Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know - Continued From Page 6 Queens Community Observes National First Responders Day est 911, or emergency communications system, receiving around 10 million calls and dispatching approximately 40,000 first responders annually, the press release from Arts4All Foundation said. Dr. Sumita SenGupta, the founder of the Arts4All Foundation and organizer of the event, said, “Between 24,000 and 25,000 times per day, NewYorkers across the city call 911 for an emergency, threat of imminent danger, and request for im- mediate assistance in a time of crisis. It is our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, doctors, and emergency services personnel who, with an unwaver- ing commitment to public safety, respond to every call, putting their own lives at risk for the betterment of our communities.” Among the most vulnerable popula- tions of emergency service workers are 9/11 first responders and across the nation, over 130,000 9/11 first respond- ers and 9/11 survivors are treated under theWorld Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. Dr. Jacqueline Moline, director of Northwell Hospital’s QueensWorld Trade Center Health Program, said, “It is truly an honor to receive the Visionary Leader Award today. But it has been a greater honor caring for first responders since the tragedy of 9/11 as one of the founders of theWorld Trade Center Health Program.” Former Congresswoman Carolyn J. Maloney said, “I am proud to have cham- pioned several key pieces of legislation alongside 9/11 first responders, includ- ing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and the Never Forget the Heroes Act of 2019, which formed permanent programs such as the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.” She noted the ongoing govern- ment shut-down was affecting services to first responders. The National Responders Day Celebra- tion ended with a cake-cutting ceremony and dinner. Local businesses donated din- ner and dessert. Full meals were provided for the officers of the 105th precinct, 9/11 first responders, and the community by Ramandeep Singh Chhabra from Harry Sweets & Snacks. Kaushal Naik, the owner of Hot Breads, delivered a beautifully decorated ceremonial mango cake for the event. IASA Of Clifton Shines Bright With A Joyous Diwali Celebration T he Indian American Senior Associa- tion (IASA) of Clifton celebrated Diwali with grandeur and heartfelt enthusiasm on October 25, 2025, at the TCL Community Center. Under the leadership of President Bharat Rana, the festival of lights brought together more than 300 members, special guests, and dignitaries, including a U.S. Con- gresswoman, a Clifton City Councilman, Board of Education members, and Mayor Andre from the City of Paterson. The evening brimmed with joy as attendees enjoyed a blend of delicious Indian cuisine, lively Bollywood music, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere that captured the spirit of Diwali. President Rana opened the celebration by warmly welcoming guests and expressing deep gratitude to the association’s support- ers, donors, and executive committee members—Secretary Harish Sanghvi, Vice President Jayesh Gandhi, Joint Secretary Yogesh Trivedi, Joint Treasurer Randhir Naik, Public Relations Officer Arun Bhatia, and the dedicatedWomen’sWing—for their tireless contributions throughout the year. In his address, Rana reflected on the deeper meaning of the festival, describ- ing Diwali as “a celebration of our rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity and diversity that binds us together.” He emphasized that the festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Rana encouraged the community to carry forward the message of Diwali by spread- ing love, compassion, and positivity, and by working toward a more inclusive and harmonious society. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from IASA, acknowledging the unwavering support of its members, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the celebration a resounding suc- cess. The Indian American Senior Associa- tion of Clifton is a non-profit organization committed to fostering cultural heritage, community service, and social engage- ment among Indian American seniors in Clifton and the surrounding areas. Through events like its annual Diwali celebration, IASA continues to illuminate the community spirit and strengthen the cultural bonds that bring people together. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS: IASA PHOTOS:Arts4All Foundation Former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney honored on National First Responders Day with 911 First Responder Ivonne Sanchez, Firefighter Ben Chou, Dr. Sumita SenGupta and Captain Douglas Moodie 7 CITY VIEWS November 7, 2025