Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, representing Mayor Eric Adams, bestowed the official proclamation upon representatives of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council. While Deputy Commissioner Chauhan and Mr. Sundar Venugopalan of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, New York, spoke at the event, Mr. R.J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, conveyed his profound appreciation to New York City for honoring the Centennial Year of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba through this gracious proclamation.  

Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan conveyed Mayor Adams’ warm welcome and highlighted New York City’s diverse population and its embrace of various faiths. Setting the stage for the historic nature of the event in this iconic city, Deputy Commissioner Chauhan stated, “New York City is home to 8.5 million people; it is not just a cultural capital – we are the 9th largest economy in the world, and last year alone, we welcomed over 63 million tourists. Our city’s greatest strength lies in its diversity.” He lauded the Sri Sathya Sai volunteers for their unwavering commitment to selfless service, providing aid, education, and support during crises. 

“Wherever there is a need for selfless service, you will find Sri Sathya Sai volunteers,” Deputy Commissioner Chauhan stated, acknowledging the leadership of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Global Council, as well as the dedication of individual devotees. He emphasized the historical significance of honoring Sri Sathya Sai Baba at City Hall, noting the profound humanitarian impact of his mission, which has touched countless lives in New York and globally.

Deputy Commissioner Chauhan concluded by urging everyone to reflect on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s timeless message of “Love All, Serve All. Help Ever, Hurt Never,” hoping it would inspire a more compassionate and inclusive New York City. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and Sri Sathya Sai Global Council, including Mr. R.J. Rathnakar, Mr. Nimish Pandya, Mr. Sundar Swaminathan, Mr. Kalyan Ray, Dr. Axay Kalathia, Dr. Balu Karanam, Dr. Geetha J. Kamath, Mrs. Geetha Mohan Ram, Prof. Koteswara Rao, and Mr. Sundar Venugopalan, along with every devoted volunteer. Chauhan also appreciated to word of recognition to all the Women leaders and volunteers who are leading mammoth service projects in the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization through the Women’s wing and Sri Sathya Sai Mahila Vibhag.

Mr. Sundar Venugopalan delivered remarks, bringing “heartfelt greetings from the spiritual capital of the world, Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi, to the financial capital of the world, New York City.” He underscored Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s embodiment of selfless love that transcends all boundaries and affirmed the commitment of Sri Sathya Sai Centers, including those in New York, to expanding community service during this centennial year. 

In his statement, Mr. R.J. Rathnakar expressed gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan, and Pastor Gilford Monrose “For this extraordinary gesture of recognizing the timeless message of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba through this Centennial Proclamation on the grand occasion of Swami’s Centenary Year Birthday Celebrations.” He acknowledged the honor bestowed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on behalf of millions of practitioners worldwide, stating, “His life was His message.” He added, “This recognition by New York City – one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities – resonates deeply with Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of global harmony and spiritual fellowship,” expressing hope that this gesture would inspire millions toward a life of selfless service, unity, and righteousness. 

The ceremony also included the screening of a short video produced by the Sri Sathya Sai Media Centre, showcasing the extensive humanitarian endeavors of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his followers worldwide. This event at New York City Hall stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of a spiritual leader whose message of love uplifts humanity across the globe. Mr. R.J. Rathnakar and Mr. Nimish Pandya extended an invitation to the Mayor’s office to visit Prashanti Nilayam. 

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NEW YORK: On October 31st, 2024, people of Indian descent worldwide celebrated Diwali, the auspicious festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. Diwali is becoming a mainstream event all over America and across the world. Diwali was celebrated at the White House, at Capitol Hill, with Governors, Mayors, and County officials. Several state governors declared the day a state holiday. New York City observed Diwali as a public school holiday. Indian Diaspora groups have been celebrating the event from October to November.

GOPIO chapters have been promoting the Diwali celebration at city, county, and state levels as well as through public institutions such as public libraries. Extending the festivities to November, the Connecticut Chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO-CT) and Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday, Nov. 17th, 2024, at Stamford’s Ferguson Library.

The program started with a welcome by GOPIO-CT Executive Vice President Mahesh Jhangiani who reiterated GOPIO’s mission of fostering cultural exchange and ideas within the community. This was followed by the Library’s ELL, Citizenship & Cultural Programs Manager Yelena Klompus, and Ms. Ana Gallegos, Secretary of Stamford Mayor’s Multicultural Council. This is the fourth year that the Library and GOPIO-CT have partnered to organize Diwali at the library.

The event celebrated the warmth and unity of the community. Attendees gathered to experience lively and colorful performances, from dances to Hinduism myth-busters. It showcased fifteen captivating performances with a wide variety of local dance schools and Hindu organizations. As if it couldn’t get any better, a Mehendi booth was set up, inviting guests to embrace the beauty and artistry of traditional Indian designs.

About 75 children performed Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood dances. The event brought a festive atmosphere with a lot of Diwali decorations in the library. Many from the American community participated in the celebration.

Groups of dancers at the GOPIO-CT and Ferguson Library Diwali event

Groups of dancers at the GOPIO-CT and Ferguson Library Diwali event

Children who performed at the Diwali Event with event coordinators

After the performances, everyone gathered to enjoy a variety of delicious Indian dishes including crispy samosas, keeping the buzz of excitement alive as they shared food and laughter. The afternoon was interspersed with music, dance, and learning. Participants mingled with each other building cherished memories and a sense of belonging that lit up the faces and hearts of everyone present. All speakers in the beginning highlighted the importance of raising awareness of Indian culture through events like these – Ana Gallegos, Carmen Hughes, Shobhna Bhatnagar, Meera Banta, and Sonal Patel represented the Stamford Mayor’s multicultural council team.

The program was coordinated by GOPIO-CT Board Member Sonali Gannu along with Yashaswi Jhangiani and the MC was Mirat Joshi who introduced all the groups and kept the guests engaged with spirits high. He also introduced GOPIO as a non-profit non-partisan organization and acknowledged its other officials present, GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO-CT Immediate Past President Ashok Nichani and Board Members Meera Banta, Totty Narang, and Anita Mathur.

GOPIO Executive VP Mahesh Jhangiani concluded the program by thanking everyone and announcing the upcoming programs of the chapter which include a seminar on December 13th – an informational session on tax and financial planning due to government changes and on December 24th – A session for high school students (juniors and seniors) to meet up with young adults who have just graduated from college and young professional to learn how to prepare for their next step(s) ahead.

Mehendi artist at work and the audience at Ferguson Library Diwali show

Over the last 19 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policymakers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic, and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs, and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events, and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.

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Young Bollywood Dancers at the Celebration

Young Maharashtrian dancers

GOPIO-CT put together a fabulous program of dances from India performed by five dance groups and coordinated by Program Chair Mrs. Yaashi Jhangiani. Most non-profit civic, cultural, and educational groups from Southern Connecticut were at the festival. Indian American community had the largest participation with 40 dancers.

Gujarati Dancers at the Stamford Day Celebration

GOPIO-CT’s Exec VP Mahesh Jhangiani spoke about the chapter at the event. Jhangiani spoke about the chapter which has been serving the Southern Connecticut community for the last 18 years. This includes raising funds for various charities, sponsoring soup kitchens at the New Covenant Center of Stamford, and raising funds by participating in the annual walkathon for Bennet Cancer Center which provides help to Cancer patients and their families.  Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons spoke at the event and thanked all community groups for their participation.

All dancers, parents with GOPIO officials

Mill River Park is located in Downtown Stamford and is like Central Park for Stamford. A large crowd attended the celebration which had ethnic dances from different communities.

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