NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): In a landmark recognition of the contributions made by the Rajasthani-American community, New York City Mayor Eric Adams officially proclaimed August 6, 2025, as “Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) Day” during a historic ceremony at New York City Hall.
The event was part of RANA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of cultural service, charitable impact, and leadership within the diaspora. The ceremony brought together elected officials, diplomats, community leaders, and dignitaries from across the U.S.
Mayor Eric Adams Honors RANA Personally
Despite his demanding schedule, Mayor Eric Adams made it a point to join the ceremony in person, a powerful gesture that RANA President Prem Bhandari described as “a token of deep respect not only for over 2 million Rajasthani-origin people across the globe, but also for nearly 100 million residents of Rajasthan and other parts of India.”
Mayor Adams acknowledged the Rajasthani-American community’s role in enriching New York’s multicultural fabric and thanked RANA for 25 years of service and cultural leadership
Dignitaries and City Officials in Attendance
The proclamation ceremony was graced by top officials from the Mayor’s Office:
- Commissioner Aissata Camara, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs
- Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs
- Pastor Gilford Monrose, Faith Advisor and Executive Director, Mayor’s Office
Commissioner Aissata Camara presented the official proclamation on behalf of Mayor Adams to RANA President Prem Bhandari and Dr. Rekha Bhandari.
Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, who played a key role in facilitating the proclamation, stated:
“On behalf of Mayor Eric Adams and the City of New York, I’m proud to announce that August 6, 2025, is officially proclaimed ‘Rajasthan Association of North America Day’ — a day celebrated not just by the Rajasthani community, but by all 8.5 million New Yorkers. For 25 years, RANA has championed culture, service, and community — strengthening ties between New York and the global Rajasthani diaspora.”
Founders, Past Presidents, and Community Leaders Unite
The celebration brought together many of RANA’s visionary founders, past presidents, board members, and supporters from around the region:
- KK Mehta, one of RANA’s founding members and its first president
- Former Presidents: Anand Nahar, Haridas Kotewala, Dr. Narender Hadpawat, Dr. Ajay Jain, and Dashrath Dugar
- Rajesh Saha, co-founder of RANA
- Mrs. Meena Garg, wife of late RANA President Rajeev Garg, under whose leadership the 2010 RANA International Convention led to the historic announcement by India’s then-Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs that Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) would be hosted in Jaipur for the first time
- Vice President: Dr. Sharad Kothari
- Secretary: Ravi Jargarh
- Treasurer: Neelam Modi
- Board Member & AIA NY President: Beena Kothari
- Dr. Samin Sharma, world-renowned interventional cardiologist
- Dr. Ravi Murarka (Philadelphia)
- Jugal Kishore Laddha and Sharad Agarwal (New Jersey)
- Ajay Patel, President of BRUHUD NY (largest senior citizens’ group in NY)
- Harish Thakkar, former AIA NY Chapter President
- Shailesh Jalani, former President, Indian Diamond and Color Stone Association
- Prominent jewelers: Kailash Rawat, Kailash Jalani, and Shyam Sharaf
Their presence highlighted the strength, unity, and global reach of the Rajasthani-American community.
RANA’s 25-Year Journey of Culture, Service, and Impact
RANA became a global voice for Rajasthani culture following its first International Convention in 2003, led by KK Mehta. Since then, RANA has hosted four major international conventions in New York — in 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2014 — drawing thousands of attendees and uniting the diaspora on one platform.
Its charitable journey began with a rainwater harvesting project in partnership with BITS Pilani, which secured a $200,000 World Bank grant ,a landmark achievement for diaspora-led development.
Today, RANA supports causes such as:
- The Akshaya Patra Foundation (meals for schoolchildren in India)
- Apna Ghar (senior care facility)
- Ekal Vidyalaya (education in tribal communities)
- Educational scholarships, disaster relief, and health initiatives
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RANA led relief efforts in both the U.S. and India : distributing ventilators, oxygen concentrators, and PPE kits, while youth volunteers in New York delivered meals to frontline healthcare workers.
Jaipur Foot USA: A Global Model with Zero Admin Cost
While RANA does not have a formal partnership with Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) — the world’s largest organization serving the differently-abled — Prem Bhandari, as Founder Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, has elevated the cause internationally.
- Jaipur Foot USA is the only organization in the world with zero administrative cost, ensuring every dollar goes directly to helping beneficiaries
- The life-transforming work of BMVSS has been showcased globally through exhibitions and seminars at:
- The United Nations Headquarters in New York
- Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
- The Indian Consulate in New York
Bhandari extended his heartfelt appreciation to Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla, calling him:
“Not just the people’s Indian Ambassador to the U.S. or people’s Foreign Secretary, but a genuine friend and true supporter of Jaipur Foot.”
As Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency, Shringla attended a High Tea hosted by Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Umed Bhawan Palace, organized with the support of Jaipur Foot USA, and attended by dozens of international delegates.
Looking Ahead
The proclamation of RANA Day stands as a testament to the power of cultural pride, service, and unity. RANA remains committed to serving as a bridge between traditional Rajasthani heritage and modern global values, ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.
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