The Indian Panorama

Tag: Vijay Shah

  • OFBJP-USA NJ Chapter Celebrates 75th Birthday of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi with Enthusiasm and Community Spirit

    OFBJP-USA NJ Chapter Celebrates 75th Birthday of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi with Enthusiasm and Community Spirit

    • Vijay Shah

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP-USA), New Jersey Chapter, organized an event on September 20, 2025, at the ITV Gold Auditorium in Edison, New Jersey, to celebrate the 75th birthday of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The gathering was attended by community leaders, volunteers, and well-wishers from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

    Mr. Narendra Modi, currently serving his third term as Prime Minister, turned 75 on September 17th. Widely regarded as one of the most popular leaders in the world, Mr. Modi’s life and leadership were honored during the evening. The program also commemorated Telangana Liberation Day, which falls on September 17th, marking the historic 1948 integration of the Hyderabad state into the Indian Union under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership.

    The event was well organized and drew a large crowd. Food donations were also collected for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ).

    Mr. Gunjan Mishra, a volunteer and the emcee of the evening, opened the program by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude to all for joining over the weekend. Ms. Kalpana Shukla and Mr. Vilas Jambula commenced the event with  “Vande Mataram.”

    OFBJP-USA President Mr. Adapa Prasad, who traveled from the Washington, D.C. area, then addressed the gathering. He described Prime Minister Mr. Modi as a “God-sent gift” and a symbol of sacrifice, simplicity, determination, and inspiration for India’s 1.4 billion citizens. He also reflected on the significance of Telangana Liberation Day, recalling Operation Polo in 1948, when the Indian Army ended the Nizam’s rule to secure India’s unity and integrity.

    Padma Shri awardee and community leader Dr. Sudhir Parikh delivered a keynote address. He praised Prime Minister Mr. Modi as a living embodiment of the principle of “Nation First.” Dr. Parikh also shared memories of his early interactions with a young Mr. Narendra Modi, alongside leaders like Mr. L.K. Advani and Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He noted that it was Mr. Modi  himself who encouraged him to launch a television channel to broadcast Indian culture and news in America, which ultimately became ITV Gold. Today, the channel broadcasts Doordarshan news daily in the U.S.

    Mr. Charan Singh, an award-winning community leader, and Ms. Shukla jointly gave a presentation on the impact of Modi ji’s governance since 2014, highlighting landmark schemes such as:

    • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion)
    • “Make in India” program (boost to domestic manufacturing)
    • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)
    • Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (education and safety of girl children)
    • Goods and Services Tax (GST), unifying state and central taxes
    • Ayushman Bharat (healthcare access for low-income families)
    • The Ram Temple movement and inauguration in 2024
    • Revocation of Article 370 (special status of Jammu and Kashmir)
    • National Education Policy 2020
    • COVID-19 vaccine development and global distribution under “Vaccine Maitri”
    • Space achievements such as Chandrayaan-3’s successful south pole landing in 2023

    Other milestones noted included initiatives like Digital India, direct benefit transfers, the Statue of Unity, and widespread infrastructure and transportation development.

    Mr. Krishna Reddy, former president of OFBJP-USA, described Mr. Modi ’s life journey as proof of what can be achieved with vision as “vast as the ocean” and determination as “firm as the Himalayas.” He then invited guests to join in the ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the Prime Minister’s 75th birthday.

    Several dignitaries, including Mr. Suresh Patel (President of FISANA), Mr. Rajan Singhal (ITServe Alliance), Dr. Sudha Parikh, Ms. Deepti Jani, and others, also addressed the gathering and extended their heartfelt greetings. The event concluded with Ms. Anita Chadha singing a birthday song for the Prime Minister.

    The organizers expressed gratitude to all community members, attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Sudhir Parikh and the ITV Gold team. After the indoor program, many participants joined in a community-led food donation drive in the parking lot for CFBNJ. By the end, donations filled the trunks of three cars, reflecting a compassionate gesture by the community to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

  • Federation of Indo American Seniors Association of North America ( FISANA) has a new President in Suresh Patel

    Federation of Indo American Seniors Association of North America ( FISANA) has a new President in Suresh Patel

    • By Vijay Shah

    EDISON, NJ (TIP): Mr. Suryakant Patel has taken over the charge as President of FISANA from the outgoing President Bharat Rana. Suresh Patel has been actively involved in community services for the last 15 years. Presently, Sureshbhai Patel is also president of Bridgewater Seniors Association.
    After coming to New Jersey from India 40 years ago, he had started his own business. Once at the age of retirement, he decided to wind up his business and started working for community services.

    FISANA, being an umbrella organization of almost 20 associations, organize various events, like Summer Picnic, Domestic trip for seniors, Diwali celebration, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, musical program etc. throughout the year.

    Suresh Patel is receiving a plaque. To his right is FISANA Chairperson Mr. Piyush Patel, a leading businessman and entrepreneur.

    Mr. Piyush Patel, the leading businessman and entrepreneur was elected as Chairperson, who will continue to extend his financial and physical support to seniors. As Vice Chair, Dr Mukund Thakar, Subhash Doshi and Rati Patel will continue their support and services. Suresh Patel welcomes the other seniors associations to join in and make FISANA stronger for Social and political strength.

    On March 23rd, FISANA will organize a Gujarati drama by Ketki Dave at Bridgewater Balaji temple.

    Suresh Patel can be reached at 908 745 9095 or by email at fisanaorganization@gmail.com

  • Air India relaunches direct flight from New York to Mumbai from JFK Airport, New York

    Air India relaunches direct flight from New York to Mumbai from JFK Airport, New York

    Lighting of the lamp. Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York lights the lamp . (Photo:Vijay Shah)
    Mr. Roel Huinink, CEO, JFK Airport lights the lamp. (Photo : Vijay Shah)

    I.S. Saluja with Vijay Shah

    NEW YORK (TIP): Tata Air India, on February 14, relaunched from JFK airport the direct flight from New York to Mumbai. Impressive ceremonies, from seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings to the beat of the Maharashtrian Dhol Tasha, to exquisite dances, with the usual ribbon cutting, lamp lighting to cutting of the cake, marked the festive occasion. Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Consul General of India at New York who was the chief guest, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the relaunch ceremonies in the presence of Mr. Roel Huinink, CEO JFK Airport, Mr. Sunil Daware, Regional Manager (Americas) Air India, Mr. Girish Salian, Air India Manager at JFK, Capt. Shomu Sinha, Amarjit Singh, Deputy Manager, JFK, community leaders and Air India staff.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal thanked the Tata Group-who now owned Air India for relaunching the direct flight from New York to Mumbai which he said, will help the passengers to save time and experience less travel fatigue.

    Mr. Sunil Daware, Regional Manager, Americas, Air India lights the lamp. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Air India New York to Mumbai flight crew poses for a photograph. (Photo : Vijay Shah)

    Mr. Sunil Daware gave a brief history of Air India. The airline came into being in 1932. Bharat Ratna J.R.D Tata founded the airline which was acquired by Government of Indian 1953. It is after 70 years that Air India came back to Tata Group on 27th, January 2022 . Tata Group now fully owns Air India. In order to strengthen the fleet, Tata Group has announced purchase of 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing, including 260 widebody planes, the largest order ever. Mr. Daware said that soon more direct flights on various routes will be added.”

    Mr. Roel Huinink said that Air India will now increase traffic at JFK Airport since direct flights are going to be added for convenience of travelers. He appreciated the Indian community which he said is very diverse and courageous.

    Ambassador Jaiswal, Mr Daware, Mr. Huinink, Capt. Shomu Sinha, Mr. Amarjit Singh, the Air India staff and a few community leaders joined in cake cutting, followed by a breakfast.

    The Maharashtra Dhol Tasha celebrating the occasion.(Photo : Vijay Shah)
    One of the dance groups. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Ambassador Jaiswal presenting Air India Star award for excellent services to Amarjit Singh, Air India Manager at the JFK airport. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    Time to cut the cake and celebrate the relaunch of the flight. (Photo : Vijay Shah)
    The check-in time. (Photo: Vijay Shah)