Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS January 23, 2026 A n international online pageant systemMiss Regal World (based in the UK) has officially an- nounced Dr. Roopa Modha as the reigning Ms. Regal World 2025-2026. Modha was selected “by a panel of industry professionals for her lifelong dedication to global service and her ex- ceptional achievements across the fields of law, media, and the arts,” a press release fromModha said. Modha represented the USA in the international pageant. Dr. Roopa Modha is an intellectual property law attorney holding a Doctorate in Jurisprudence (JD) from University of Connecticut: School of Law with certifi- cates in Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law. “Beyond the courtroom, she is a cel- ebrated TV host, author, lyricist, illustra- tor, journalist, and international pageant queen with many titles and awards to her name,” the press release said, describing Dr. Modha as “An accomplished dancer and dance teacher,” who excels in a range of dance genres including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, semi-classical, ballet, tap, jazz, and Bollywood (trained under Smt. Saroj Khan). “To date, Roopa has 38 successful world records in dance, including 3 Guin- nessWorld Records and has earned titles and recognition around the world for her artistic performances and dancing prow- ess,” the press release said. Modha has advocated for women’s empowerment and education and was recognized by President Barack Obama and theWhite House as a “Changemaker,” the press release says. She was named one of the “40Women Leaders toWatch” by CWEALF and received the “Anokhi Advocate” award from Canada—an honor previously bestowed upon global icons like Priyanka Chopra and Malala Yousafzai. Connecticut’s Malta House recognized her as a “WonderWoman,” a title officially bestowed upon her by the Connecticut Senate. She was the youngest recipient and only South Asian, the press release noted. “Roopa Modha is the perfect candi- date for our International online pag- eant systemMiss Regal World,” Victoria George-Veale, CEO of Miss Regal World is quoted saying in the press release. “Our industry professional judges—Darren Evans, Sophie Rankin, and myself—have chosen Roopa as our new Ms. Regal World 2025/26 due to her heart of gold, dedica- tion to the system, kind nature, being the wonderfully supportive person she is, and for her inspirational ideas. We are very much looking forward to seeing Roopa shine during her year’s reign!” According to the press release, Modha serves as an international ambassador for the UKWomen of Heart Awards, as well as organizations like Girl Rising and the Indian Dreams Foundation; She was honored with the Presidential Gold Ser- vice Award for her focus on volunteering. She was honored as a Youth Ambassador for Vision Aid (supporting the blind) for three consecutive years (2023–2025) for her record-breaking fundraising efforts and was also honored by GOPIO with the Youth Professional Achiever award. “I wear a crown on my head, but believe I must always lead with my heart. The true prize is the impact one can make in the world and the positive change one should be a catalyst for. More than ever, girls’ need us to support them to fulfill their dreams. I hope to continue to cham- pion this cause and create lasting change,” she said. PHOTO:CourtesyDr.Modha Dr. Roopa Modha Crowned Ms. Regal World 2025-2026 By a StaffWriter Dr. Roopa Modha. NJ’s Surati For Performing Arts’ Sold-Out “Glimpses Of India” Captivates Cocoa, Florida At Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse S urati for Performing Arts (Surati FPA), a Jersey City, New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, presented a sold-out performance of its original dance-theater-musical production, “Glimpses of India,” at The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse (HCVP) on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The 90-minute live performance was presented in partner- ship with Manav Mandir Temple and India Fest, bring- ing together families, community members, and arts supporters for a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Conceived, created, and directed by Rimli Roy, Founder & Artistic Director of Surati for Performing Arts, who also choreographed most of the dances, Glimpses of India is a family-friendly dance-theatre production that weaves Indian classical, folk, and contemporary genres with storytelling, musical theatre, and rich visual design. The production’s music included several original compositions by renowned composers and performers from India, Sumit Roy and Rajesh Roy, adding a deeply personal and powerful musical foundation to the show’s narrative arc. A special performance was included at the end of the show by a Cocoa Beach local artist, Cathy. She performed “Lascia ch’io pianga” (Italian for “Let me weep”) a famous aria from George Frideric Handel’s 1711 opera Rinaldo, which is a scene from Surati’s other production Ramaa- van – A Musical, where Sita’s soul laments for her beloved Rama. “Glimpses of India is an invitation, an experience that honors tradition while making it accessible, exciting, and meaningful for audiences of all backgrounds,” said Rimli Roy, Founder & Artistic Director of Surati for Perform- ing Arts. “We are grateful to the Cocoa community and Manav Mandir Temple and India Fest for welcoming Surati to Florida and making this evening such a memo- rable celebration.” The featured artist team included: Harsha Harikumar, Jayanta Banerjee (Jay), Jonathan Power, Sonia Mukher- jee, Kijana Lewis, Tatiana Bahoque, Thansi Thatipamula, Archana Krishna, Juliana Hassouna, JamainVictor, Vidhya Dinesh, Ayaansh Dey, Suman Chakraborty, Sarath Thati- pamula and Rimli Roy. Together, the ensemble brought energy, nuance, and artistry to a stage experience that highlighted India’s diversity through movement, music, and theatrical storytelling. ABOUT GLIMPSES OF INDIA “Glimpses of India” is Surati for Performing Arts’ original dance-theatre showcase celebrating India’s cultural richness through a mix of classical, folk, fusion, Bollywood, contemporary dance forms and live music, integrated with storytelling, musical theatre, and vivid stage visuals. A captivating journey that both entertains and educates audiences about India’s cultural heritage. ABOUT SURATI FOR PERFORMING ARTS Surati for Performing Arts is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization based in Jersey City, dedicated to promoting Indian art and culture through performances, arts-in-education, and community engagement. Found- ed by Rimli Roy, Surati’s acclaimed productions and festivals— including Holi Hai and Ramaavan – A Musical — have been showcased at the United Nations, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and featured in CNN, NBC, and Vogue. Surati’s year-round programming is made possible by Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, Dance NYC, National Endowment for the Arts and New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund. Press Release: Surati for the Performing Arts PHOTOS:SURATI FORTHE PERFORMING ARTS Scenes from performances by NJ-based Surati for the Performing Arts, in Orlando, Florida.