Hindu Samaj Mandir holds fundraiser, honors philanthropists

April 1, 2024

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Anand Patel, enrepreneur, right, being honored at the March 30, 2024, Hindu Samaj Mandir fundraiser held in Teaneck Marriott, NJ. Also seen in picture is Dinesh Khosla, one of the founders of the Mandir, and Anu Sehgal, president. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

The Hindu Samaj Mandir in Mahwah, NJ, which is now 28 years old, held a fundraiser March 30, 2024, at Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, in Teaneck, NJ.

The event included a pledge drive, dance performance, and stalls selling jewelry and other goods. The flyer advertising the upcoming event said the Headline Act was the performance by Melodious Surmaii Singers

Amar Shah, right, a philanthropist, being recognized at the March 30, 2024, Hindu Samaj Mandir fundraiser held at the Teaneck Marriott, NJ. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

Two people who have been doing lifelong significant philanthropic work were recognized at the event, including Anand Patel, an entrepreneur whose dedication to the temple since its construction, was recognized; Amar Shah of Life Global who has been involved in philanthropic work for decades including during the earthquake in Gujarat, the Tsunami, and through the COVID pandemic.

Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, center, chairman of Parikh Worldwiide Media, praising the work of Awardee Amar Shah, left, as Sharad Shah, right, looks on, at the March 30, 2024, Hindu Samaj Mandir fundraiser held in Teaneck Marriott, NJ. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

Jewelry vendor Reena Mathur was also recognized on stage.

Anand Patel, in his acceptance speech, recalled how his grandfather, a freedom fighter, and his grandmother, a home-maker who taught him about Hindu religion and the stories relating to the Gita and Ramayana, etc., had influenced his dedication to the temple.

Jeweler Reena Mathur, right, being recognized at the March 30, 2024, Hindu Samaj Mandir fundraiser held in Teaneck Marriott, NJ. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

Dr. Arun Palkiwala, right, of Life Global, praising the philanthropic work of Amar Shah, center, of Life Global, as Dr. Sudhir Parikh, left, President of Life Global USA looks on, at the March 30, 2024, Hindu Samaj Mandir fundraiser held in Teaneck Marriott, NJ. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

Dr. Arun Palkiwala of Life Global USA, while awarding Amar Shah, said the word ‘No’ was not in his vocabulary. “It’s always ‘yes, yes, yes’,” Palkiwala said, adding, “During COVID, he (Amar Shah) helped almost 100,000 lives.”

Amar Shah said he was overwhelmed by the honor. Others also praised both honorees.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, as well as Palkiwala, said Amar Shah had been working alongside them in the work of Life Global, which had built 108 schools in India, and was now rebuilding a 125-year old school in Khedbrahma, originally established by Mahatma Gandhi.

Dance performance at the Hindu Samaj Mandir Mahwah fundraiser March 30, 2024, held in Teaneck, NJ. PHOTO: Ravi Kumar, ITV Gold

Jyotsna Shah, spouse of Amar Shah, told ITV Gold she was “very proud” of her husband’s work, and his original ideas for carrying out philanthropic initiatives.