Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 9 CITY VIEWS January 30, 2026 Foundation Of Indian Americans Celebrates 77th Republic Day Of India In Burlington, MA T he Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA)-New England, celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India at the Academy of Creative Arts in Burling- ton, Massachusetts, on the eve of the official Republica Day which falls annually on January 26. The event honored India’s freedom fight- ers and the architects of the Constitution of the Republic of India who laid the foun- dation of the nation, a press release from FIA-New England said. Addressing the gathering, FIA–New Eng- land President Abhishek Singh highlighted the significance of the occasion and the responsibility it carries for future genera- tions. “Republic Day marks the moment when India adopted its Constitution, empower- ing every citizen with freedom, equality, and justice. We must follow the path shown by our forefathers and protect the unity and integrity of our community,” Singh said. As part of the ceremony, attendees ob- served a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggles of both India and the United States. The audience also sang the national anthems of both countries. FIA Executive Vice President Sanjay Gokhale appealed to the community to take a pledge to work toward a world free from hunger, poverty, and inequality, strengthening bonds between communities while promoting peace and inclusion. During the event, dignitaries and some attendees shared their thoughts on the significance of Republic Day. Community leaders Rakesh and Aditi Soni emphasized the strong parallels between the history of India and the United States. Both nations fought against colonialism and embraced democracy, secularism, and a constitution- al republic framework, they noted. Entrepreneur Devendra Patil noted that as the United States approaches its milestone of 250 years of independence in 2026, India continues advancing in its own journey of development, stability, and progress. Mohan Nannapaneni (Founder, Team Aid), Java and Hetal Joshi (Promoters of education and creative arts), and Jayesh Patel (Entrepreneur) highlighted constitu- tional values such as freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, protection against exploitation, and the right to con- stitutional remedies, reaffirming commit- ment to these principles in both India and the United States. FIA Executive Board Members Shova Sharma and Anand Sharma thanked all dignitaries and supporters, including Ravindra Zende, Vijay Agarwal (Businessman), Anil and Ranjani Saigal (Founders of Lokvani), Manisha Jain (Ekal Vidyalaya), and Manisha Kumar (Ekal Vidyalaya) for their guidance and continued support. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:RASIK MEHTA,COURTESY FIA-NE Scene from the celebrations held in Burlington, Massachusetts, on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, hosted by the Foundation of Indian Americans-New England. Uttar Pradesh Federation Of North America Celebrates UP Diwas In New Jersey O n January 25, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America (UPFNA) hosted a cel- ebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas in New Jersey. According to organizers, this occasion was historic, as it marked the first-ever celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas outside India and in the United States. The Chief Minister of UP Yogi Aditya- nath sent his blessings and goodwill by addressing the Pravasi Uttar Pradesh com- munity with, what organizers described as “an inspiring message that filled everyone with pride and enthusiasm.” The UPFNA also received congratula- tory messages and letters from several distinguished dignitaries, including: • Jitan RamManjhi, Union Minister (MSME), Government of India • Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir • Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar • Jayveer Singh, Minister of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh • J. P. S. Rathore, Minister of Coopera- tion, Uttar Pradesh • Daya Shankar Singh, Minister of Transport, Uttar Pradesh • Dr. Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of AYUSH, Uttar Pradesh • Dr. D. P. Singh, Educational Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh • Krishan Pal Panwar, Cabinet Minister (Panchayati Raj, Development, Mines & Geology), Government of Haryana • Dr. Arvind Sharma, Minister of Tour- ism, Haryana • Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. R. B. Singh • Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher • Devkinandan Thakur, spiritual leader • Prabal Pratap Singh, Co-founder, Aaj Tak The Chief Guests for the program were: • Piyush Singh, Consulate General of India – Media & Culture Department • Derek Armstead, Mayor of Linden, New Jersey The event received active support from several prominent community organi- zations. Notable contributors included Srujal Parikh (Joint Secretary, FIA), Priti Patel (Secretary, FIA), Alok Kumar (Board Member, FIA); Sanjay Gupta (President, VHP America – New Jersey); Priti Kashyap (President, BJANA) with Sushant (Vice President); and Archana Sharma (UPAGP). It was especially noteworthy that de- spite a state-level emergency and extreme cold temperatures of –14 degrees Celsius, members of the Uttar Pradesh community attended the celebration marking their unity and enthusiasm, organizers noted. The program was successfully coordi- nated by Prashant K. S. Dikshit, Founder and Trustee, UPFNA. The event was con- ducted by Neeta Tyagi. The vote of thanks was delivered by Amit Gupta, in the presence of Trustees Dr. Shiv Shahi and Amit Kumar. The program also received active support from the following office bearers: • Vice President: Alpana Singh • Secretary: Alpana Pathak • Treasurer: Saurabh Gupta A special highlight of the program was the collective rendition of “Vande Mataram”, to mark the 150th anniversary of India’s patriotic song. Additionally, or- ganizers distributed prasad from the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya, India, to all devotees present. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:UPFNA Participants in the Uttar Pradesh Diwas hosted by the UPFederation of North America, January 25, 2026, in New Jersey.