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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know Gujarati Literary Academy Of North America Hosts Successful 13th Biennial Convention T he Gujarati Literary Academy of North America (GLAONA) hosted its 13th Biennial Convention starting Friday, September 5, and ending September 7, at the Shera- ton Edison Hotel. The three-day event brought together hundreds of community members, writers, artists, and dignitaries who celebrated Gujarati literature and culture in the diaspora, a press release from organizers said. The convention commenced Sep- tember 5, with a prayer by Darshana Zala, followed by a warm welcome from President of GLAONA Ashish Desai, and Gini Malavia, and a guest introduction by Babu Suthar. The inaugural session featured an inspiring keynote address by Chief Guest Dr. Khevana Desai fromMumbai. An awards ceremony was also held the same day conducted by Apexa Dave, where: The Shri Chunilal Velji Mehta Award 2025 was conferred upon Kishor Desai, The Shri Ramesh Parekh Award 2025 was presented to Navin Shah, and The very first Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 was bestowed upon eminent diaspora poet Panna Naik. The concluding session attended by some 175 people was “An Evening with Poet, Speaker, Storyteller, multitalented Shri Dr. Raeesh Maniar,” moderated by Gini Malavia. Saturday began with a thought-provok- ing session “Hu ane Maru Sarjan” (Me and My Creation), moderated by Natwar Gan- dhi, featuring diaspora and Gujarat-based authors including Madhu “Rye” Thaker, Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogayata, Nilesh Rana, Ashok Vidvas, and Suchi Vyas. This was followed by a Granth Vimo- chan (Book Release) session, led by Gini Malavia, with contributions fromMa- nilal H. Patel, Panna Naik, Madhu Rye, Prarthana Jha, Rekha Sindhal, Jayshree Merchant, Arvind Amin, along with the announcement of numerous other dias- pora authors’ recent publications. In the afternoon, the convention hosted “21st Century Challenges in Litera- ture,” chaired by Dr. Khevana Desai, with speakers including Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogayata, Babu Suthar, Arpan Yagnik, and Manilal H. Patel. The poetry session “Mari Kavita, Mari Olakh” (My Poetry, My Identity), was moderated by Jayesh Bhogayata, and featured recitations by Raeesh Maniar, Krushna Dave, Anil Chavda, Jayshree Merchant, Asharaf Dabawala, and Mad- humati Mehta. The evening concluded with Vachikam (dramatic readings), coordinated by Prar- thana Jha Bhatt, including “Chatushkon” (an adaptation of A. R. Gurney’s play by Madhu Rye) performed by Vijay Thakkar and Durga Bhatt, and “Clean Bold” writ- ten and performed by Dr. Khevana Desai. On Sunday, the final day, began with a Reflections session, moderated by Babu Suthar, with insightful contributions from Rambhai and Bhanuben Gadhavi, Manilal H. Patel, Dr. Nimitt Oza, Jayesh Bhogay- ata, Raeesh Maniar, Krushna Dave, and Durga Bhatt. This was followed by a lively Diaspora Poetry Reading, led by Raeesh Maniar, featuring Mona Nayak, Anil Chavda, Prar- thana Jha, Asharaf Dabawala, Jayshree Merchant, Nilesh Rana, and Madhumati Mehta. CULTURAL & COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS In addition to literary sessions, the con- vention also showcased Gujarati Sugam Sangeet performances by Krushanu and Diti Majmundar fromWashington, D.C. Attendees praised the convention for its diverse programming, warm hospital- ity, and seamless organization, the press release said. “This convention is not just about literature—it’s about celebrating our roots, building bridges across genera- tions, and keeping Gujarati alive in our hearts,” said Ashish Desai, President of GLAONA. GLAONA extended its gratitude to all partners, including ITV Gold (Parikh Worldwide Media), sponsors, volunteers, authors, poets, and community who together made the 13th Convention a success. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:GLAONA PHOTOS: CourtesyGeetaTemple From left, Manilal Patel, Madhu Rai, Jayesh Bhogayata, Dr. Raeesh Maniar, Dr. Nimitt Oza, Krushna Dave, Anil Chavda, poets and authors on stage at the Gujarati Literary Academy of North America’s 13th Biennial Convention held in Edison, NJ. A large gathering of Hindu devotees attended the September 06,2025 Ganesh Visarjan celebration at Geeta Temple Ashram in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. The ceremonies included Ganesh Pujan, Havan, Maha Arti, culminating in the Ganesh Visarjan, and concluding with the Langar Prasad. Prior to the Visarjan, the temple held 10 days of Ganpati Mahapuja from August 27 to September 06,2025 Dr. Nimitt Oza, right, a poet who spoke at the event. Ashish Desai, president of the Gujarati Literary Academy of North America. 10 CITY VIEWS September 12, 2025 Geeta Temple Ashram In Queens Holds Ganesh Visarjan