Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS November 28, 2025 New York State Assembly Recognizes Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th Birth Anniversary T he NewYork State Assembly in an initiative led by Assembly- man Nader Sayegh, issued a citation November 20, honoring Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his teachings on his centennial birthday which falls on November 23, 2025. While introducing the citation, As- semblyman Sayegh said in his state- ment, “Hello, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh here in Yonkers, NewYork. Today is November 20th, 2025 in Yonkers, New York, on behalf of the NewYork State Assembly, this is a very special NewYork State Assembly citation, recognizes Sri Sathya Sai Baba on the 100th year an- niversary, an individual that has com- mitted not only his life but through his legacy and his work and his service, a hundred years of commitment to the communities all over the world in India and here in the United States, truly given back to the community, given back in charities, given back in educational and support and health services and community outreach. This service is so valuable that here in communities like NewYork City and Queens and Yonkers and all over that we’re very proud of the efforts Sundar and many of the volun- teers have committed to continuing the legacy of Sai Baba. So today, on behalf of the NewYork State Assembly, Sundar, please accept this special resolution celebrating 100 years of really true dedication, passion, commitment to mankind. So today we’re all global citizens of the world. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Congratulations.” Sundar Venugopalan of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, who led the effort to get a citation, in his letter addressed to Assemblyman Sayegh and Rev. Chandra Sookdeo, said, “With a heart overflowing with gratitude, on behalf of the millions of practitioners of the Universal teach- ings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba from around the world, I wish to thank you for this NewYork State Assembly Citation during this centennial year of Sri Sathya Sai Baba.” Venugopalan also thanked Guruji Dileepkumar Thankappan from the World Yoga Community for his support to the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council. PHOTO:Chandra Sookdeo PHOTO:provided New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, left, and Sundar Venugopalan hold up the citation on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th birth anniversary. NY State Assembly Citation on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s centennial birthday November 23, 2025. Indian Consulate Hosts Fireside Chat With Author Of The India Story T he Indian Consulate in NewYork held a discus- sion on the book “The India Story” by Dr. Rajat Sharma. Renowned chef Vikas Khanna moderated the discussion which was attended by members of the Indian diaspora in the tri-state area. Former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi was among those present at the event. “The insightful fireside chat on “The India Story” brought together leaders from industry, media, cultural organizations, and the diaspora, creating an engaging forum for a vibrant Q&A,” said the Indian Consulate in its post on X @IndiainNewYork. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, left, was among those in the audience who shared their insight at the Fireside Chat with author of The India Story, Dr. Rajat Sharma. “Participants shared perceptive questions, personal reflections, and sectoral insights that broadened the con- versation and deepened the discourse on India’s global journey,” the Consulate noted. Among those present in the audience, who joined the discussion was Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ParikhWorld- wide Media/ITV Gold. “Their thoughtful engagement added richness to the evening, highlighting the diversity of voices that shape the evolving India narrative,” the X post said. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:X @IndiainNewYork Dr. Rajat Sharma, author of The India Story in a Fireside Chat at the Indian Consulate in New York, November 20, 2025. Chef Vikas Khanna conducted the discussion. Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, left, was among those in the audience who shared their insight at the Fireside Chat with author of The India Story, Dr. Rajat Sharma. Dr. Rajat Sharma, author of The India Story, left, with Indian Consul General Binaya Srikant Pradhan, center, and chef Vikas Khanna. A section of the audience at the Fireside Chat held in the Indian Consulate in New York Nov. 20, 2025, including Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo and the Indian Consul General Binaya Srikant Pradhan. By a StaffWriter