Ravi and Ranju Batra honored for their services to community
NEW YORK (TIP): In an unending stream of Diwali Melas in New York, Jackson Heights Merchants’ Association held its 25th Diwali Mela on Sunday, the 13th October. On a pleasant Sunday afternoon, the Mela attracted large crowds though they may have been disappointed to find fewer stalls selling wares and food items as compared to earlier years. Also, the entertainment content left much to be desired, as our reporter gathered after having spoken with some in the crowd. The Mela, as usual, had a fair presence of officials that included the Consul General of India in New York, Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Senator Jose Peralta, Council Member Daniel Dromm and some others.
Representatives of business organizations, including the Bangladesh Merchants’ Association were also present. Then there were the honorees that included attorney Ravi Batra and Ranju Batra who initiated the demand for a US postage stamp in commemoration of Diwali, the festival of India. Also honored on the occasion were sponsors that included Air India Area Manager Riwo Norbhu and Habib Bank Manager, among others. Citations by Senator Peralta and Council Member Dromm were presented to organizers who honored them with plaques. We bring here to our readers a pictorial description of the Mela.