Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS October 24, 2025 Indian Overseas Congress–USA, NJ Chapter, Hosts Meet & Greet With Indian Journalists And Dignitaries Jericho Senior Captures National Future Business Leaders Of America Journalism Championship T he Indian Overseas Congress (IOC), USA – New Jersey Chapter hosted a Meet & Greet luncheon on October 11, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, bringing together respected journalists, parliamentarians, and members of the Indian diaspora for a discus- sion on democracy, media freedom, and India’s global position. QayamMasumi, secretary of the IOC USA, welcomed the guests to the stage, and highlighted the central theme of the event – “Freedom of the Press, Secular Democracy, and the Role of Media in Strengthening India’s Demo- cratic Institutions.” His introduction underscored the importance of open dialogue and the critical responsibil- ity of the press in protecting truth and justice. Masumi introduced the IOC USA leadership, which included Mohinder Singh Gilzian, president of the Indian Overseas Congress; Pradeep Syamala, working president of the Indian Overseas Congress; Harkesh Thakur, chair- man of the IOC USA – New Jersey Chapter; Pradip (Peter) Kothari, president of the IOC USA – New Jersey Chapter; and Mukesh Maid, vice chairman of the IOC New Jersey Chapter. Kothari and Thakur expressed their gratitude to all at- tendees, volunteers, and community members crediting them for their commitment and enthusiasm which made the chapter’s growth possible. Pradeep Kothari and Nandini Kothari welcomed the panel of India’s journalists who joined the discussion, and thanked them for bringing their insight and experi- ence. The panel featured Anand Vardhan Singh, Sheetal P. Singh, Ashutosh, Hemant Atri, Dr. Rakesh Pathak, Rajeshwar Singh, and Gyanesh Tiwari, each of whom offered thoughtful perspectives on the role of media and democracy in contemporary India. The event’s special guest was Vivek Tankha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who spoke about the freedom of the press and the vital role of media in safeguarding democracy. He emphasized that truth and transparency are essential pillars of India’s democratic fabric. The panel of journalists delved into a range of pressing and thought-provoking topics, including the current state of the Indian media, the challenges surrounding freedom of the press in today’s political climate, the enduring importance of secular democracy, and the relevance of Nehruvian statecraft in shaping India’s global position. J ericho High School senior Dev Lakhani earned first place in the nation in the Journalism competitive event at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, held June 29 to July 2 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Ana- heim, California. Lakhani outperformed qualifiers from all 50 states in the 100-question test covering news writing, media ethics, interviewing techniques and publication manage- ment. The conference drew more than 17,000 students, teachers and exhibitors from across the country. “Four years ago I had no idea what FBLA would teach me about storytelling and leadership,” Lakhani said. “This win proves that when you stay committed and learn from the right people, you can accomplish things you never imagined.” The national title caps a four-year run that included a seventh-place national finish in Intro to Business Presen- tation at the 2024 conference alongside teammates Dylan Rateshwar and Kaylin Kim. At the state level, Lakhani claimed five first-place finishes at the NewYork State Leadership Conference in Business Procedures, Presenta- tion, Public Policy, Website Design and Journalism, earn- ing seven state medals total. “We are super proud of Dev and all that he has accom- plished,” said Michael Goldin, Jericho FBLA advisor. FBLA is a nonprofit education association with more than 200,000 members that prepares students for careers in business and leadership. The National Leadership Conference is the organization’s premier annual gather- ing, featuring competitive events judged by business professionals and educators. Lakhani credited advisors Goldin, Nicole Izzo and Jessica Ruth Rogovitz for building a program that values collaboration over competition among teammates. The Jericho FBLA chapter has earned a reputation for strong state and national showings, regularly advancing mul- tiple students to the National Leadership Conference. Lakhani plans to study writing, leadership and busi- ness innovation in college. ABOUT JERICHO HIGH SCHOOL FBLA The Jericho High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America prepares students for careers in busi- ness through competitive events, leadership develop- ment and community engagement. Advised by Michael Goldin, Nicole Izzo and Jessica Ruth Rogovitz, the chapter has earned multiple state and national honors. Jericho High School is part of the Jericho Union Free School Dis- trict in Nassau County, NewYork By a StaffWriter From Press Release PHOTOS:Courtesy IOC USA-NJ Chapter PHOTO:Provided Indian journalists and dignitaries who attended the IOC USA-NJ Chapter Meet & Greet luncheon October 11, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ. IOC USA leadership welcoming the gathering of visiting dignitaries and journalists from India as well as members gathered at the Meet & Greet October 11, 2025, in Royal Albert’s Palace, NJ. Speaking on microphone is Mohinder Singh Gilzian, president of IOC USA, on extreme right is Indian Member of Parliament Vivek Tankha, extreme left is Pradeep Kothari, president of IOC USA-NJ Chapter. Jericho High School senior Dev Lakhani with his first place national FBLA Journalism awaard, Jericho High School. September 25th, 2025.