Association of Indians in America-NY Chapter celebrates Diwali on East River

October 20, 2024

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he fireworks display was enjoyed by the cruise guests on the observation deck and spectators from the New Jersey shoreline, Oct. 6, 2024. PHOTO: AIA

The Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter celebrated its 37th Annual Deepavali Festival with festivities aboard a cruise on the East River on October 6.

More than 400 guests from the community, many dressed in Indian attire, went on the Skyline Princess Cruise from World Fair Marina in Flushing, NY. The weather cooperated, noted a press release from AIA.

President of AIA Dr. Jagdish Gupta, addressing the Diwali gathering. PHOTO: AIA

“Sailing down the East River, we all enjoyed breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline, passing under iconic bridges linking Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn and viewing the Statue of Liberty up close.” Dr. Jagdish Gupta, AIA-NY President, is quoted saying in a press release.

Dr. Jagdish Gupta thanking Beena Kothari, gala chair of AIA Diwali celebration Oct. 6, 2024. PHOTO: AIA

Anchoring on the northern side of Liberty State Park in the Atlantic Ocean, guests enjoyed AIA’s 37th fireworks display. The pyrotechnic show was accompanied by the sounds of Indian music on the observation deck.

This year’s celebration was organized by AIA-NY, one of the oldest organizations catering to Indian immigrants, founded in 1967. The motto of AIA is: “Indian Heritage, American Commitment.”

Garba and Dandiya dance were highlights of the Diwali celebrations hosted by AIA Oct. 6, on the East River. PHOTO: AIA

Dr. Gupta said AIA’s achievements, along with other community efforts, over almost six decades, included New York City’s recognition of Diwali as an official holiday in 2005, the suspension of alternate side street parking for the festival, the celebration of Diwali at Gracie Mansion and later at the White House in 2006, and the release of the Diwali ‘Forever Stamp’ by USPS in 2013. He also acknowledged the establishment of the Diwali holiday in NYC public schools last year, thanking Mayor Eric Adams and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar for supporting that initiative.

(from left) Sushma Kotahwala, Arun Bhatia, Smiti Khanna, Dr Urmilesh Arya, Dr Shashi Shah, Pooja Vira, honoree Dr Manish Vira, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Rohit Vyas, Gobind Munjal, Animesh Goenka, Dr Sunil Mehra, and Dr Tarun Wasil. PHOTO: AIA

After passenger disembarked, a cocktail hour offering Indian and American beverages alongside an array of Indian hors d’oeuvres, enabled people to network, as the saxophone tunes of Sobars Macwan, played melodious Bollywood music. Gala Chair Beena Kothari, welcomed the guests.

Dr Tarun Wasil, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, Dr. Sunil Mehra, and Dr. Krishan Kumar posing against the background of the fireworks display.

A special mention was made of Dr. Louis Kavoussi, a well-known urologic surgeon from Northwell Health, and the event’s honoree, Dr. Manish A. Vira, chief of Urologic Oncology at Northwell Cancer Institute. Dr. Vira was recognized for his excellence in urologic oncology surgery. He thanked AIA-NY for the honor and praised the organization for its contributions to the community.

The Sunny Gill Music Group performed Bollywood hits to serenade the guests at dinner. The Jain Senior Group presented Garba dances. All enjoyed an evening filled with singing and dancing.

Sponsors of the event included Fareportal/CheapOair/One Travel, New York Life, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Health System, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, and media.