Brahmin Samaj of USA celebrates Diwali. presents Lifetime Achievement Award

November 19, 2024

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Arvind Kantilal Bhatt (fourth from left) was honored by the Brahmin Samaj USA with a Lifetime Acheivement Award which was presented by BSOU Chairman Chandrakant Trivedi (second from left) and special guests Padma Shri recipient Dr.Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media (fifth from left); and senior members of the organization. All PHOTOS: ITV Gold

The Brahmin Samaj of USA, based in New Jersey, held a special Diwali celebration Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The evening’s program began with Chairman Chandrakant Trivedi invoking goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge. Wishing everyone well, he said Brahmin Samaj belongs to all of its members and urged them to continue to attend events and take the organization forward.

Brahmin Samaj USA celebrated Diwali on Sunday, November 17, 2024 beginning the evening’s program with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and invocation to Goddess Saraswati. Seen in the photo are, among others, Parikh Worldwide Media Chair Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh (third from right), TV Asia Chair H.R. Shah (sixth from right), and Tristate FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta (seventh from right).

The ceremonial lamp lighting was carried out in two stages. First with little girls lighting the lamp to the accompaniment of Slokas and then it was lighted by special guests including Parikh Worldwide Media Chair Padma Shri recipient Dr.Sudhir Parikh, Tristate area FIA President Dr. Avinash Gupta, TV Asia Chair H.R. Shah, and others.

Trivedi urged all member Hindus to stay together and united to enable them to face any future challenges with unity and solidarity.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was then presented to Arvind Kantilal Bhatt. Introducing him, Trivedi said Bhatt had made not only the Brahmin community but the community at large proud. Bhatt had immigrated to the US in 1989 from a 20-year job with the Bank of Baroda in India and became a successful entrepreneur. Bhatt’s philanthropy benefits not just the Brahmin Samaj but also other organizations. In this regard, Trivedi mentioned the noble act of organizing blood drive for the past 10 years which benefits the Health sector.

Zalak Rushi Mehta was honored with a special Certificate of Achievement at the Diwali celebration held by the Brahmin Samaj USA. Seen in the photo are, among others, H.R. Shah of ITV Asia, left, Mehta’s grandfather (right), Padma Shri recipient Dr.Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media (second from right), Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Arvind Bhatt (third from right in the background), Zalak Mehta (fourth from right), and BSOU Chairman Chandrakant Trivedi ,left, with other senior members of the organization.

A special Certificate of Achievement was also presented to 14-year old Zalak Rushi Mehta for her participation representing US at India’s prestigious Festival of Indian Dance held at the Kamani Auditorium in New Delhi on October 19, 2024. Organized by India’s national Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations and supported by Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of India, the Festival has dance scholars and maestros performing.

Mehta thanked Brahmin Samaj for recognizing her achievement and her parents, grandparents and family for supporting her in her endeavors.

The celebration of the evening included stage performances, felicitations and a dinner.

The Brahmin Samaj of USA, a non-profit organization, is based in Edison, New Jersey. Preserving and promoting Brahmin heritage is its mission. It regularly organizes many religious and social events through the year.