Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS February 27, 2026 PHOTO:ORGANIZERS Community members gather with FISANA President Sureshbhai Patel and Secretary Yogesh Trivedi during the organization’s inaugural Mahashivratri puja in Edison, N.J., joined by Sam Joshi, who attended the celebration. Community members gather with FISANA President Sureshbhai Patel and Secretary Yogesh Trivedi during the organization’s inaugural Mahashivratri puja in Edison, N.J. FISANA Hosts First Mahashivratri Puja in Edison, Drawing More Than 100 Devotees T he Federation of Indian American Associations of North America marked a milestone for the local Indian community by hosting its first Mahashivratri puja, drawing more than 100 devotees for a two-hour spiritual observance. The event, described by organizers as a first-of-its-kind initiative for the organiza- tion, was held at the Golden Era Day Care Center in Edison. Community members gathered to offer prayers and observe Mahashivratri, one of Hinduism’s most sacred nights dedicated to Lord Shiva. FISANA President Sureshbhai Patel led the effort to organize the gathering, work- ing alongside Secretary Yogesh Trivedi and committee members to coordinate the ceremony. Organizers said the puja aimed to provide a serene setting for reflection, devotion and community connection. The event was made possible in part by Bhagwat Parmar, owner of the Golden Era Day Care Center, who donated the use of the facility for the evening. Organiz- ers said the venue offered a welcoming space for worshippers to come together in prayer. Volunteers, committee members and local sponsors also contributed to the planning and execution of the event, ensuring the program ran smoothly, ac- cording to FISANA leaders. Organizers said the strong turnout and peaceful atmosphere underscored the community’s desire for cultural and spiri- tual programming. They described the inaugural Mahashivratri celebration as a significant step in FISANA’s ongoing ef- forts to foster cultural unity and spiritual engagement among Indian Americans in the region. By a StaffWriter President Of GAPIO Dr. Sudhir Parikh Meets Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsha Sanghvi P resident of the Global Association of Physi- cians of Indian Origin, GAPIO, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, who came to Ahmedabad for a short visit of just one day, paid a courtesy call on Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harshabhai Sanghvi in Gandhi- nagar. Despite his time constraints during an ongoing state assembly session, DCM Sanghvi made time for the meeting. During the meeting, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, who is also Chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold, praised Sanghvi’s youthful energy and work ethic. He also dwelt on the Deputy Chief Minis- ter’s popularity at the GAPIO 16th Annual Confer- ence held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, February 14-15, 2026. Deputy Chief Minister Sanghvi appreciated Dr. Parikh’s medical services and various community and philanthropic activities. He also discussed his upcoming trip to United Statees, and the two dwelt on jointly organizing various programs. Sanghvi, apart from being the Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister, is also the Minister of several departments including the Home Department in the Gujarat Government. He is also in-charge of the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2030 at Ahmedabad. Digant Sompura, who organized the visit, also joined the meeting. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESY DIGANT SOMPURA From left, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsha Sanghvi, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, and Digant Sompura. Community members gather with FISANA President Sureshbhai Patel and Secretary Yogesh Trivedi during the organization’s inaugural Mahashivratri puja in Edison, N.J.