NEW YORK (TIP): New York City Democrats were at Queens College on January 21st, 2017 for the swearing in ceremony of Dr. Neeta Jain as the Democratic District Leader for Assembly District 25, Part B which includes Flushing, Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest, and Hillside Avenue. Celebrity broadcaster and activist Renee Mehrra was the emcee of the prestigious event. Over 400 people attended the ceremony which included  Dr. Jain’s constituents, civic leaders, members of the South Asian community and Queens district leaders.

The ceremony opened with the presentation of colors by Francis Lewis High School JROTC color guard commanded by Sergeant Major Charles Cabrera. Dr. Uma Mysorekar, President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, recited the auspicious opening prayer to Lord Ganesha and Anandita Guha performed Ganesha Vandhana, a traditional Indian dance honoring Lord Ganesha.

Dr. Jain joined the Queens community over 20 years ago and has a long history of serving the community both socially and politically. Her core values of humanity and peace have fueled her passion to serve the community. She has also represented the South Asian community and worked hard to give them a voice in politics. Due to her hard work as a team member of Diwali Stamp Project and collaboration with other officials and organizations, the US Postal Service launched a forever stamp for the Indian New Year Diwali in 2016. She would like to further advocate for the Hindu Holidays Campaign and continue to petition for Diwali as a religious holiday in New York City schools calendar.

Dr. Jain’s passion for the South Asian community extends to all in the community as is evidenced by the support from officials and district leaders of all faiths and backgrounds. Diversity and inclusiveness was a common theme among the speakers at the event. Keynote Speaker, Congressman Crowley chairman of the House Democratic caucus administered the oath of office to Dr. Jain over the Jinvani, the sacred book of Jains. Dr. Jain was recognized for her laurels and accomplishments by Congressman Gregory Meeks, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer as well as NYC Council members Rory Lancman, Barry Grodenchik and Peter Koo. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Governor Hochul send her congratulations and good wishes for her new endeavors. Mayor De Blasio, who could not be there in person, sent a congratulatory letter to Dr. Jain applauding her for her civic work. Attorney Ravi Batra and Harish Thakkar congratulated Dr. Jain on behalf of the Indian American community.

In her speech, Dr. Neeta Jain made a commitment to address issues of her district including healthcare, education, women and senior citizens. The program concluded with entertainment from Sandra Productions, Korean American Association of Queens and the NYC Bhangra Group.