ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Rajasthan Diwas in NY backs major Indo-U.S. funding
The event also featured the Rajasthan Ratna Awards, recognizing contributions to philanthropy and community service.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Wed, 01, Apr 2026
- 02:39 EDT
- 22
Consul General Binay K. Pradhan / RANA
The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) marked the 77th Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan at the Indian Consulate in New York, bringing together members of the Rajasthani diaspora, community leaders and officials.
At the event, RANA President Prem Bhandari announced an initial contribution of more than $5 million from the Mehta Family Trust toward the proposed Indo-US Friendship Center. The contribution was made on behalf of RANA founder K.K. Chandra Mehta.
The project, conceptualized by Consul General Binay K. Pradhan, is planned to include a Rajasthan Bhawan, a yoga and Ayurveda center, a convention center and a senior social center. Discussions for the initiative began during a previous RANA Deep Mahotsav.
ALSO READ: Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025
Organizers also cited Mehta’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he provided 100 rooms at his Times Square hotel for students and hosted Air India crew members during the Vande Bharat Mission–2.
The event featured the Rajasthan Ratna Awards, recognizing contributions to philanthropy and community service. Honorees included Dr. Samin Sharma, Dr. Narinder Kukar, Dr. Raj Bansal, Ashok Sancheti and Jugal Kishore Ladda, all of whom were also named RANA patrons. Nand Todi received the award for humanitarian work, including a $1 million donation for a shelter home in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and support for Jaipur Foot and Apna Ghar Ashram.
Team Aid founder Mohan Nannapaneni and his organization were recognized for facilitating more than 5,000 repatriations of mortal remains to 27 countries since 2017. Awards were presented by Pradhan.
ALSO READ: Philadelphia’s Bharatiya Temple hosts Gangaur Festival
In remarks, Bhandari said the New York Consulate’s year-round operations model should be adopted more widely. He noted that the consulate serves more than 2 million Indians. During a separate event in Boston, Consul General S. Raghuram announced a similar 365-day model for that mission, according to RANA officials.
Bhandari also called for the inclusion of Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and urged Rajasthan’s chief minister to grant it status as a second language in the state.
Pradhan outlined his vision for the Indo-U.S. Friendship Center, while Mehta reaffirmed his commitment to the project and asked Bhandari to lead its implementation.
The program included cultural performances, a flower Holi celebration, dance presentations and a poetry recital by Abhinav Shukla. RANA Treasurer Neelam Modi welcomed attendees, and Secretary Ravi Jangarh delivered the closing remarks.
Organizers also announced a Jaipur Foot camp in Gujarat, sponsored by BRUHUD NY Seniors under President Ajay Patel, in memory of his father, Shashikant Bhai.
Discover more stories on New India Abroad
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