ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Bruhud New York seniors mark Diwali with community celebration
More than 700 attendees gathered in Queens as Bruhud New York Seniors celebrated Diwali with cultural performances, community updates, and recognition of distinguished contributors.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Fri, 14, Nov 2025
- 10:40 EST
- 15
More than 700 attendees gathered in Queens as Bruhud New York Seniors celebrated Diwali / Courtesy: Bruhud New York Seniors
Bruhud New York Seniors, a socio-cultural nonprofit serving the New York City area since 2009, hosted its annual Diwali celebration on Nov. 8 at the Hindu Community Center in Queens.
The event drew over 700 attendees from across the tri-state region, offering an evening focused on cultural expression, community service, and diaspora engagement.
The celebration began with a dinner that brought members and guests together in a festive atmosphere. Chief guest Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan attended the event, along with Jaipur Foot USA chairman Prem Bhandari, who presided over the program, and Deputy Consul General Vishal J. Harsh.
Also Read: Mehsana Kadva Patidar Samaj celebrates Diwali with cultural fervor
In his address, Bruhud president Ajay S. Patel shared updates on the organization’s recent humanitarian work. He noted the success of the free artificial limb fitment camp held in Mahudi, Gujarat, in Jan. 2025, which provided prosthetic limbs to more than 500 individuals.
Additional devices—including hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, and calipers—were distributed with support from Jaipur Foot.
Consul General Pradhan highlighted the opening of new Indian community centers in Edison, Columbus, and Boston to better serve the diaspora. He also said the Consulate, in collaboration with Team Aid, now offers free assistance for the repatriation of remains for Indian passport holders.
Bhandari emphasized India’s celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and referenced India’s economic rise, noting its growth from the world’s tenth-largest economy in 2014 to the fourth-largest today.
Diya lighting being done by the female members of the community / Courtesy: Bruhud New York Seniors
Three individuals were recognized for their contributions to the community: Ashok Sancheti, president of Pioneer Gems LLC; NYPD Captain Pratima B. Maldonado, the first South Asian woman to hold that rank; and Atit J. Thakore of the Patel Brothers Group.
Entertainment for the evening included performances by Swar Sarita and Indian Idol singer Khuda Baksh, continuing well past 11 p.m. The event concluded with parting gifts for all attendees, closing the celebration on a note of appreciation and festive spirit.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login