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Jersey City marks Hindu Heritage Month, honors community leader Chadha
Council President Joyce Watterman issued a proclamation recognizing Hindu Heritage Month.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sat, 25, Oct 2025
- 00:18 EDT
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Jersey City Council President Joyce E. Watterman lighting the lamps along with other community members. / Mohammed Jaffer
Jersey City Council President Joyce E. Watterman issued a city proclamation on Oct. 24 recognizing October as Hindu Heritage Month. Watterman also honored educator and community leader Anita Chadha for her contributions to cultural and civic life.
The proclamation was presented in Jersey City to highlight the role of the city’s Hindu community and to acknowledge Chadha’s longstanding work in education and cultural organizing. Watterman noted that the month serves to recognize “the rich history, traditions, and contributions of the Hindu community to Jersey City and beyond".
Chadha has worked for more than 30 years as a teacher and teacher leader, mentoring educators and promoting learning in local schools. She has also worked as a licensed real estate agent while remaining active in community initiatives.
She founded the Saraswati Cultural Association of New Jersey, based in Jersey City, which organizes cultural programs, festivals, and educational events designed to foster cross-community understanding. The organization has hosted cultural exchanges and charitable projects aimed at strengthening ties among South Asian residents and the broader community.
Watterman said the recognition reflects the value of civic participation and cultural visibility. “Recognizing leaders like Anita Chadha reminds us of the power of service and the importance of preserving culture while building bridges across communities,” she said. She added that Chadha’s record of “education, civic engagement, and cultural unity truly embodies the spirit of Jersey City.”
Chadha has also been involved in local public life beyond Jersey City, including a campaign for Councilwoman in South River, New Jersey, where she advocated for greater representation and community engagement.
The event emphasized both her public accomplishments and personal commitments. Her work, supporters noted, extends to mentorship of young people, support for families, and ongoing involvement in cultural programming.
Watterman currently serves as the first African American woman to hold the position of Jersey City Council President. She is a candidate in the 2025 mayoral election. If elected, she would be the first African American woman to serve as mayor in the city’s history.
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