NEW YORK, NY (TIP): In a packed event, NYC Comptroller Liu, with NYS Assemblyman David Weprin, celebrated Diwali and honored Ranju Batra for her dedication and distinguished service to the community and New York City. Assemblyman David Weprin in his remarks acknowledged the community and identified Ranju & Ravi Batra as examples of the level of contribution that can be made.

In her acceptance speech, Ranju said, “It is great to see our family friend Assemblyman David Weprin, Mrs. Sujata Thakur, Regional Director of India Tourism, Mr. Shiv Dass, Dr. Uma Mysorekar of Hindu Temple Society, Mr. Kathuria of Hindu Center, Mrs. Uma SenGupta, Past and future Presidents of the Association of Indians in America-NY Dr. Urmilesh Arya and Suneel Modi, friends, and fellow Committee members at today’s festivities. Thank you dear Comptroller John Liu. When you were chairman of the Transportation Committee of the City Council, your leadership made every New Yorker love Diwali because you voted to make it a parking holiday. Your support for so many communities has helped NY City feel like a neighborhood that belongs to all of us.

I have had the joy of being a member of your Diwali Committee when you were in the City Council and now, while you are Comptroller of the City of New York. I want to thank you for your constant support for the Indian American Community. As you know, we just celebrated AIA‘s Silver Diwali in October at the South St. Seaport, the largest such celebration in North America and as always, you were there. I am continuing to work closely with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney on my pet project: the issuance of a Diwali Stamp by the Postal Service. I am touched to receive this honor. I am happy that our dear friend Subhash Kapadia is also being honored tonight and I congratulate Dr. Devbala Ramanathan. And let me close by wishing everyone…. A Very Happy Diwali.”