Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know IACFNJ To Celebrate India’s Independence Day With Patriotic Festivities In Somerset On August 16 T he Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) will host a vibrant community celebration in honor of India’s 78th Independence Day on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple (Vadtal Dham), 1667 Amwell Road, Somerset, NJ 08873. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and is free and open to the public, welcoming residents from across Somerset, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, and surrounding areas. The celebration promises a lively atmosphere with patriotic and cultural dance performances, live singing, a DJ, children’s games, henna tattoos, and more. Local and state elected officials are expected to attend and address the gathering as the community unites to commemorate India’s journey to independence and its vibrant heritage. This year’s event also highlights IACFNJ’s continued commitment to youth and education. In 2025, the foun- dation awarded seven scholarships to graduating seniors from North Brunswick and South Brunswick High Schools, recognizing their academic excellence and merit. Two of the scholarships were presented at North Brunswick High School’s Senior Awards Night in memory of Murthy Yerra- milli, a longtime trustee, and Sunil Shah, the organization’s late treasurer. The awards were presented by Darshan Shah (son of Sunil Shah), Dr. Tushar Patel (President of IACFNJ), along with Mahendra Patel and Dimple Patel, at ceremo- nies held on June 3 and June 11, 2025. For over two decades, IACFNJ has played a key role in fostering Indian culture in Central Jersey, organizing some of the region’s most well-attended events such as Navratri Garba, spring festivals, holiday parties, summer picnics, and Independence Day celebrations. With growing support from the younger generation, the foundation continues to expand its impact across the South Asian community. Looking ahead, the foundation’s next major celebration will be its annual Navratri Garba in September 2025, with details to be announced soon. For more information, visit www.IACFNJ.org or contact info@iacfnj.org / iacfnj@yahoo.com. For direct inquiries, reach out to Dr. Tushar Patel, Presi- dent of IACFNJ, at 848-391-0499. By a StaffWriter 6 CITY VIEWS August 8, 2025 PHOTO: Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey Washington State University Bestows Highest Alumni Achievement Award On Varinder Bhalla V arinder Bhalla, a graduate ofWash- ington State University 54 years ago, was honored recently with the presti- gious Alumni Achievement Award, by his alma mater, the highest recogni- tion conferred byWSU. The award was personally presented by Mariah Maki, Executive Director of theWSU Alumni Association, who traveled from Washington to NewYork for an exclusive dinner reception hosted by the university, a press release from Bhalla said. The event gathered members of the NewYork Chapter of theWSU Alumni Association, including Vice President Meghann Cherzan and Fran Rowley, a classmate of Bhalla from the Class of 1971. “In recognition of your outstanding hu- manitarian service as Founder and President of the AWB Food Bank, and for your many philanthropic initiatives,” Director Maki is quoted saying in her presentation, adding, “We celebrate your deep compassion and unwavering dedication to the underprivi- leged. From New Delhi to NewYork, your work reflects the highest ideals of service and leadership. With heartfelt gratitude, Washing- ton State University proudly bestows upon you its highest honor for embodying the spirit, values, and pride of a trueWSU Coug.” Since its inception in 1969, theWSU Alum- ni Achievement Award has been awarded to fewer than 0.2% of all alumni – less than 500 individuals out of more than 250,000 gradu- ates, the press release said. Past recipients include luminaries such as Microsoft co- founder and philanthropist Paul Allen. Bhalla and his wife, Ratna, co-founded the AWB Food Bank in New Delhi, which has distributed nearly 15 million meals to the underprivileged over the past 30 years, by collecting excess food from hotels, air- lines, and industrial kitchens, the press release said. TheWSU also honored Ratna Bhalla for her steadfast partnership and support. In a ceremony, she was inducted as an Honorary Member of theWSU Cougar Family, “in recog- nition of her extraordinary commitment to the couple’s shared mission.” In an emotional acceptance speech, Bhalla said: “I may not have made it back to Pullman to receive this honor all those years ago, but havingWSU come to me after 54 years feels like a full-circle moment – one that fills my heart with gratitude and deep emotion.” “I dedicate this award to my mother, Agya Wanti Bhalla, who quietly and faithfully fed hungry people in our hometown. Watching her as a child left a lasting impression on me. She planted the seed – I simply helped it grow.” Bhalla added, “Washington State University gave me more than an education; it gave me purpose. This recognition reconnects me with my roots and reminds me that giving back is the truest measure of success.” Bhalla was also recently honored with a Congressional Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community service. Among his many acts of compassion: donating a motorboat to schoolchildren in Gujarat who had no option but to swim across a dangerous river to attend school. Launch- ing an eye-camp in his hometown of Amritsar, providing free eye exams and eyeglasses to the visually impaired. In closing, Director Maki renewed her invitation for Bhalla to return toWSU, say- ing, “Your legacy is a powerful testament to how what students learn atWSU can lay the foundation for a life dedicated to service and purpose. We hope your story continues to inspire generations of Cougs to come.” By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:CourtesyVarinder Bhalla Varinder Bhalla with family and friends receiving the WSUAlumni Achievement Award from Executive Director Mariah Maki. Varinder & Ratna Bhalla donated motorboat to the children of Sajjanpur village in Gujarat who had to swim across a turbulent river to reach school.