Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS October 31, 2025 Hundreds Of Legal Professionals Attend SABA-NJ Annual Gala Hundreds Of Visitors Enjoyed 30th Jackson Heights Diwali Mela O n October 23, 2025, the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey hosted its 11th Annual Gala at The Marigold, attended by more than 400 attorneys, judges, and community leaders. The growing influence of the South Asian legal community in New Jersey was reflected in the gathering, a press release from the organization said. Emcee Neha Mahajan opened the night, followed by an energetic performance by Rudra Dance Academy, and later a powerful a-cappel- la set by Rutgers RAAG performers. President Mishita Jethi delivered opening remarks, followed by Immediate Past President Prema Roddam and President-Elect Hozaifa Cassubhai, who played central roles in the evening’s award presentations. Among others who addressed the gathering was NJ State Senator Vin Gopal. The keynote address was delivered by Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai of the US District Court for the District of Oregon. His words on leader- ship, justice, and identity deeply resonated with the audience, organizers said. SABA-NJ’s leadership honored outstand- ing legal professionals, presenting its annual awards. The event concluded with the presen- tation of scholarship recognitions, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to investing in the next generation of South Asian legal talent. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Ketana Gosalia Hundreds of visitors enjoyed shopping and live musical performace by a group specially flown in from Mumbai, India, at the stalls of Indian food and collectibles at the 30th Jackson Heights Diwali Mela Sunday, October 26, 2025, organized on 74th street which is also named Kalpana Chawla Marg by the Indian Merchants: Association headed by President Shiv Das. Authentic Chhole Bhature attracted many a shoppers to the annual Jackson Heights Diwali Mela on the 74th street in Jackson Heights. The street has been named Kalpana Chawla Marg in honor of the astronaut on board the Columbia Space Shuttle. Visitors to the annual Jackson Heights Diwali Mela Sunday, October 26, 2025, enjoyed shopping for ethnic embroidered woolen scarves and handbags at one of the stalls. Visitors to the Jackson Heights Diwali Mela Sunday, October 26, 2025, could shop at the stall for artificial flower garlands to use for home decorations at Diwali and other festivals. PHOTOS:CourtesySABA New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal addressing the 11th Annual Gala 2025 of SABA at The Marigold, NJ, October 23, 2025. SABA NJ 2025 office holders at the October 23, 2025, 11th Annual Gala held at The Marigold. Immediate Past President Prema Roddam , President Mishita Jethi and President-Elect Hozaifa Cassubhai at the October 23, 2025, SABA Annual Gala in New Jersey. President-Elect Hozaifa Cassubhai, Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai, and SABA-NJ President Mishita Jethi.