Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS August 15, 2025 Local Entrepreneur Mentors Teens In Franchise Bootcamp, Inspiring The Next Generation Of Business Leaders T eenagers in Edison are getting a head start in the business world thanks to an innovative program blending real-world training with expert mentorship. The EdisonCare Business Internship Bootcamp, held in collaboration with DNA Franchise and EdisonCare, recently concluded a month- long program led by local entrepreneur and franchise consultant Pankaj Kumar. The bootcamp introduced students— many just 15 years old—to the fundamen- tals of franchising, an area of business of- ten unfamiliar even to adults. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, hands-on training, and live walkthroughs inside a working franchise, gaining a practical understanding of operations, marketing, customer service, and profitability. “I didn’t know what a franchise was un- til I turned 25,” said Pankaj Kumar. “These kids are getting introduced to it at 15. At their age, I was memorizing textbook defi- nitions. They’re learning actual systems.” The program culminated with students receiving official completion certificates from Kumar, marking their achievement and readiness to explore entrepreneur- ship further. For many, the experience was transformative. “Now I know I want to own something of my own someday,” one student shared. Kumar, founder of Bowl’d Masala, a modern Indian fast-casual brand, brings over 27 years of global hospitality expe- rience, including leadership roles with Pizza Hut, A&W, and Domino’s. Through his consultancy, DNA Franchise, he helps aspiring entrepreneurs identify business opportunities tailored to their goals and resources. “When EdisonCare invited me to men- tor this program, I knew I had to say yes,” Kumar said. “Watching these students grow and push their limits was nothing short of inspiring.” The EdisonCare Business Internship Bootcamp is part of the organization’s mission to prepare young people for lead- ership roles through practical mentorship and experiential learning. For more information about upcom- ing programs or to connect with Pankaj Kumar, visit www.dnafranchise.pro, email pankaj@dnafranchise.pro , or call +1 929 261 2124. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:CourtesyVipul Patel Group photo of bootcamp graduates with mentor Pankaj Kumar, marking the program’s successful conclusion. Community Rallies For Successful Blood Donation Camp At AsaMai Temple T he AsaMai Temple in Hicksville became a hub of generosity and compassion on Sunday as residents turned out in force for a blood donation camp that far exceeded expectations. The event, led by Ms. Navneet Sondhi, Chairperson of the APS Women’s Forum, and her dedicated team —Ms. Dilsheet Kaur, Shweta Malhotra, Priyanka Khanna, Binny Kaur, and Swati Anand — originally aimed to collect 25 units of blood. By the end of the day, near- ly 50 successful donations were recorded, with more than 10 people turned away due to eligibility criteria and several oth- ers arriving after 4 p.m. unable to donate because of capacity limits. The camp was organized in partnership with AsaMai Temple, NewYork Cancer and Blood Specialists, NewYork Blood Center, and AAPI-QLI (American As- sociation of Physicians of Indian Origin – Queens & Long Island). Notable sup- porters included Dr. Devendra Srivastava, Dr. Abhay Malhotra, Dr. Sunil Mehra, Dr. Prabhu Mehta, Dr. TarunWasil (NY Cancer & Blood Specialists), and Mr. Gobind Bhateja (AsaMai Temple). Ms. Anju Kakkar of AsaMai Temple oversaw hospitality, en- suring tea, snacks, and lunch were served to all attendees. The American Punjabi Society (APS) provided strong support, with participa- tion fromMr. Gary S. Sikka (Founder & Global President), Mr. Mohinder S. Taneja (Senior Vice President), Mr. Varinder S. Sikka (General Secretary), and Vice Presi- dents Mr. Paul Bindra, Mr. Ajai Vir Sondhi, Mr. Rajinder Narang, and Mr. Jaspal S. Arora, along with Pradeep Tandon (Direc- tor of Media & Public Relations) and Mr. Mohinder S. Chandok. APS Youth Director Ms. Janessa Sondhi and volunteers Alissa Sondhi, Radhika Sardana, Bhavi Khanna, Mahi Anand, and Ms. Palwinder Bhatti managed registration and logistics with efficiency. Setting an example, Gary S. Sikka and Ajai Vir Sondhi were the first to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Speaking about the overwhelming turnout, Navneet Sondhi said, “It is heartwarming to see our community respond so strongly to a humanitarian cause. Every donor here has made a difference today, and when we work together, we can create real and lasting impact.” Gary S. Sikka praised the event as “a shining example of how partnerships between community organizations can save lives,” commending Navneet’s tire- less commitment and compassion. Mr. Gobind Bhateja emphasized the temple’s mission of service, stating, “Serving the community is at the heart of our mission, and it was an honor to open our doors for such a noble cause.” Dr. TarunWasil underscored the importance of such initiatives, noting, “Blood is a precious resource, and today’s efforts will directly help patients in need.” With the success of this camp, the APS Women’s Forum, AsaMai Temple, and their partners have pledged to organize more health-focused initiatives in the future, aiming to strengthen community bonds while promoting compassion, ser- vice, and well-being. By a StaffWriter L to R: Pradeep Tandon Media and Public Relations, Global President Mr. Gary S. Sikka, Vice Presidents Mr. Paul Bindra, Mr. Ravinder Narang, Sr. Vice President Mr. Mohinder Taneja, General Secretary Mr. VPS Sikka, Mr. Gobind Bhatija Advisory Board APS, and Asa Mai Temple, APS Vice President Jaspal Arora and Mr. Narang (AsaMai Temple). APS Women’s Council Left to Right: Ms. Priyanka Khanna, Ms. Palwinder Bhatti, Ms. Bably Sikka, Ms. Navneet Sondhi Chair APS Women’s Council , Ms. Dilsheet Kaur, Ms. Binny Kaur, Ms. Swati Anand. PHOTOS:American Punjabi Society