Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS August 29, 2025 NY State Police Investigate Bus Crash Upstate; Two Of Indian Origin Among Those Killed N ewYork State troopers reported August 23 afternoon, that steps were being taken to find the cause of a fatal bus crash in Genesee County. They released a list of fatalities which include at least two people of Indian origin, going by the names. The five people killed as a result of the collision were: • Shankar Kumar Jha, 65 of Madhu Bani, India • Pinki Changrani, 60 of East Brunswick NJ • Xie Hongzhuo, 22 of Beijing, China a Columbia University Student in NYC • Zhang Xiaolan, 55 of Jersey City, NJ • Jian Mingli, 56 of Jersey City, NJ According to the state police, on August 22, 2025, shortly after noon, they responded to a tour bus rollover colli- sion on Interstate 90, eastbound between exits 48A and 49 in the town of Pembroke, Genesee County. A 2005 VanWool Bus and Coach tour bus owned by M&Y Tour Inc out of Staten Island, NY was traveling east bound on the I-90 from Niagara Falls, NY to NewYork City. The bus exited the roadway into the median then abruptly corrected causing the bus to overturn and roll off the I-90 on the south embankment. Multiple passengers were ejected, trapped with 5 who died at the scene. Multiple individuals were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban and UMMR in Batavia. Mercy Flight and numerous EMS and first responders assisted at the scene. The bus had a total of 54 occupants. The cause of the collision is still under in- vestigation, the State police said. However, the operator, Bin Shao, 55 of Flushing, NY, had no signs of impairment and the tour bus had no mechanical failure. This is still and active investigation, po- lice said. They provided details on what to do and who to contact if anyone needed to do so: The Red Cross Family Assistance Cen- ter for the victims at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14228 is SHUTTING DOWN, as all family have made contact with the passengers. For any personal belongings that need to be recovered contact SP Batavia at 585- 344-6200. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage is asked to contact State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200. The Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Commer- cial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, The Office of Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Author- ity, Erie County Emergency Management, Genesee County Emergency Manage- ment, Newstead Emergency Manage- ment, Genesee County District Attorney’s Office, National Traffic Safety Board and numerous EMS and Fire Companies in the area assisted in this incident. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:TROOPERS.NY.GOV New York State Troopers on the scene investigating the bus crash in Genesee County August 22, 1025. Community Organization Sai Pariwar Hosts Successful Fundraising Gala S ai Pariwar, Inc., a cultural and spiri- tual non-profit organization, held its Grand Fundraising Musical Gala on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, New Jersey, which attracted devotees, community members, and well-wishers. It was a “ma- jor milestone” in Sai Pariwar’s mission to construct a new Sai Temple and Cultural Center in North Brunswick, a press release from the organization said. The evening featured a Bollywood musical concert performed by local sing- ers and musicians, supported by a live band. The more than three-hour program included a range of melodies, from golden classics to soulful bhajans and contempo- rary favorites. A Ganesh prayer and Sai Bhajan jump- started the event. Guests also enjoyed de- licious food and the warmth of communi- ty fellowship, organizers said. New Jersey’s first Indian American State Assemblyman and current Commissioner of New Jersey’s public utilities Upendra Chivukula urged everyone to donate generously to be part of the initiative to build a new temple. Devotees and community leaders ex- pressed their support for building which is expected to be an expanded facility, with a modern, fully accessible temple and cultural center, with ample parking, that will serve as a long-term spiritual home for future generations. The planned temple is to be located on Route 130 in North Brunswick, and will include sanctums for multiple deities. Guests donated generously to help advance Sai Pariwar’s ongoing $5 million capital campaign to fund the con- struction of the new temple. Guests contributed gener- ously during the evening, with many pledging donations and exploring sponsorship op- portunities for different parts of the temple that is expected to become a lasting spiritual and cultural landmark in Central Jersey. Donations can be made online through www.saipariwar.org/donations. Sai Pariwar’s President Shiv Kolli explained how construction plans were proceeding and described the 15 years of history of the current temple which is in a leased place and lacks many amenities. Guru Surendra Katthula thanked those present and supported the cause. The event was choreographed by Madhavi Bathula who also hosted the event along with Music Director Brij Joshi. She extended her sincere gratitude to all devotees, volunteers, artists, and sponsors for making the gala a “grand” success. Media sponsors including ITV Gold, ParikhWorldwide Media, and others were thanked for their support. In addition to temple con- struction efforts, Sai Pariwar continues its tradition of serv- ing the community through weekly medical camps, yoga and wellness programs, food drives, arts and cultural workshops, and festival celebrations, all open to the public. By a StaffWriter Organizers, performers, and special guests at the Sai Pariwar fundraising gala at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ August 21, 2025. Puja being conducted during the fundraising gala for a new temple, hosted by Sai Pariwar, August 21, 2025. A large number of devotees and supporters attended the event. PHOTOS:SAI PARIWAR