Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 9 CITY VIEWS June 20, 2025 AIA NY Chapter Presents “The Life Of Gautama Buddha” To Support Indian Farmers T he Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter – Project India, will present The Life of Gautama Buddha, a theatrical production by TheaterWorld, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Krasnoff Theater, Tilles Center for Performing Arts at LIU in Brookville, NewYork. Directed by acclaimed theater artists Lushin Dubey and Bubbles Sabharwal, the play offers a powerful portrayal of the life of Gautama Buddha—from his early years as a prince to his spiritual awakening and teachings. Starring Siddh Makkar in the title role, the production combines compelling performances, striking visuals, and a pro- found message of peace and transformation. The performance is being held as a fundraiser to benefit Global Vikas Trust (GVT), a nonprofit organiza- tion dedicated to improving the lives of Indian farmers. GVT works at the grassroots level to promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase income for rural com- munities across India. All proceeds from the event will support the NGO’s ongoing efforts. The evening will begin with a VIP reception from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, followed by the performance from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are limited and available through Sulekha. com and by direct phone reservation. The event is managed by Sneh Arts and further details can be found at sneharts.com and theaiany.org . By a StaffWriter Princeton University Announces New Endowed Chair Funded By Indian American Couple P rinceton University announced earlier in June that seven new University Professorships have been endowed at the higher education institute through major gifts to the Venture Forward campaign. Among them is one entitled, The U. Krishna Veer- araghavan and Sejal Shah University Professorship. Veeraraghavan, a 1999 graduate of Princeton, and his wife Sejal Shah, are endowing the professorship to attract highly accomplished individuals to the University. The University Professorship is the most prestigious honor Princeton can bestow on a faculty member, the University said in a June 2 announcement. Recipients of the honor are recognized for demonstrating scholarly preeminence in their professional accomplishments, as well as making exceptional contributions to the Univer- sity’s research and teaching community. Shah is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of SmarterSkin Dermatol- ogy, a private cosmetic dermatology clinic in NewYork City; Veeraraghavan is global co-head of the mergers and acquisitions group at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. “I’ve always been proud of Princeton’s single-minded pursuit of excellence. Coming back to campus last spring for my 25th Reunion and seeing all my classmates and friends reiterated how lucky I am to be a part of this Uni- versity for my entire life. I think of where I am today, and it all started with my time at Princeton,” Veeraraghavan said in a statement. “As Sejal and I thought about ways to give back, one of the things that became clear to us was the importance of attracting the best and brightest professors,” he added, a step that was essential to the future of the University. “So much has changed in just the past few years when you consider where we are on AI, quantum computing, the biosciences and the role of the humanities in all those disciplines. By establishing this University Professorship, we hope Princeton will honor brilliant teachers who’ve not only produced world-class research — but who also have a capacity for even greater future growth.” In addition to support of Annual Giving, Veeraragha- van and Shah previously made a gift to Princeton in 2019 that established the Krishna Veeraraghavan ’99 Fund in support of college access. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:ALUMNI.PRINCETON.EDU Sejal Shah and Krishna Veeraraghavan. PHOTO:The Association of Indians in America (AIA),NewYork Chapter – Project India Indian American Cultural Association To Celebrate 25 Years Of Heritage Of India Festival T he Indian American Cultural As- sociation ofWestchester (IACAW) will mark a significant milestone this year as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Heritage of India Festival, a cornerstone cultural event that has evolved into one of the largest Indian- American celebrations in the region. What began as a modest effort to showcase India’s classical traditions has grown into a vibrant, intergenerational festival that attracts thousands of attendees each year and serves as a vital platform for cultural exchange and community engagement. The 2025 edition, themed “25 Years of Culture, Community & Celebration,” will reflect on the deep roots of Indian heritage and its influence on contempo- rary life and values. Over the past two and a half decades, the festival has remained committed to preserving the richness of Indian culture while also adapting to the evolving identity of the Indian diaspora in America. This year’s celebration will honor the visionaries, volunteers, and supporters who have sustained the event and helped it flourish. The Silver Jubilee event is expected to feature appearances by state, national, and international dignitaries. Attendees can look forward to intergenerational performances that highlight both classi- cal and contemporary Indian dance and music. A marketplace will offer an array of Indian fashion, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional cuisine. In addition, special zones focused on wellness, art, and youth engagement will offer interactive experi- ences for attendees of all ages. A tribute ceremony will also be held to recognize individuals who have made long-standing contributions to the festival’s growth and impact. Organizers emphasize that the festival is not just a celebration of heritage, but also a space for building community and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through its inclusive programming, the Heritage of India Festival continues to serve as a bridge between generations and cultures, embodying the spirit of shared identity and mutual appreciation. IACAW is calling on community mem- bers, local leaders, businesses, and media representatives to join in the celebration and contribute to this landmark year. Further details about the event, including schedule announcements and partner- ship opportunities, will be released in the coming weeks. For more information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website at www.iacaw.org. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Indian American Cultural Association ofWestchester (IACAW)