Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS October 17, 2025 Times Square Durga Utsav Features Sumit Roy & Band (Kolkata) And Rimli Roy & Surati T he Times Square Durga Utsav Association brought the vibrancy of Indian culture to the crossroads of the world on October 2, 2025, uniting communities through music, dance, and storytelling in honor of Durga Puja and Navratri. Sumit Roy & Band from Kolkata electrified the audi- ence with a mix of Agomoni, Bangla folk, pop, and fusion — including Roy’s viral hit Hilsa Fish. The set opened with Sonia on vocals and featured a unique Charkha folk song, with Roy joining the crowd as they danced along. Rimli Roy & Surati for Performing Arts followed with Okal Bodhon, a dance-theatre excerpt from the ac- claimed off-Broadway musical Ramaavan. The piece, rooted in Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga, reflected themes of courage, devotion, and righteousness through powerful choreography and narration. Surati for Performing Arts is an award-winning Jersey City–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Rimli Roy, dedicated to educating, entertaining, and engaging com- munities through the arts of India and their cross-cultural intersections. Named after Founder Rimli Roy’s parents, Sumit and Arati Roy, Surati honors their enduring inspiration. Sumit Roy also composed original music for Ramaavan – A Mu- sical, performed at the event. Blending Indian classical, folk, and contemporary dance withWestern theatre, Surati’s ensemble — featur- ing Paulina Yeung (Broadway’s The King & I), Harsha Harikumar, Jonathan Power, Kijana Lewis, Vidhya Dinesh, Reba Browne, Madison Halla, and Rimli Roy — brought mythology to life in Times Square. Audiences were espe- cially moved by Yeung’s operatic rendition of Lascia Ch’io Pianga. “Times Square became a canvas for cultural exchange and artistic excellence,” said Founder & Artistic Director of Surati Rimli Roy. “Sharing Okal Bodhon during Durga Puja and Navratri reminded us of the enduring power of art, storytelling, and community.” Ramaavan – A Musical, conceived and directed by Rimli Roy with music by Sumit Roy and Rajesh Roy, and lyrics by Arati Roy, has been staged across the U.S. and India since 2018. This event was supported by Times Square Durga Utsav Association, ConnX SmartMS, Scient Enterprise AI, AVP Global, and Surati’s donors, celebrating art, tradition, and community in one of the world’s most iconic public spaces. For more information, please visit: www.suratipa.org By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Surati for Performing Arts Surati performs “Okal Bodhon” from Rimli Roy’s Ramaavan-A Musical. (From L to R) Vidhya Dinesh, Reba Browne, Rimli Roy, Harsha Harikumar. Sumit Roy joins the enthusiastic attendees during his performance in Times Square, as they celebrate the spirit of Durga Puja. Singer-composer Sumit Roy (Left) & Band performing live at Times Square Durga Utsav 2025. Sonia (Right) and Sudeip (partially visible at Center). 83rd Edition Of Know India Programm (KIP) K now India Programme (KIP) is the flagship programme of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India which seeks to recon- nect PIOs in the age-group of 21-35 years to their ethnic roots besides showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and its recent spectacular developmental efforts. Ministry of External Affairs endeavors to present various facets of contemporary Indian, Art, Heritage, Culture, Economy, Innovations, Start-ups, Science & Technology, etc., to the youth members of the Indian Diaspora and strives to moti- vate and inspire them to contribute and participate in the transformative initiatives of the Government of India as part of its march towards Viksit Bharat. Since its inception in 2003-04, the Ministry has successfully organized 82 editions of the KIP with participation of 2959 youth PIO members. The Min- istry of External Affairs is organizing the 83rd edition of the Know India Programme (KIP) from 10 to 28 November 2025 and invites applications from Indian Diaspora Youth Members (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 21-35 years. Interested individuals may submit scanned copy of duly filled Application Form and required docu- ments to the Consulate General of India, Chicago by email on pic.chicago@mea.gov.in by 19 October 2025. Indian Ministry of External Affairs PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT PHOTO:X.com/IndiainNewYork Announcement of the 83rd Know India Programme.