Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind released the  book  “Jewels of India” featuring 75 “Jewels”

Parveen Chopra

NEW YORK CITY (TIP):  It was a superb celebration of India and the Indian diaspora. In a glittering, power-packed event organized  by Maneesh Media here on January 28, 2023, none other than the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, congratulated 75 leading Indian Americans as the Jewels of India and released the lavishly mounted coffee table book profiling them.

Lauding the achievements and contributions to society of the Indian diaspora and of Indian Americans in particular, were Hon. Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York, MR Rangaswami, founder of Indiaspora, Dr Bharat Barai, oncologist and co-author of Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery, and Dr Kiran C Patel, a top philanthropist.

Seated on the dais alongside those illustrious people were Chandmal Kumawat, Founder and Chairman of Maneesh Media; distinguished guests Dr Santosh Kulshrestha Kumar, Founder President, International University of Vedic Wellness; Haridas Kotahwala, Chairman of Navika Group of Companies; and Darshan Singh Bagga, real estate tycoon. At the standing room only event the massive coffee table book, Jewels of India in America, was released simultaneously in the ballroom as well as by Honorable Ram Nath Kovind in India, who spoke live via video link from Kochi. The book contains profusely illustrated profiles of 75 leading Indian American personalities, out of which about 25 were present in person to receive the honors from Consul General Jaiswal and other distinguished guests.

Notable honorees included Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika group; Vijaydev Ratanjee Mistry,  first trustee of the charitable foundation of his family that made a fortune in the hat business; Dr Vivek Lall, CEO, General Atomics Global Corporation, CA; Raj Gopal Asava, Founder, Hunger Mitao, TX; Kailash N Jhalani, President, Prompt Gem Importers; Dr Manbir Singh, Medical Director, McFarland Singh Medical Clinic, CA; Mohamad Faroqui, Founder, Print Early & New York Banner Stands; Dr Samin K Sharma, Director, Cardiovascular Clinical Institute Mount Sinai Hospital, NYC; Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama; and Sparsh Shah, a child prodigy, rapper and motivational speaker.

Patrons, Sponsors and Supporters included Foundation for Global Understanding, International University of Vedic Wellness, Indiaspora, Bulk Petroleum, Vijaydev Ratanjee Mistry Family Trust, Vardhamana Charitable Foundation and Print Early.

With the Jewels of India in America Part 2 (part 1 was released 10 years ago) Maneesh Media also celebrated its 50th publication over a proud journey of 23 years. All of their publications have been often released and endorsed by top dignitaries such as US Presidents, Indian President, Vice President, Prime Ministers and have reached the Indian community across the world. With offices in New York, Toronto and Jaipur, Founder Chandmal Kumawat is ably supported by his 3 sons, Maneesh Media directors Manish, Abhishek and Siddharth. Manish and Siddharth were at hand managing the event on January 28 which also celebrated India’s Republic Day. Siddharth gave a vote of thanks.

Entertaining the 250+ guests in the overflowing ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental premier 5-star hotel in the heart of Manhattan were plumed showgirls, Arya Dance Academy’s Bollywood performances, and Sparsh Shah belting out a patriotic song and a rap-raga fusion number.

(Parveen Chopra is founder of alotusinthemud.com, wellness and spirituality web magazine. He can be reached at editor@alotusinthemud.com)