Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS December 19, 2025 Bridging Continents And Communities: Congressional Candidate John Bartlett Honors The Legacy Of Pramukh Swami Maharaj F or Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, now a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Dis- trict, the distance between New Jersey and Ahmed- abad, India, is bridged by a shared commitment to service, community, and spiritual leadership. As millions gathered globally to celebrate the 100th birthday of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Bartlett was there as a prominent voice for New Jersey, recognizing the profound impact the late spiritual leader has had not just in India, but right here in Passaic County. Joined by his wife Prof. Khyati Y .Joshi and their son Kedhar, Bartlett attended “PSM100,” a month-long festi- val of inspiration to mark the life of a guru whose motto was, “In the joy of others, lies our own.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Commissioner Bartlett, whose career in public service has been defined by advocacy for the vulnerable and the celebration of diversity. The 2021 centennial, which transformed a massive swathe of Ahmedabad into a temporary, awe-inspiring cultural and spiritual city, was a magnet for heads of state, international dignitaries, and millions of devotees. Commissioner Bartlett’s attendance was not simply a courtesy; it was a testament to his long-standing commit- ment to the BAPS community and his understanding of its profound civic contributions in New Jersey. Bartlett’s involvement with the Indian American community is both personal and professional. Living in Wayne with his wife Prof. Joshi, a noted scholar, he is in- timately aware of the cultural and spiritual currents that guide his Indian American constituents. He is currently a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s11th Congressional District, running to succeed Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. The special election will take place on February 5, 2026, with vote-by-mail ballots available in late December. The 11th District includes tens of thousands of Indian American voters in Parsip- pany, Randolph, Livingston, Short Hills, Wayne, and elsewhere. Bartlett has long been a fixture at events hosted by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organization Pramukh Swami Maharaj led for decades. He has witnessed firsthand how the values preached by the Swami—unity, selfless service, and humility—translate into tangible community benefits in New Jersey. From food drives to health fairs, the local BAPS mandirs (temples) have been hubs of civic engagement, often with Bartlett offering his support and official recognition. “The teachings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj regarding peace and community service reflect the highest ideals of public service,” Bartlett has noted in his interactions with the community. His support for the centennial was a natural extension of his commitment to services that embrace and include New Jersey’s immigrant communi- ties – including providing access for social services in languages like Gujarati and Bengali to ensure no one is left behind. For devotees in New Jersey, seeing their elected official honor their guru helps solidify their sense of belonging. It sends a message that their faith and their traditions are respected parts of the American mosaic. Bartlett’s engagement goes beyond a simple photo opportunity; it reflects a deep understanding of the unique bridge the diaspora builds between their ancestral home in Gujarat and their adopted home in New Jersey. As the centennial celebrations concluded, the mes- sage remained clear: while the festivities may have been centered in Ahmedabad, the spirit of the event was alive in northern New Jersey, championed by leaders like John W. Bartlett who understand that supporting a community means honoring the icons who inspire them. Through his continued friendship with the BAPS community, Bartlett ensures that the legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj—one of inclusion and service—remains a guiding principle in New Jersey’s future. By Khyati Joshi, Special to Desi Talk PHOTOS:PROVIDED NJ Candidate For Congress Dr. Tina Shah Endorsed By California Rep. Dave Min O n December 11, 2025, Congress- man Dave Min, D-California, an- nounced his endorsement of Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. “I am excited to endorse Dr. Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District,” said Congressman Dave Min (CA-47), quoted in the press release. “Tina’s experi- ence taking care of patients on the front- lines in the ICU and working to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare will serve New Jersey and our whole country well.” Rep. Min noted that Shah is a child of Asian immigrants just as he is. “And so she knows firsthand the importance of stand- ing up for our core values and building the economic opportunity that defines the American Dream. She is exactly the kind of fighter we need in Congress right now.” “I’m grateful to have Congressman Min’s support,” Shah said. “He’s proven that he knows how to win tough races and deliver for his community. I’m excited to flip this seat with his support and join in the work to ensure the American Dream is accessible to all.” According to Shah’s campaign, the momentum continues to build behind her campaign, adding that Dr. Shah had spent her career fighting for her patients’ lives in the ICU and advancing real solutions to improve patient outcomes in the private sector and at the highest levels of govern- ment. Today’s endorsement marks Shah’s second Congressional endorsement of the week, in addition to earlier support from ASPIRE PAC, the campaign arm of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03). Dr. Shah is an intensive care doctor in New Jersey who is triple board-certified. She served under three presidential administrations, and is credited with de- veloping innovative strategies to expand access to healthcare to veterans and lead- ing the first federal plan to combat the burnout that drove doctors and nurses out of the field. In the state of New Jersey, she was successful in bringing about legislation that stopped insurance companies from denying care. As Chief Medical Officer of an AI company, she also led efforts to cut red tape for doctors and nurses. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:@DRTINASHAHFORCONGRESS Dr. Tina Shah.