The Indian Panorama

Tag: Rotary Club

  • Gandhian Society hosts Interfaith Prayer Meet and Khadi Fashion Show in New Jersey

    American Indian Children who participated in the Khadi Fashion show.
    Dignitaries at the Interfaith Prayer Meet Organized by Gandhian Society.

    PARSIPPANY, NJ (TIP): The Gandhian Society in partnership with Rotary Club and Zakir Husain Foundation organized an Interfaith Prayer meet and Khadi Fashion show in Parsippany (New Jersey) on June 26, 2022. The event was organized to pray for peace, understanding and spreading love/ brotherhood amongst all human beings and also to show cause the national fabric of India – Khadi in a modern way for the younger generation of American Indian’s. Khadi represents the Indian thinking of simple living with elegance and dignity. The event was attended by most of the elected officials from District 11/ Morris County/ Parsippany including District 11 House of Representative Candidate (Republican) – Paul DeGroot, Mayor Jamie Barbierio, Council President – Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Ponnala Lakshmiah (Indian Politician who earlier lived in Parsippany). The event started with the singing of National Anthem’s for USA and India and continues with Devotional Songs that Mahatma Gandhi used to have during his prayer meetings. The religious leaders from many diverse faiths like Christianity,  Hindu (Iskcon) Islam, Jewish (Hebrew), Jain, BAHA’i and many faiths prayed for peace, understanding and making the world a better place.

    This was followed by a Khadi Fashion designed/ conceptualized by designer Sonal Gadhavi and choreographed by Bharat Gadhavi. Sonal had a workshop with the kids prior to the fashion show to explain to them the significance of Khadi and the designs being displayed. The fashion show saw many American Indian children take part and display Khadi in a modern and elegant manner. Charkha Boutique sponsored the Khadi clothes for the fashion show. Gandhian Society Founder Bhadra Butala was instrumental in sponsoring the show with support fron sponsors. The Gandhian Society also honored Dr.Satish Aanchan and Ramesh Maganti for their community service and also honored them with a special certiciate and Gandhian Statue. Ponnala Lakshmiah was recognized for his role in helping rural India with his earlier role as Major Irrigation Minister where he helped irrigate thousands of acres of land that helped millions of farmers in South India.

    The Interfaith and Khadi event was mainly organized by Balaji Jilla, Rajender Dichpally and supported friendly by Santosh Peddi (Rotary International  Club members of Parsippany). The Gandhian Society team of Mahesh Wani, Shravan Natyakala, Varsha Joshi, Dr.Deepak Naran, Asha Sawant, Shiv Kumar, Hasmukh Patel, Vijaya Nadella and others. A simple Gandhian lunch was provided for participants and devotional songs that Mahatma Gandhi used to listen to were sung at the event. Free biographies of Mahatma Gandhi were distributed at the event for participants.

  • The 4th Indian Person to lead the Rotary: Sushil Kumar Gupta selected to be 2020-21 Rotary President

    The 4th Indian Person to lead the Rotary: Sushil Kumar Gupta selected to be 2020-21 Rotary President

    NEW YORK(TIP): Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested.

    Gupta wants to increase Rotary’s humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership.

    “As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world.”

    Gupta has been a Rotarian since 1977 and has served Rotary as district governor, training leader, and resource group adviser, and as a member, vice chair, or chair of several committees.

    Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21.

    He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the IIS University, Jaipur, in recognition of his contributions to water conservation.

    He has also received the coveted Padma Shri Award, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, conferred by the president of India for distinguished service to tourism and social work.

    Gupta has also received the Distinguished Service Award from The Rotary Foundation for his support of its humanitarian and educational programs. He and his wife, Vinita, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Arch Klumph Society.

    Gupta is chair and managing director of Asian Hotels (West) Ltd., and owner of Hyatt Regency Mumbai and JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. He has served as president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India and on the board of directors of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd. He is the president of Experience India Society, a public-private partnership between the tourism industry and the government of India that promotes India as a tourist destination. He is also vice chair of the Himalayan Environment Trust and serves on the board of Operation Eyesight Universal in India. There are 16 members of the Nominating Committee for the 2020-21 President of the Rotary International.

    Sushil Gupta is a founding patron of the Gift of Life India, since its inception in 2002. He currently also serves an advisor.  Past District Governor Ravishankar Bhooplapur honored him in 2012, at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Long Island, with an Angel Award for his outstanding humanitarian services and help for setting up Gift of Life India project.  Gift of Life India so far has saved 6,000 children’s lives.

     In the 110-year history of the Rotary International he is the 4thIndian to lead the organization, which consists of 1.2 million Rotarians in over 170 countries.  We have no doubt he will take the Rotary to the next level.

    (Contributed by Teresa Schmedding)

     

  • Indian American Night 2017 Celebrated

    Indian American Night 2017 Celebrated

    LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Indian American Forum on Sunday June 25, 2017, organized an evening of music and dances at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. This program is part of the 2017 summer concert series sponsored by Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums.

    The program started with Yoga sessions conducted by Ranju Narang and Group.

    Health awareness services were organized by Nassau County Department of Health and Dr Bhavani Srinivasan of AAPIQLI. Indian American Night is a showcase of Classical Indian Music and folk dances from all regions of India.

    Nassau County Executive Edward P Mangano was represented by Nassau County Clerk

    Maureen O’ Connell. Nassau County Clerk welcomed everyone and presented the honorees with Citations from Nassau County.

    Each Year members from Indian America Community are recognized for their outstanding services and contributions. Also present were several other dignitaries and elected officials.

    Honorees for the evening included Ms Gita Setia is a trained vocalist. Gita has performed at Indian Consulate, fundraising of Hope Global Project, AIA, LIA and several other programs. She has released two albums composed by her. Currently she is affiliated with ITV Gold a host of a show and music programs.

    Dr Rakesh Dua, President of AAPI QLI, largest chapter of National AAPI is actively involved in organizing Health Fairs and Charitable work. Dr Dua is also a passionate Singer and well known for his community services.

    Ms Bina Sabapathy, President of India Association of Long Island, Currently employed with Nassau County Department of Social Services, helping people to find employment. Bina is actively involved with Indian America Forum, AWB Food Bank, India Day Parade South Asian Political Action Committee and several other groups.

    Ms. Bina Adjani, President of the Rotary Club of Jericho Sunrise, Bina is a true humanitarian, involved in charitable activities and providing help to the needy. Her mantra is has always been Helping People should be to find out what’s actually valuable to someone. Make an effort to ask them where they need help and keep in mind when you see an opportunity to help.

    Dr Inderpal Chhabra is the Medical Director of NSLU Care Health Insurance Plan and also Director of Physician CDI Education, NSLIJ Health System. Dr Chhabra is well known for his philanthropic and volunteer services New York and also in all the Gurudwaras…

    Dr Rajendra Modi is a well-known ophthalmologist in Queens for the past 35 years… He is active in many social and charitable organizations. He goes to India for free eye camps for poor people since past 30 years. Dr Modi is a Board Member of SANKARA NERTALAYA. And works with SANKAE EYE FOUNDATION

    Indu Jaiswal Chairperson of Indian American Forum welcomed every one and thanked all the sponsors and supporters for their participation.

    Bollywood Dances by Jyotika Patel and group

    A Cultural program, organized by Jaya Bahadkar, was emceed by Dr Bhavani Srinivasan, Several music and dance performances lent color and charm to the celebrations. Students of Sadhna Pranji, Jyotika Patel, and several other schools   took part. And presented vocal and dance performances.

    Mast Group from YICG Group presented patriotic Medley enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Jyoti Gupta, Sheetal Talati, Mohinder Singh Taneja, Indu Gajwani, Nilima Madan Vijay Goswamy and several Volunteers and Sponsors who helped. Program was well attended by leaders of several organizations.