movie, Indian Visa Center, Omni Mortgage, and HAB Bank. Several media organizations are also supporting the parade by promoting it.

    A view of the gathering

    Addressing the press conference attended by representatives of leading newspapers and electronic media, IDP USA Founders Bobby K. Kalotee and Kamlesh C. Mehta said that this parade is special as it is celebrating India’s landmark 75th Independence Day and that it is timed well as pandemic restrictions have been lifted. It is also the only parade in the entire New York state.

    Past President Jay Singh implored the community and community organizations to come one and all to the parade in Hicksville on August 8 and support it by way of taking out floats and booths as well as booking ads in the souvenir which will be released at the gala celebrating the success of the parade at Antun’s by Minar on Thursday August 19, 2021. 30 booths and 9 floats have already been booked.

    Dr Jay Sarkar said he is honored to represent India and the community, and that we should thank both India, our motherland, for our heritage and culture, and America, our adopted country, which allows us to practice our traditions and showcase them at an event like this parade.

    IDP USA was established in 2012 to create awareness of Indian contributions to the local community by celebrating India’s Independence Day every year. A 501(c) non-profit tax-exempt organization, its mission is to empower the Indian community through promoting economic development, education, community leadership, social advancement and environmental awareness. The non-partisan and secular IDP USA brings together over 100 religious, cultural, regional, and charity organizations serving the community.

    (Press release)