Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 SPECIAL REPORT June 13, 2025 “I Love Art”: Joint ITV Gold-Jhilmil Initiative Launched To Bring Indian Culture To Younger Generation W ith the goal of fostering cultural unity and empower- ing future generations with knowledge of their heritage, a new platform called “I Love Art” was launched in New Jersey, jointly by ITV Gold and Jhilmil. The event, en- titled “Aarambh: A New Beginning”, was held at Parlor Banquet Hall inWood- bridge, NJ, June 8, 2025. It showcased the dance, music, theater, poetry, and visual arts of India. An exhibition of paintings greeted those who came to share the cultural evening, the motto of which was “I Love Arts: Let’s Built A Community. The initiative seeks to bring together diverse Indian artistic traditions, com- munities, and organizations under one roof. One of the leaders in this endeavor is Anoop Bhargava, a poet with a vision to use art to unite the community. “Art Mat- ters” is the idea behind founding Jhilmil, Bhargava says. The divisions of language, or even nations, leads to divisions, but “art” unites, he believes. Guests invited to the event included India’s Consul General in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan; Professor Anamika, a Hindi poet, novelist, profes- sor of literature in English, and Sahitya Akademi Award winner; Archana Jogle- kar, actress, director and Kathak dancer. Lalita Mathur, as well as Dr. Sudhir Parikh of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold. Archana introduced Bhargava, who began by reciting poetry. The genesis of “I Love Art” stems from a recognition that while numerous individual orga- nizations diligently promote specific regional cultures—be it Bengali, Gujarati, or Punjabi—there’s a need for a broader, inclusive platform, Bhargava believes. As one of the driving forces, he articulated, the vision to “build a community of good people using art, literature, and culture as a means.” This sentiment was echoed by a speaker who emphasized, “When we work together, we can achieve much more.” Dr. Parikh, in his speech, described “I Love Art” as a “great initiative,” and recalled how two months ago, Bhargava had approached him with the idea to empower the 2nd generation with Indian culture. The name “I Love Art” was born in the discussions between Dr. Parikh and Bhargava. On the second Sunday of every month, an event would be held under this initiative. “That is the real way to putting in action this initiative,” Parikh said, and offered the ITV Gold audito- rium as the venue for future events. “Our children have to come in this program and learn and show and do the showcas- ing of their art talent and their liking,” said Dr. Parikh. Joglekar said she fully supports this initiative, and appreciated Bhargava’s idea to unite the various arts to bring people together. Joglekar has been teach- ing Kathak for 25 years in US, but even before that in India. “Art is a medium where all languages and all castes and religions dissolve, and through art, every- one connects,” she said. Several dance troupes performed classical dances, and a group of young singers showcased their talent in classi- cal ragas, and a storytelling skit by a child was also among the items the audience enjoyed. Bhargava named several organiza- tions which were joining together to be part of the initiative. “I am so happy for the love received from all those present. To me it was more than an event. An event is just a means. But as our tagline says – Let’s Build A Community,” which means a community of “good people” who get together to give the public one such event every month at the ITV Gold auditorium,” Bhargava said. He also rec- ognized some of the organizations pres- ent such as the Maheshwari Mahasabha and Friends of Madhya Pradesh, which indicated their desire to work alongside existing cultural groups rather than in isolation. “”What can be better than this? Indian culture and all of its practices,” being available to people on a regular basis, one attendee said. Jhilmil and ITV Gold have adopted a structured approach to I Love Art. Events will be held every second Sunday of the month, from 4 PM to 6 PM, at the audito- rium readily made available by ITV Gold. This consistent schedule is designed to help the community remember and prioritize attending these cultural gather- ings, so as to keep the initiative going far into the future and not die, organizers said The commitment of ITV Gold to dedi- cate their auditorium exclusively to “I Love Art” on these specific Sundays un- derscores the seriousness and long-term vision behind this initiative, said leaders of the initiative. Speakers congratulated Bhargava “wholeheartedly for standing with this thought that we…should not be divided by castes and languages. Everyone has one India in their hearts, so be united as one Indian.” Organizers, led by Bhargava, looking to the future, urged the community, “Please continue to support us so that we can do more programs.” By a StaffWriter PHOTOS: ITV Gold Lamp lighting ceremony conducted by Jhilmil Founder Anoop Bhargava, left, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, at the “I Love Art” initiative launched June 8, 2025, in Woodbridge, NJ. Anoop Bhargava, founder of Jhilmil, speaking at the “I Love Art” event. Actress, director, and Kathak dancer Archana Joglekar speaking at the “I Love Art” event. Several dance performances as well as musical and classical raga items were showcased at the “I Love Art” event held in Woodbridge, NJ, June 8, 2025. Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold speaking at the “I Love Art” event June 8, 2025. Professor Anamika speaking at the “I Love Art” event June 8, 2025.