Community leaders, elected officials attend Indo American Cultural Society Diwali

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Large groups of people entered the Hall of the Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey on the evening of Saturday, November 16, 2024, in company of friends, going over to the different appetizer buffets which were stationed all over the hall, bringing  some back and settling down to enjoy the music from the stage.

Celebrating Diwali three weeks later at the special event organized by the Indo American Cultural Society (IACS) and its President Pradip Peter Kothari, large number of members and guests enjoyed food and entertainment.

The mood was light and romantic with old film songs of Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi, rendered beautifully by the music group Sur Sarita from Mumbai.

Officials present at the event were State Senator Oven Henry; Former Mayor of Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ, Upendra Chivukula; Priti Patel Pandya representing Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial election; John from the NJ Republican Party; Marlboro Township Council member Juned Qazi;  Woodbridge Township Council member Virbhadra Patel; and Edison Township Council member Ajay Patil.

Also present at the event were Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh; TV Asia’s H. R. Shah; and members of media including Masala Junction who were broadcasting the event live, and ITV Gold. ITV Gold interviewed some of the dignitaries present for their newscast of the event.

A special sponsor and supporter of the Diwali celebration was the Federation of Indian Association (FIA). Tristate FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta, and Vice President elect Priti Patel awarded a memento to Peter Kothari in honor of his long services to the community.

Accepting the memento, Peter Kothari commended the work carried out by FIA in several areas. IACS has been acting on all issues of the Indian American community, including crime prevention and violence, Kothari said.

Each of the special guests praised Kothari for handling affairs of the Indian community for many years. Most said they had known Kothari for over 30 years and were aware of his relentless efforts. Council Members praised Kothari, calling him the glue that held the community together.

Senator Oven Henry said, “I look forward to a long relationship with you, and assured the community of his support.

Chivukula praised Kothari for being consistent, resilient and bipartisan, adding there was need for leaders like him in the community.

John said Kothari was a person who wanted to understand everything. “He used to have a dream. And he brought people together,” John said.

In his interview with ITV Gold, Kothari said IACS appreciated ITV Gold for its support and for taking messages to its viewers.

Gupta wished all the viewers of ITV Gold a happy Diwali from the entire committee of FIA.

Senator Henry told ITV Gold he appreciated the opportunity to meet the community.

John from the NJ Republican Party told ITV Gold he was proud of the community. “We see hope, we see future,” he said, adding now everyone knew about Diwali.

The event was presented by sponsors Allied Care, Indira Daga and Steve Taylor, Patel Brothers, and Nayana and Deepak Shah of Saldo Pharmacy.

Long time grand Sponsors acknowledged and thanked were Amantel, Param Institute of Education, Aristacare, Albert Jassani and Dr. Dinesh Patel, Neena and Harkesh Thakur, Girish and Damini Soni, Darshana and Kunal Joshi, Quick Travel & Insurance, Liquor Locker and Virani Jewelers.

The event continued with entertainment and dinner and ended with a raffle draw with great prizes.