Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS April 11, 2025 Rajasthan Association Of North America Celebrates Multiple Milestones With Joyful Cruise T he Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) NewYork hosted a cruise to celebrate the 75th Rajasthan Diwas and the 25th Holi Sneh Mi- lan. Held March 29, 2025, in Rego Park, Queens, NewYork City, the event attracted more than 400 guests, a press release from organizers said. During the event, leaders advocated for the Rajasthani language, bid farewell to India’s outgoing Deputy Consul General as they welcomed the incoming DCG. RANA President Prem Bhandari advocated for the in- clusion of the Rajasthani language spoken by more than 100 million people, to be included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He expressed deep disappoint- ment that despite a unanimous resolution passed by the Rajasthan State Assembly on August 25, 2003, urging its inclusion, the central government had yet to take action. Bhandari recalled that this resolution was a direct outcome of RANA’s first International Convention, dur- ing which a memorandum advocating for Rajasthani’s recognition was submitted to the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. “However, even after decades, this demand remains unfulfilled due to a lack of political will,” the press release from RANA said. A farewell ceremony was also held in honor of Dr. Varun Jeph, the outgoing Deputy Consul General of India, who has been the longest-serving DCG, completing more than 3 years and 8 months in office, RANA noted. Former RANA Presidents K.K. Mehta, Anand Nahar, Haridas Kotewala, Dr. Narender Hadpawat, and Dashrath Dugara, presented bouquets to Dr. Jeph, acknowledging his dedicated service to the Indian diaspora. Bhandari shared his experiences of working with Dr. Jeph, praising his round-the-clock availability and unwavering com- mitment to assisting the Indian community across the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in NewYork. At the event which was attended by Indian Foreign Service officers Surender Adhana and Eldos Mathew Punnoose, RANA also welcomed the incoming Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh. Well-known poet Abhinav Shukla regaled the audience with his soulful poetry. Adding to the festive spirit, guests participated in the traditional Holi celebration with flower petals. Dr. Sharad Kothari, Vice President of RANA, and NeelamModi, Treasurer of RANA, welcomed the guests and thanked the Executive Committee and Board Mem- bers, emphasizing that the event’s remarkable success would not have been possible without their active partici- pation and unwavering support. By a StaffWriter Dr. Nandita Shah Champions Plant-Based Food For Reversing Chronic Diseases D r. Nandita Shah, founder of SHARAN India, (Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals and Nature), conducted a full-day seminar in NewYork City March 29, 2025, advocating the life-changing potential of a wholefood plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle, in prevent- ing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart conditions. Starting with a live session on making a green smoothie made with leafy greens, and fresh fruit – free of dairy and addi- tives. Dr. Shah discouraged the use of processed alternatives, citing their lack of fiber and added chemicals. Highlights from the Seminar: • Acidity vs. Alkalinity: Dr. Shah ex- plained how an alkaline diet supports the body’s natural detoxification and reduces inflammation caused by acidic foods like meat, coffee, and processed products. • Debunking Diabetes Myths: Contrary to popular belief, she clarified that fat—not sugar—is the root cause of diabetes, due to its role in insulin resistance. AWFPB diet, she stressed, can restore insulin sensitivity and reverse diabetes naturally. • Real-Life Success Stories: Past at- tendees of Dr. Shah’s 21-Day Retreat shared remarkable recoveries, includ- ing eliminating medications, revers- ing diabetes and high blood pressure, and achieving sustainable weight loss. • Whole Food Plant-Based vs. Vegan: Dr. Shah highlighted the distinction between simply being vegan and embracing aWFPB diet that avoids processed foods, oils, and sugars, focusing instead on natural, nutrient- rich ingredients. Rakesh Bhargava, a participant, shared his experience of being vegan for 22 years, surviving two heart attacks, all achieved without medication, purely through a plant-based lifestyle. Nourishment and Inspiration Go Hand in Hand: The organizing team prepared flavorful lunch and dinner options, to demonstrate the versatility and richness ofWFPB cui- sine proving that food for health can also delight the palate. A Q&A session addressed concerns on intermittent fasting, rice consumption, optimal water choices, and more. The event was sponsored by longtime wellness advocates Suman and Shashi Khanna, Plant Powered Metro NewYork (PPMNY) andWorld Vegan Vision (WVV). By a StaffWriter Dr. Nandita Shah addressed a gathering for a whole-day seminar March 29, in New York City, on plant-based food’s potential to prevent or manage chronic diseases. Leaders of RANA and distinguished guests pose for a photo at the March 29, 2025, event hosted by the organization to celebrate 75th anniversary of Rajasthan Diwas and Holi, as well as bid farewell to India’s outgoing Deputy Consul General. India’s outgoing Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph was presented with a bouquet by past presidents of RANA. PHOTO:WorldVeganVision PHOTOS:CourtesyRANA