Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS November 29, 2024 Indian Consulate In New York Welcomes Members Of The Indian Parliament T he Indian Consulate in NewYork led by Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan Hosted several Members of Parliament from India November 20, 2024. The delegation included Birendra Prasad Baishya, Vijayasai Reddy, Akshay Yadav, Sandhya Ray, Tejasvi Surya, and Bansuri Swaraj. The delegation members interacted with “distin- guished members” of the Indian-American community, according to a post on X @IndiainNewYork. The MPs lauded the “incredible achievements and appreciated the invaluable contributions of the Indian diaspora to the diverse fabric of the USA, celebrating their commitment to Indian heritage and their significant role in fostering a strong India-USA partnership,” the X post said. Diaspora members, including Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, Dr. Samin K. Sharma, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Gaurav Verma, Professor Inderjit Saluja, Dr. Avinash Gupta, Rakesh Kaul, Dr. Hari Shukla, and Jitender Bakshi, shared their perspectives on different aspects of the Indian- American relationship and expressed a strong desire to give back to the motherland. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:X @IndiainNewYork MPs from India speaking at Nov. 20 meet and greet event at Indian Consulate in New York with Indian American community leaders. Seen at bottom right is Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan. Indian American community leaders speaking at the meeting with Indian parliamentarians Nov. 20, 2024, at the Indian Consulate in New York. Members of the Indian Parliament and Indian American community leaders pose for a photo with Indian’s Consul General in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Nov. 20, 2024. American Hindu Coalition Celebrates 7th Anniversary And Hosts Diwali In Virginia T he American Hindu Coalition (AHC) hosted its Seventh Annual Day and Diwali Celebrations on November 17, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Tysons Corner, Virginia. AHC Chairman Shekhar Tiwari and Presi- dent Harsh Sethi lit the lamp, accompanied by Hindu prayers, recited by Pandit Ram Sneh Tripathi from Rajdhani Mandir. Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares extended his Diwali wishes through his representative, Harold Pyon. Welcoming guests at the event, President Sethi noted, “We support candidates, who embody the value of Hinduism – values that extend beyond religion – embracing Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and all who align these timeless principles,” adding, “Our community is a shin- ing example of achievements in America. With the highest per capita income and educational attain- ment, American Hindus excel across every field from medicine and technology to academia and entrepreneur- ship.” Congressman-elect, Suhas Subramanyam, while thanking AHC for its support, said, “I was elected to the US House of Representatives this November, and many of you were a part of that journey. So, thank you so much.” Highlighting the significance of AHC’s mission, Subra- manyam conveyed the organization’s role in promoting Hinduism and its values. “There’s lots of ways to be Hin- du,” he noted, sharing memories of attending Chinmaya Mission while growing up. Subramanyam spoke about the need to address mis- conceptions about Hinduism. He referenced incidents where Hindus faced hostility, explaining that according to some, “being Hindu means you’re against something else or someone else.” He clarified, “And that could not be further from the truth. Hinduism is all about being ac- cepting and loving…” “Many of you were very vital to helping me get elected, and I hope now that you’ve helped me get elected, that you stay with me and help me, with legislation, with ideas, and help me serve the community,” he added. “And I know you all do many things in your own capacity, serv- ing the community. I hope you’ll help me in my journey as well. I look forward to being your bigger champion in Congress.” AHC’s Chairman, Tiwari, articulated the organization’s founding principles, and explained the genesis of its name. He said the term “American,” underscores its iden- tity as a U.S.-based organization with no special allegiance to any particular country. The term “Hindu,” reflects an inclusive recognition of the principles of Hindu enlightenment, embracing a philosophy rooted in ancient wisdom. Finally, “Coalition,” represents the spirit of unity, bring- ing together diverse perspectives and individu- als. Tiwari expressed profound sadness over the loss of innocent lives in the Middle East, includ- ing those of Jewish people and thousands of children and women in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and compassion in the face of such tragedies. Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of Myan- mar, U ThetWin, expressed gratitude to AHC for the invitation, and referenced the cultural con- nections between Buddhism and Hinduism. He noted that Myanmar also celebrates a Lighting Festival, and that Diwali is observed in his coun- try alongside members of the Hindu diaspora. At the event, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, and former New Jersey legislator Upendra Chi- vukula were honored with AHC’s “Exceptional Commu- nity Service” Awards. While accepting the award, Chivukula reflected on his early life in India, and his 50-year journey in the United States. “I never dreamt that it would be possible for me to be a state legislator someday. But I was given the opportunity, and so I was able to make a small difference. And so, as a legislator, I had the opportunity to create a Diwali resolu- tion in the first few years of my career,” he said noting the community celebrates Diwali for not one or two days but for the entire month with so many events. (Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald) By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald Former New Jersey legislator Upendra Chivukula being honored with AHC’s Exceptional Community Service Award by Harsh Sethi, Suhas Subramanyam, and Shekhar Trivedi, on Nov. 17, 2024, in Virginia. PHOTO:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH