Rajasthan Association of North America celebrates 24th Deepmahotsav in New York, recognizes high achievers

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) recently celebrated its 24th Deepmahotsav in Long Island, attended by  distinguished guests and members of the community making it a full house.

Some of the special guests at the event included India’s Consul  General of New York, Randhir Jaiswal, the Chief Guest; Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, and Special Guest Surender Adhana from the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York; Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media; Air India’s US and Canada Head, Girish Salvin; and senior Air India Captain Gautam Yadav.

Three individuals of Rajasthani descent who have made extraordinary contributions in their respective fields, were recognized –Kushal Sacheti, a prominent New York-based diamond merchant and philanthropist received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Rajasthan Ratna, given only the second time in 24 years. The first recipient was Rajasthan’s UDH Minister, Shanti Dhariwal. President of RANA Prem Bhandari praised Sacheti for his philanthropy, drawing a standing ovation from attendees.

Dr. Rabindra K. Goyal was recognized for his exceptional contributions to both the medical field and the community.

Sweta Jain, also from the diamond merchant industry,  got the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The event showcased the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan. Rajasthani children and women performed traditional songs and dances. Authentic Rajasthani cuisine was served, adding to the enjoyment.

Bhandari was lauded for his commitment to community service, both in the United States and globally.

Consul General Jaiswal commended RANA’s diverse activities, including Deepawali celebrations, Chandrayaan, and initiatives promoting women’s empowerment.

RANA has collaborated with the Consulate to hold various events including yoga sessions at Times Square and the promotion of millet, and Jaipur Foot USA, a press release from organizers noted. In the past year, RANA has sent approximately $856,000 to its parent organization, BMVSS, for the benefit of differently-abled individuals.

Jaipur Foot’s founder, Padma Bhushan recipient D. R. Mehta, spoke about Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th anniversary, and his global significance.

Bhandari, who is also Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, spoke about the ongoing Jaipur Foot camps, including one in Baghdad, Iraq, and the 26th free Artificial Limb Fitment Camp underway, with 16 more to follow. Bhandari praised Dr. Raj Bansal of Florida, last year’s RANA honoree, for his commitment to establishing a reading hall for SMS Medical College, with the project already in progress, as well as several other initiatives related to Jaipur foot.

The event also highlighted India’s achievements in space exploration and Chandrayaan 3, with a special recognition accorded to Sunita Khokhar of Deedwana, a village in Rajasthan, who contributed significantly to the moon mission.  Additionally, Sripal Lodha, the owner of UMA Plastic based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, was acknowledged for supplying plastic to ISRO for a decade, including its use in Chandrayaan 3, all free of cost.

Rajasthan’s potential as the largest state in India and as a region larger than 133 countries worldwide, was emphasized by organizers, with the promise of the state becoming a hub of solar energy, akin to California.