HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), on October 28, celebrated its 23rd Deep Mahotsav at Pearl Banquet & Convention Center in Long Island, marking a significant cultural and community event. The gala was attended by distinguished individuals from the tristate area, and the venue was filled to capacity.

At this grand celebration, RANA honored three prominent Rajasthani figures who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. One of the honorees was Kushal Sacheti, a prominent New York-based diamond merchant and philanthropist known for his commendable work. He received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, Rajasthan Ratna, a recognition that is awarded very selectively – this being only the second time in 24 years. The first recipient was Rajasthan’s UDH Minister, Shanti Dhariwal.

Praising Sacheti’s humility and generosity, RANA President Prem Bhandari shared a few glimpses from his life experience. “Kushal Sacheti has provided scholarships to 150 students in the US, who then went on to become engineers and MBA graduates. If anyone wanted to return the money, he would advise them to provide scholarships to others who are in need like he did,” Bhandari said, who also remarked that Sacheti would ask him to not reveal his contribution. Sacheti also received a standing ovation at the gala.

Another luminary, Dr. Rabindra K. Goyal, was celebrated for his exceptional contributions to both the medical field and the community.
The title of Entrepreneur of the Year was bestowed upon Sweta Jain, a distinguished figure in the diamond merchant industry.

The event showcased the rich culture of Rajasthan through performances by Rajasthani children and women who graced the stage with traditional Rajasthani songs.

Dignitaries who attended included Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, who was the chief guest and Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Dr, Varun Jeph.
Surender Adhana, an Indian Foreign Service Officer posted at Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York was a guest of honor.
The gathering was also graced by Air India’s US and Canada Head, Girish Salvin, senior Air India Captain Gautam Yadav, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, and many other notable personalities.
President of RANA was commended for the 24/7 commitment to community service, not only in the US but worldwide. Consul General Randhir Jaiswal praised RANA’s services and contribution in various sectors. The event was an opportunity to reflect on India’s remarkable achievement in space exploration, as RANA’s president spoke about Chandrayaan 3, making India the first country to land at the south pole of the moon.
This success was attributed to the able leadership of India’s Honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Special mention was made to Sunita Khokhar, whose significant role contributed to the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3.
Sripal Lodha, the owner of UMA plastic based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan received appreciation for supplying plastic to ISRO for a decade, including its use in Chandrayaan 3, free of cost.
The event emphasized the potential of Rajasthan as not only the largest state in India but larger than 133 countries worldwide. It has the potential to become a hub of solar energy akin to California in the USA. Furthermore, Rajasthan could emerge as a prime tourism destination with the right initiative from the state government.
RANA has played a pivotal role in fostering community connections, consistently receiving support from Consul Generals in New York. Under the leadership of Randheer Jaiswal, various activities, including yoga sessions at Times Square and the promotion of millets with Jaipur Foot USA, have been successfully organized. The “Consulate at Your Doorstep” program has been actively serving the community for the past 8-9 years.
In the past year, RANA has sent a substantial contribution of $856,000 USD to its parent organization, BMVSS, for the benefit of differently-abled individuals. Jaipur Foot’s founder, Padma Bhushan D. R. Mehta, was a special guest who not only highlighted the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi but also emphasized the global significance of his principles and ideology.
Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, spoke about the ongoing Jaipur Foot camps, including one in Baghdad, Iraq, sponsored by the MEA, Government of India. This initiative, known as “India for humanity,” was initiated to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to showcase his principles to the world.
On behalf of JFU, Prem Bhandari expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for making JFU’s parent organization, BMVSS, a partner in this initiative.
Bhandari praised Dr. Raj Bansal of Florida, who as RANA’s honoree last year, committed to establishing a reading hall for SMS Medical College, with work already in progress.
It was announced that there soon would be a free artificial limb fitment Jaipur Foot camp in the Northeast, a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing aid and support to those in need.

Famous singer regaled the audience with his mellifluous singing which compelled guests to take to dance floor
In addition to celebrating culture and community service, the audience enjoyed authentic Rajasthani cuisine, adding a culinary touch to the festivities.
(Based on a press release by RANA Diwali Secretary Ravi Jargad)