Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 14 COVER STORY May 22, 2026 T The Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of NewYork, Inc. (IASCC of NY) celebrated its 30th anniver- sary with a grand two-day Pearl Anniversary gala attended by more than 400 members, guests and commu- nity leaders in Queens, NewYork. The celebration, described by organiz- ers as a tribute to “service, friendship and community,” featured cultural perfor- mances, lectures, music, dance, comedy, recognitions and community fellowship, reflecting the organization’s three de- cades of service to the Indian American senior community. The anniversary events were held May 16 and 17, 2026. The first day took place at Gujarati Samaj Hall in Fresh Meadows, where members gathered in festive attire and celebrated with enthusiasm and pride. The program began with remarks by Pankaj Parikh, a leading organizer of the institution, who spoke briefly about the significance of the Pearl Anniversary and introduced Nitisha Pancholi and Tejal Raval, who served as emcees for the event. Organizers said the participation of the two young women brought fresh- ness, dignity and youthful grace to the proceedings. Following the ceremonial lamp lighting by invited guests, the national anthems of both the United States and India were presented. Swami Dharm Prakash Ji offered blessings for the occa- sion. A Ganesh Vandana dance presentation by Avantika Shah and Jessica Shah set a devotional tone for the celebration, fol- lowed by a spiritual dance performance by Kavya Ramani on a Hindi devotional song. IASCC President Jagdish Patel wel- comed attendees and reflected on the organization’s 30-year journey, describ- ing it as memorable and deeply fulfilling. He highlighted the institution’s contin- ued commitment to senior welfare and community engagement through a wide range of regular activities and initiatives. Mukund Mehta, adviser to the organi- zation, said the number 30 represented not just a milestone, but the result of a determined and meaningful journey. Pankaj Parikh also remembered and hon- ored the pioneers who helped establish the institution decades ago. The cultural portion of the event featured dance performances, music and comedy presentations. Parindra Shah performed a traditional Khushipudi dance presentation that received enthu- siastic applause from the audience. Renowned humorist Dinkar Mehta from Ahmedabad entertained attend- ees with comedy performances, while psychotherapist and author R.D. Patel shared observations about the mindset and emotional experiences of Gujaratis living abroad, particularly in the United States. The afternoon session included the “Sunhare Pal” musical program featuring Gujarati and Hindi songs. Later, Dinkar Mehta returned with another comedy segment. A major highlight of the anniversary gala was the award and recognition cere- mony honoring community contributors and distinguished individuals who have served the Gujarati and Indian American communities in NewYork. More than 15 prominent personalities were honored during the event, includ- ing Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ITV Gold and ParikhWorldwide Media and recipient of the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Dr. Parikh is a noted physician, media leader and phi- lanthropist who has played a significant role in strengthening Indian American media, healthcare and community initia- tives across the United States. Through ITV Gold, News India Times and Parikh Worldwide Media, he has supported community journalism, cultural pro- gramming and humanitarian causes for several decades. Other honorees included Harshad Patel (Pakaji), Dayabhai Patel, Anil Shah, Labhubhai Upadhyay, Parag Patel, Di- vyesh Tripathi, Suhag Mehta, Rekha To- lat, Ajay Patel, Dr. Vasudev Patel, Chan- drakant Shah, H.R. Shah, Dr. Vasundhara Kalaspudi, Dharma Swamiji, television producer Asit Modi and Patel Brothers. Dr. Sudhir Parikh was honored by Jagdish Patel, president of the Indo- American Senior Citizen Center of New York, during the ceremony. One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Pankaj Parikh, described by members as the “heart and soul” of the institution, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of dedicated service to the organization. The recognition came as a surprise to him, and he became emo- tional while watching video messages from his son and daughter played during the ceremony. Responding to the honor, Parikh said he may formally retire from his role, but would always remain available for the organization and its members. The event also included the unveiling of a commemorative souvenir publica- tion prepared for the Pearl Anniversary celebrations. Organizers said the more than 200-page “Pearl Edition” reflected the love, dedication, memories and trust shared within the organization over the past three decades. Author, journalist and social worker Ramesh Tanna from Ahmedabad deliv- ered a lecture on “Love, Happiness and Positivity,” while the Mactus Deewane Group presented an energetic Bolly- wood-themed musical program. The evening concluded with tradition- al Kathiawadi cuisine and a folk music program, “Lok Suro Ni Heli,” featuring renowned singer Vatsala Patel, whose performance drew enthusiastic audience participation. The program was conduct- ed by Bhushan Mehta. The second day of the anniversary celebrations, featured “Bollywood Musi- cal Journey,” a large-scale musical and dance production by a visiting troupe from Pune, India. Indo-American Senior Citizen Center Of New York Celebrates 30 Years Of Service And Community Spirit By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:KRIPA PRASAD/ ITV GOLD Leaders, organizers, dignitaries and honored guests gather on stage during the Pearl Anniversary celebration of the Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, commemorating 30 years of service, friendship and community engagement in Queens, New York. Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ITV Gold and Parikh Worldwide Media and a recipient of the Padma Shri, is honored with the Community Influencer Award by Jagdish Patel, president of the Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York, during the organization’s Pearl Anniversary Gala in Queens, New York. Performers present an energetic Bollywood fusion dance performance during the Indo-American Senior Citizen Center of New York’s Pearl Anniversary celebration, entertaining a packed audience at the two-day gala in Queens, New York. Drs. Dipika and Dilip Doctor, one of the grand sponsors of the Indo-American Senior Citizens Center of New York’s Pearl Anniversary celebration.