Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 8 CITY VIEWS November 7, 2025 Seniors’ Association- FISANA- Celebrates Silver Jubilee T he Federation of Indo-American Seniors Association of North Amer- ica (FISANA) held its Silver Jubilee celebration Saturday November 1, 2025, at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey. Among the elected officials who at- tended were Mayor ofWoodbridge John E. McCormac, and Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. Piyush Patel, chair of FISANA, spoke of his vision to have a central database, and to have a dedicated call line that seniors could get help from in times of need. Dr. Sudhir Parikh thanked Suresh Patel for organizing the event and noted the elaborate decorations symbolizing India’s culture and credited FISANA with making its voice heard. Dr. Parikh was the first chairman of FISANA and was recognized for his service. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Raja Bhatty,ITV Gold Kerala Center’s 2025 Award Dinner Held On October 25, 2025 T he Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center, Inc. (The Kerala Center) celebrated its 33rd Annual Awards Dinner at the Center’s audi- torium in Elmont, NY on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The Center honored seven individuals who made notable contributions in their professions and to the society with their selfless dedication. This year’s honorees and their categories of recogni- tion were: Inspector Shibu Madhu – Govt. and Public Service; Diya Mathews – Legal Service; Priscilla Samuel – Nursing; Jayan Varghese – Pravasi Malayalam Literature; Koshy O. Thomas – Community Service; Nandini Me- non – Education; and Joharath Kutty – Engineering. The keynote speaker was Dr. Suresh U. Kumar. The program commenced with introductory remarks and welcoming of the emcee Daisy Stephen Pallipparam- bil, by G. Mathai, Trustee and Program Chairman. The American National anthem was sung by Bailey Stephen and the Indian National Anthem by Amisha Jaimon. President Alex K. Esthappan welcomed every- one and provided a brief description of the activities and goals of the Kerala Center. NewYork Senator John Liu, Assemblymembers Mi- chaelle Solages & Edward Braunstein, former Senator Kevin Thomas and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, were the dignitaries present to felicitate the honorees and present awards. Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of the Trustee Board and Award Committee member, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Suresh Kumar. In his speech Dr. Kumar talk- ed about the concept of Indian Civilizational Intelligence that has the potential to propel India to be a number one or two economy of the world. The Board and Award Committee chairman Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran explained the process of selecting the award- ees prior to the award presentation. In addition to the Kerala Center awards, Assembly members presented their own certificates and proclamations honoring the awardees. The Kerala Center Executive and Board members Raju Thomas, AbrahamThomas, MathewVazhappally and John Paul coordinated the event. Indian classical dances were performed by Chandrika Kurup’s Noopura School of Dance. Associate Secretary Mary Philip concluded the cer- emony with a vote of thanks to honored guests, awardees, sponsors, photographers, audience and all who worked to make it a successful event. Dinner was catered by Spice Gardens. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Kerala Center Kerala Center Awardees. From l. to r.: Koshy O. Thomas, Joharath Kutty, Diya Mathew Esq., Dr. Nandini Menon, Dr. Priscilla Samuel and Jayan Varghese. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media, being honored at FISANA event Nov. 1, 2025., as Suresh Patel, right, president of FISANA looks on. Mayor of Edison, NJ Sam Joshi, center, and officials and special guests at the FISANA Silver Jubilee celebrations November 1, 2025, in New Jersey. Piyush Patel, left, and Suresh Patel of FISANA at the Silver Jubilee of the organization Nov. 1, 2025, in New Jersey. Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac being honored at the FISANA Silver Jubilee event November 1, 2025, in Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, NJ. New York State legislators with Awardee Koshy O. Thomas. From l. to r.: Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Sen. John Liu, Koshy Thomas and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.