More than 700 seniors gather at annual gala and Diwali celebrations in New Jersey

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Hundreds of Indian American seniors filled the massive Royal Albert’s Palace ballroom in Fords, NJ, to celebrate at the ‘Annual Gala and Diwali’ event hosted by the Federation of Indian Seniors’ Associations of North America, FISANA, November 24.

They enjoyed memorable Bollywood songs, tapping their fingers and feet to the beat. The performers, Music Lovers, came from India and were sponsored by Kunal Joshi, a member and supporter of FISANA, according to Bharat Rana, president of the organization. Rana told Desi Talk more than 750 people came for the event. He also said Parikh Worldwide Media Chairman and recipient of the Padma Shri award, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, had been recognized at the event for his community service and being a media partner. Dr. Parikh could not be present but had sent his good wishes, Rana said.

Women dressed in Indian finery- salwar kameez, saris, posed for photos as did the men, as the hall buzzed with the sounds of merriment as attendees caught up with each other.

At the lamp-lighting ceremony, many of the seniors walked on stage, placing their lighted diyas before the image of Lord Ganesh, with folded hands.

Assemblywoman Linda Carter was the chief guest. She presented a proclamation felicitating Rana for his work in leading the organization. Carter in her speech, said she was very impressed with what she had learned about FISANA and praised the organization for its work. “Representation matters, your communities matter,” she emphasized adding, “I’m glad to see the diversity in New Jersey.” She spoke of bringing resources to seniors and indicated that the values and religious beliefs of these seniors would be reflected in policymaking.

Rana in his speech, called it an honor and a privilege to head FISANA, and recounted how the organization had grown in leaps and bounds over the last two years. Among the accomplishments, Rana recounted was the meetings with top Indian Ministers on issues of concern, and with the Consul General in New York, to keep in close touch for attending events, and strengthening US-India relations.

Recognition plaques were presented to outgoing Chairman Dipak Shah and incoming Chairman Piyush Patel.

Shah, in his speech, noted that FISANA “works for the community, handling any kind of issues that come up with love and selfless care. With your support, it is making progress, and our efforts in eldercare have been recognized even in India.”

His wish for FISANA, a 27 year-old organization, was that it keeps taking care of the elders and serving them. He praised the work done by Piyush Patel in guiding the organization which had made considerable progress over the years. “We would be happy to serve you if you have any kind of problem, any kind of issues, which need to be solved,” Shah added wishing everyone good health, good cheer and progress in life.