NEW YORK (TIP): Shikshayatan Cultural Center, a well-known educational and cultural organization celebrated its 34th Anniversary and Diwali on October 29, with great audience, artists, students, and dedicated volunteers under the leadership of Smt. Purnima A. Desai Founder/President/Director. The performances by local New York and N.J. top artists were truly memorable and soul-stirring. The program started with Garba dance by a few enthusiastic community leaders and participants. Garba was accompanied by live singing and music by vocalists Ghanshyam Josh, Virendra Banker, Kirti Shukla and Neela Gordia. Shikshayatan’s students recited opening prayers – Sanskrit shlokas and Hindi dohas with confidence. Pihu & Parth Gathuria and Sonali Saxena Shikshayatan students also sang two devotional songs. Child artists Angel Shah and Avantika Shah’s dance performances were especially attractive and worthy of praise. Pandit Prakaash Latchminarine performed Classical and Light Music in his melodious voice. Internationally renowned vocalist Biplab Mukherjee gave a splendid performance accompanied by renowned harmonium player Anirban Chakraborty and accomplished table player Rabi Shankar Bhattacharya. Popular vocalist and Guitarist Suresh Ketwaroe sang famous film songs. Chorus singing by Flora Parekh and Tejal Desai “Hum honge kaamyaab” lifter the spirit of the audience. Tejal Desai sang a solo song “ghoonghat ki aad se” accompanied by Suresh ji on guitar and Rabi ji on table. Founder/President Mrs. Purnima Desai sang two devotional songs written by her. The second half of the show kicked off by Anuron Chakraborty, a young male Kathak dancer’s energetic performance. Rhythm spec Artists- a group of eighteen professional artists stole the show with their melodious voices and professional andaaz. A bouquet of roses was presented to the organizer and President Mrs. Purnima Desai by Mr. Rohit Pandya. Purnima ji thanked all the supporters specially the community leaders Surindra Kathuria of Hindu Center, Gopi Udeshi, Devendra Vora, Pankaj Devashreye, Anuradha Khanna, Malini Shah and many important guests for their time. Appreciation and Recognition awards as shawls and trophies were presented to all those deserving participants by Consul (HOC) Smt. Suman Singh from Consulate General’s office. All participants and the audience cherished the hot dinner (Prasad).

(Report by Purnima A. Desai. She can be reached at 646-472-9255