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Indian Americans mark Modi’s 75th birthday, honor Parshottam Rupala in NJ
Speakers highlighted Rupala’s political career and connected the celebration to the legacy of PM Modi’s leadership.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 24, Sep 2025
- 01:22 EDT
- 30
Group photo of all the dignatries present. / Courtesy Photo
More than 300 Indian Americans gathered on Sept.22, 2025, in Edison, New Jersey, to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and honor Parshottam Rupala, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister. The reception was organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE with support from several community organizations.
Rupala, known in Gujarat as the “Lion of Saurashtra” for his decades of public service, addressed the gathering. “You embody the spirit of modern India,” he said. “Your achievements on American soil reflect the limitless potential of our motherland and strengthen the ties that bind our nations together.”
Speakers highlighted Rupala’s political career and connected the celebration to the legacy of Modi’s leadership. Ankur Vaidya, FIA Chairman, delivered remarks in Gujarati, praising Rupala’s contributions and noting the Modi government’s outreach to the diaspora. Kenny Desai, Past FIA President, recalled Rupala’s early inspiration during the “Jan Seva Yatra” and quoted poet Zaverchand Meghani to describe his philosophy of steady progress.
Rupala, known in Gujarat as the “Lion of Saurashtra” for his decades of public service, addressed the gathering. / Courtesy PhotoDr. H.R. Shah, Chairman of TV Asia, placed the event in historical context, pointing to Gujarat’s longstanding role in producing national leaders and linking it to Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister. Piyush Patel described Gujarat as India’s “number one state” under Modi’s leadership and praised Rupala as a “pure BJP man” with 34 years of service.
Other community leaders, including FIA President Saurin Parikh, FIA Convenor Sreekanth Akkapalli, and Dr. Avinash Gupta, emphasized the diaspora’s commitment to Indian heritage while building lives in the United States. Gupta, representing Shree Siddhivinayak Temple USA and other groups, spoke on the importance of preserving the Indian American narrative.
The event included a cultural performance of the Gujarati song “Mor Bani Thangat Kare” by Abhesinh Rathod. A special proclamation was also presented to Rupala in recognition of his work in strengthening India’s ties with its diaspora.
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