Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 6 CITY VIEWS May 15, 2026 T he NewYork Climate Exchange announced May 4, 2026, that it is appointing Dr. M. Sanjayan as its CEO, describing this as “A new chapter” for the organization and for climate leadership in NewYork City. Calling it a “pivotal moment” in The Exchange’s mission to accelerate climate solutions through research, education, workforce development, innovation and community partnership, the organization said it has chosen “A leading conserva- tion scientist who has served as CEO at Conservation International.” “Sanjayan will guide The Exchange as it advances its vision for a transformational climate campus on Governors Island in NewYork Harbor,” the press release said. Drawing on its 48 partners and the global reach of NewYork City, The Ex- change is developing a state-of-the-art climate campus on Governors Island that will bring together climate scientists, edu- cators, entrepreneurs and changemakers under one roof — sparking the collabora- tions and breakthrough ideas needed to build a sustainable future, The Exchange said. “Sanjayan will lead the organiza- tion’s next chapter – translating work on Governors Island into solutions that can be adopted by cities and communities around the world,” it added. “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. M. San- jayan to The Exchange and look forward to partnering with him to realize the extraordinary promise of The Exchange,” said Andrea Goldsmith, chair of The Exchange board and president of Stony Brook University, The Exchange’s anchor institution. “Sanjayan is an exceptional leader, deeply knowledgeable scientist, and outstanding communicator with a clear and compelling vision for the future of The Exchange. He brings to the role an impressive track record leading transfor- mational growth and meaningful success as CEO of Conservation International. With Sanjayan’s remarkable experience and expertise, with our impactful work to date, and with strong partnerships across academia, industry, government, and the community, The Exchange is incredibly well-positioned to deliver impactful cli- mate solutions for NewYork, our country, and the world.” Sanjayan was CEO of Conservation International from 2017 to 2025, where he led two landmark capital campaigns to- taling $2.4 billion, expanded the organiza- tion’s global presence to 1,800 staff across 35 countries, and built partnerships with major companies including Apple, Micro- soft, Mastercard, and Procter & Gamble. A conservation biologist by training, he has also helped bring climate and nature stories to global audiences through award-winning documentaries and broadcasts with PBS and BBC. In 2024, he was named to TIME’s inaugural 100 Climate list. “Climate change is both a crisis and an opportunity for humanity,” Sanjayan said. “It’s a privilege to lead The NewYork Climate Exchange at this consequential and defining moment for people and the planet. I cannot think of a more powerful platform from which to accelerate solu- tions that the world urgently needs.” The Exchange aims to establish a state- of-the-art campus on Governors Island in the near future to welcome hundreds of students, faculty, researchers, and climate-curious visitors here in “semes- terabroad” style academic courses, and engaged in cutting-edge research. NewYork City has pledged a “major capital commitment” the press release said, which will be added to by a $100 mil- lion pledge from the Simons Foundation and another $50 million to the initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg drew attention to his 2001 campaign when he broached the this idea, which he noted is now steadily taking shape in The Climate Exchange – “the next step, creat- ing a home for the talent and innovation needed to help cities confront climate change while creating jobs.” By a StaffWriter Dr. M. Sanjayan Named CEO Of The New York Climate Exchange Dr. M. Sanjayan HOTO:@NYCLIMATEEXCHANGE.ORG Successful Fundraiser At Siddhivinayak Temple In Toms River, NJ For New Community Hall T he annual fundraising musical concert organized by the Siddhi Singers Group was held success- fully on May 9, 2026, at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple and Indian Cultural & Community Center in Toms River, New Jersey. The event brought together community leaders, dignitaries, devotees, and supporters for an evening filled with music, devotion, and commu- nity spirit. The fundraiser was organized to sup- port the temple’s vision of building a new Community Hall, which will serve as a center for cultural, educational, spiritual, and social activities for the growing Indi- an-American community in the region. For nearly three hours, the Siddhi Singers — the temple’s talented in-house musical group led by Dr. Kirit Pandya and Annette D’Souza Patel, both accom- plished singers themselves — performed soulful devotional songs, Bollywood clas- sics, and cultural performances. The con- cert was accompanied by a live orchestra featuring exceptional musicians on tabla, keyboard, guitar, and percussion. The evening also featured a dinner sponsored by Aarzu – The Modern Indian Bistro. The Deputy Consul General of India in NewYork, Vishal Harsh, attended as the Chief Guest. Other prominent attendees included Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold, Ankur Vaidya, Chairman of FIA; Sreekant Akapalli, President of FIA; Priti Patel, Vice President of FIA; Priti Kashyap, President of BJANA; ; Pinakin Pathak; and Dr. Tushar Patel, President of HCNJ. The dignitaries were welcomed by Dr. Avinash Gupta, Chairman of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple; Dr. Bankim Shah, Co-Chairman; and Dr. Geeta Gupta, Chief Trustee. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Avinash Gupta became emotional while describ- ing the growing need for a dedicated community hall where families can gather to celebrate festivals, cultural events, educational activities, and spiri- tual programs. He thanked all donors, volunteers, sponsors, and support- ers for their unwavering commitment and asked the community to continue contributing generously to this noble mission. In his address, Consul Harsh praised the temple’s efforts in preserving Indian culture and heritage and emphasized the importance of community centers in strengthening cultural identity among future generations. Organizers noted that the Siddhivi- nayak Temple has evolved into much more than a place of worship. It has become a cultural and spiritual home where traditions, music, values, and festivals are preserved and passed on to younger generations growing up in America. The evening concluded with aan ap- peal to the community to visit the temple, support its continued growth, and help build a lasting legacy for generations to come. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:ORGANIZERS India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Vishal Harsh speaking at the Siddhi Singers’ Annual Fundraiser Concert in Toms River, NJ.