Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS January 23, 2026 W ith the support of the advocacy organization Hindu American Foundation, Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, D-Monmouth, have sponsored joint Senate and Assembly resolutions to declare Sanskrit as one of the world languages. The resolutions, (SJR167) and (AJR230), recognize that Sanskrit is a language with a unique origin. Sanskrit is considered to be one of the most systematic, techni- cal, and innovative languages. It has one of the largest vocabularies, approximately 102,000 words, making it highly versatile. Sanskrit has influenced nearly 97 percent of world languages, demonstrating its far reaching and profound impact on language and culture. Sanskrit has been widely recognized for its sophisticat- ed structure, efficiency in developing algorithms, and its ability to express subtle philosophical teachings. Sanskrit has 2,500 years of literature including poetry, philosophi- cal writings, and Hindu traditions. This resolution acknowledges not just Sanskrit’s cultural and spiritual importance, but also New Jersey’s vibrant Hindu community. In the last decade, New Jersey has seen tremendous growth of Hindu residents who now share a greater percentage of our population than any other state. The Swaminarayan AkshardhamMandir, in Robbinsville, which was designed in accordance with ancient Hindu scriptures, is the largest Hindu Temple in the United States and the second largest in the world. As the foundational language, Sanskrit holds deep impor- tance to Hindu traditions and spiritual framework. ### Senator Vin Gopal serves as Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, in addition to serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He previously served as Democratic Conference Chair (2022-2025) and Majority Conference Leader (2018- 2021). Elected in 2018, a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Senator Gopal represents residents of Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck, Deal, Eaton- town, Fair Haven, Freehold, Freehold Township, Inter- laken, Loch Arbor, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Township, and Tinton Falls. PHOTO:Facebook @SenatorVin Gopal NJ State Senator Gopal, Assemblywoman Donlon Sponsor Resolutions To Declare Sanskrit A World Language From Press Release New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal, the first Indian American to be elected to the upper house in the state. D espite challenging weather con- ditions across New Jersey—with heavy snowfall in several areas and milder conditions near the venue, more than 150 people gathered to celebrate Makar Sankranti at Shri Sid- dhivinayak Temple, Toms River, NJ. The event was hosted by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA), in collaboration with members of Bihar Foundation USA – East Zone (ETZ), celebrated Makar Sankranti at the sacred, Toms River, NJ. It was attended by people of all ages including children and seniors. The newly elected BJANA President (2026–2027), Priti Kashyap, greeted at- tendees thanked them for participating. She also acknowledged the dedication of her committee members and the BJANA Advisory Board for their continued guid- ance and support. A touching moment was shared by Nidhi from Jersey City (originally from Patna) and her husband Raghavendra Singh (from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh), who undertook more than an hour’s drive to attend their first BJANA event. They shared that the experience helped them understand how organizations like BJANA foster cultural connection, togetherness, and the spirit of selfless service, a press release from BJANA said. Several new members traveled long distances—including attendees from Philadelphia and locations over 100 miles away—reflecting the growing strength and reach of the BJANA community. The celebration was enriched by traditional and authentic cuisine, includ- ing: Chura–Dahi, Tilkoot directly sourced from India, Khichdi served with special homemade curd prepared in traditional earthen utensils; capped with special chai prepared by the BJANA team. Nidhi Mishra and other commu- nity members led folk songs, devotional prayers, and bhajans, making it a deeply emotional and cultural experience. Temple Trustee Dr. Geeta Gupta thanked all attendees and emphasized that such cultural gatherings strengthen unity and help preserve cultural roots within the diaspora. Community leaders including Past President Shashi Sinha, Anurag Kumar, and Immediate Past President Sanjeev Singh encouraged members to continue working collectively to strengthen BJANA and uplift the community. Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foun- dation USA – ETZ, expressed his happi- ness at seeing strong participation despite difficult weather conditions—especially the enthusiastic presence of children. He emphasized that communities must con- tinue to support those in need, celebrate together, and build long-term unity. The successful event was organized by the BJANA leadership team including: Su- shant Krishnan (Vice President), Rakesh Roy (Treasurer), Bishwanath Sharma (Sec- retary), Dipen, Priya Ranjan, along with the entire BJANA volunteer team.. BJANA And Bihar Foundation USA Celebrate Makar Sankranti At Toms River Temple By a StaffWriter Some of the community members at the Makar Sankranti celebration in Toms River, NJ. BJANA President Priti Kashyap. PHOTO:COURTESY BJANA