I.S. Saluja
JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY (TIP): Diwali is an Indian festival of lights that sends out the message of victory of good over evil, victory of light over dark. One of the most popular Indian festivals abroad, Diwali is celebrated in almost every nook and corner of the world. In New York, there are dozens of Diwali celebrations extending over a period of sometimes a month or more. Jackson Heights, Indian Merchants’ Association organized a Diwali festival on October 21. The busy marketplace, known as Little India, was packed with visitors who witnessed the colorful festivities and the great singing by local singers and a famous Punjabi singer Khuda Baksh. The chief guest at the festival was New York City Mayor Eric Adams who congratulated the gathered Indian American community on the occasion. He had a word of praise for the Indian American community and in particular, Jackson Heights Indian Merchants’ Association and its president Mr. Shiv Das. Also, the Mayor spoke about the school holiday on Diwali in New York schools. He gave credit for the school holiday to Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. Mr. Shiv Dass in his welcome note earlier praised Eric Adams as one of the greatest mayors of New York City and thanked him for having kept his word he gave during the election campaign that once he was elected, he would come to Jackson Heights and participate in a social event.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar thanked the Mayor for his support in her efforts to have Diwali as a school holiday. She congratulated the Jackson Heights Indian Merchants’ Association for organizing the Diwali festival in the busy marketplace, and assured of her cooperation always to the “great Indian American community”.
Always with the Indian American community and for the Indian American community, the one and only Dilip Chauhan who is Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs in the Office of the New York City Mayor was there to receive the mayor and participate in the festivities. He also spoke on the occasion.
Other officials and elected representatives who were present at the celebrations included New York State Senator John Liu, a great friend of the Indian American community, Queens Borough President Richard Donovan, Democratic District President Hiram Monserrate, Democratic District Leader Moin Chaudhary, Community Board 3 Chair Frank Taylor, and Bobby K Kalottee, Chair, Human Rights Commission, Nassau County.
Some citations were presented on the occasion. Mayor’s citations were presented to Attorney Mahipal Singh, Deepak Verma of Amba Jewelers, and Shaukat Ali of Kabab King.
Queens Borough President’s citation was presented to Davinder Kumar of Kunal Jewelers.
New York Assemblyman David Weprin presented a citation to Mohinder Verma, Secretary, Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association. Jackson Heights Indian American Merchants’ Association Treasurer Virender Kanwar was also awarded a citation.
Sherry Dutta, a much sought after MC, managed the entire program superbly.
The local orchestra and the artists, and the famous singer Khuda Baksh, regaled the audience with their performances.