NEW YORK (TIP): Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is a well-known staple as an institution of Indian Culture, dedicated to promoting and preserving the art s, culture and heritage of India. Bhavan was founded 81 years ago by Dr. KM Munshi Ji, with the support of Mahatma Gandhi Ji and Shri Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. It has established 119 centers in India and 7 centers abroad, alongside 367 constituent institutions. Its honorary members list includes HH The Dalai Lama, HRH The Prince of Wales Prince Charles, JRD Tata, Mother Teresa, past presidents of India, renowned business leaders, and other prominent dignitaries. The US chapter, founded in 1981 with Padma Shri Dr.P. Jayraman as its first Executive Director, is based in Manhattan, New York, and has been instrumental in pioneering & showcasing the best of India’s culture and arts in the US. The New York center offers various classes in Indian dances & languages and hosts seminars & entertainment events at prestigious venues. Mr. Deepak Dave, a dedicated Bhavanite, was the Executive Director from the year 2008 through 2020. The US and India-based Board of Directors unanimously appointed Mr.Sudhir Vaishnav as its new Executive Director to oversee and manage the Bhavan’s activities in the USA.

“I am really humbled and honored to serve such a prestigious institution as its Executive Director and will try to live up to the Board’s expectations in trusting me to promote Indian culture. My whole family has been associated with BVB since its inception in 1981;’ said Mr. Vaishnav. The Bhavan ‘s current US Board of Directors consists of the “who’s who ” of the South Asian community.

“We are delighted that Mr. Vaishnav has accepted the challenge to take the Bhavan to even greater heights;’ stated Dr. Navin Mehta, the Chairman of BVB, USA.

“His community involvement for the past 40+ years with various organizations will help the Bhavan in reaching its lofty ideals;’ said Chairman Emeritus Padma Shri Dr. H R Shah.

Vice Chairman Mr. Kenny Desai said, “Sudhir Bhai’s expertise in bringing the best of South Asian entertainment and event planning will enhance the Bhavan’s fund raising activities:’ The other eminent community leaders who are part of the US Board are Dr. Bhupendra (Bhupi) Patel, Mr. Harish Mistry, Dr. Parveen Chop ra, Mr. Yakub Matthew, Mr. Ravi Iyer, Ms. Riddhi Gandhi, & Ms. Megha Bhouraskar. Ms. Swati Vaishnav has resigned from the Board of Directors, but she will continue to serve the Bhavan as the Director of Cultural Affairs. Mr. Minesh Patel was appointed as the Operations Manager for Office Administration. The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA is planning several events starting next year, including celebrating its 40th anniversary. Any cultural organization is supported by membership and we are reaching out to the community and the Bhavan’s Alumni for membership and a fundraising drive. The Bhavan is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization  incorporated under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

(Press Release)