Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS October 3, 2025 Indian Overseas Congress USA Hosts Memorial For Harbachan Singh, Honors MPs From India T he Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOCUSA), in association with its New Jersey, Telangana, and Kerala Chapters, hosted a solemn memorial September 26, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey, to pay tribute to Harbachan Singh, the long-serving Secretary-General of IOCUSA, who passed away recently. Singh’s demise “marks an irreplaceable loss to the organization and the Indian diaspora,” a press release from IOCUSA said. The program was attended by leaders and members representing multiple IOCUSA chapters. Praveen Singh, daughter of the late Harbachan Singh, offered floral tributes on behalf of the family. The Chief Guests at the event, Indian Members of Parliament Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy of Telangana, and Hibi Eden of Kerala, spoke warmly of Harbachan Singh praising his decades of dedicated service. Both lead- ers used the occasion not only to honor his memory but also to engage with the community on key issues facing India today. They spoke at length about India’s current development tra- jectory, the challenges that must be addressed to achieve inclusive growth, and the critical role of the overseas Indian community in making the country more vibrant and self-sustainable. They also highlighted the growth and oppor- tunities in their respective states, underlining the potential in export, innovation, and other emerging sectors, and encouraged diaspora members to contribute their expertise and in- vestments to further strengthen these areas. Messages of condolence were also shared from Sam Pitroda, Global Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, and national leader of the Congress Party Rahul Gandhi, who de- scribed Harbachan Singh as a pillar of IOCU- SA’s activities in the United States, particularly in the NewYork area. They praised his simplicity, dedication to the nation, and selfless work, calling his passing a “huge loss to the IOC family and to the nation.” Others present at the event were IOC USA Vice Chair George Abraham, National President Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Working President Pradeep Samala, and New Jersey Chapter Presi- dent Peter Kothari, along with Telangana Chap- ter President Rajeswar Reddy and Chairman Ram Gadula. From the Kerala Chapter, Chair- man Paul Karukappally, Rajender Dichpally , IOC Leader, Deputy Chairman R. Jayachan- dran , and NJ Kerala Chapter President James George, who introduced MP Hibi Eden all took part in the program. Vice President Baldev Randhawa, Treasurer Joshua Jai Singh, General Secretary Sophia Sharma, and IT Focal Point Rajiv Mohan also joined, as did Jose Charummood, who deliv- ered a moving eulogy together with Mohinder Singh and George Abraham. Other senior leaders, such as Rajiv Gowda, President of the Karnataka Chapter, Srinivasa Rao, President of the AP Chapter, Imran Pasha, president of the NewYork Chapter, along with other prominent people, including social activists, and friends of IOC USA were also in attendance. Speaking on the occasion, Gilzian said Harbachan Singh “was a true soldier of the Congress and young at heart no matter what,” recalling his tireless service and his warmth in bringing people together. Abraham added that “his tireless service was not just an obligation, it was his calling, a re- flection of his deep love for the Indian diaspora and his commitment to its unity.” Speakers throughout the evening celebrated Harbachan Singh’s unwavering dedication, hu- mility, and commitment to unity, emphasizing that his contributions shaped the very founda- tion of IOCUSA. Condolences were extended to Harbachan Singh’s family, including his son Ramesh Singh, daughters Praveen Singh and Sukhwant Shimkaveg, and all loved ones. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS: IOCUSA Solemn memorial service held Sept. 26, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, NJ, for Harbachan Singh, leader of the IOCUSA who passed away recently. Two MPs from India also attended the memorial service in New Jersey Sept. 26, 2025, for IOCUSA leader Harbachan Singh, who passed away recently. Association Of Indians In America Announces Venue Change For Annual Deepavali Festival T he much-anticipated annual Deepavali Festival, hosted by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), NewYork chapter, will this time be held on October 11, at Overlook Beach near Jones Beach on Long Island’s south shore. Overlook Beach in Babylon is conveniently located and easily acces- sible from Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Queens, organizers said in a press release September 23, 2025. AIA-NY is condideredb the oldest In- dian community organization in America, set up in 1967 with the motto of ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment’. Festival organizers promise to offer the same fea- tures the Festival is known for: fireworks, cultural performances, Meena Bazar, and ethnic food. Beena Kothari, president of AIA-NY invited everyone to the all-day celebration noting the organization has planned an “exciting” lineup of programs that high- light the Indian American community’s rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage the entire family, from kids to seniors. Admission to the public event is free. The flagship fireworks show is sched- uled for 7 pm on the shore (instead of on the water, as in previous years at the South Street Seaport) and will last 20-30 minutes. Among the performances is the signa- ture 30-minute Ramayana Musical Live Dance Drama, and another which is about Ram Setu. The Jains’ Diwali connection will also be celebrated—on this day in 527 BCE, Bhagwan Mahaveer attained libera- tion. “Many lawmakers, dignitaries, in- cluding the Consul General of India in NewYork, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities will grace the festivities in big numbers,” the press release said. Entertainment includes Indian classical and folk dances. A Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal, and a surprise Bollywood star appearance is expected, organizers said. Kids Corner, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, will offer games and fun activities, including henna painting. Adults can head out to the Health and Wellness Zone and take free Yoga and Zumba sessions. Retail and corporate booths will be set up in a tent area. A Meena Bazar where colorful Indian clothes and other products will be set up as will food stalls serving In- dian cuisine and masala chai. Visitors can take part in Rangoli and art competitions. Those interested can purchase tickets for the VIP dinner, which will be held in a private area before the fireworks. Buying raffle tickets could win you exciting grand prizes, the press release said. Main sponsors of the celebration include Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai, NewYork Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o- Air, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, and Ranju & Ravi Batra. Global TV channels, Zee and Sony, will show highlights of AIA Deepavali 2025. Local media supporters include Parikh Worldwide Media which publishes Desi Talk, News India Times, and Gujarat Times, and its affiliate ITV Gold, as well as TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, South Asian Insider, and Bollywood Insider. Contact for sponsorship and other details: Mrs Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org A press conference is scheduled for Oct 1, 5.30-7.30 pm at Asa Mai Temple, Hicksville. By a StaffWriter