Page 17 - The Indian EYE 032026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 17

Meet & Greet with Smriti Irani Celebrates Indian-American

Community Leadership at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

OUR BUREAU Productions, among other community leaders and
associations.
New York, NY The program began with opening remarks by
A Minesh Patel, COO of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
distinguished gathering of community lead-
USA, who welcomed the distinguished guests and
ers and cultural advocates took place at the
Romanti Auditorium of Bharatiya Vidya
In her address, Smriti Irani spoke warmly about
Bhavan USA in New York City for a special Meet attendees.
& Greet with Smriti Irani, former Union Minister her long-standing relationship with Dr. H. R. Shah
of India. and TV Asia, as well as Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA,
The evening was hosted by Dr. Navin Meh- acknowledging their important role in strengthen-
ta, Chairman of Bhavan USA (Institute of Indian ing cultural and community ties among the Indi-
Culture), along with Dr. H. R. Shah (Padma Shri), an diaspora and promoting India–U.S. relations.
Chairman & CEO of TV Asia and Chairman She praised the Indian American community
Emeritus of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA. leaders from the Indian American community for its continued efforts in promoting cultural val-
The program opened with a captivating Indi- and major organizations, including HOC Pragya ues, community service, and stronger India–U.S.
an classical instrumental performance featuring Singh from Consulate of India, Dr. Hetal Gor of partnerships. She also emphasized the importance
the rare and melodious Hansaveena by Ramanan American Association of Physicians of Indian Or- of women’s empowerment and the growing role of
Venkatraman, accompanied by tabla artist Aditya igin (AAPI), Mohan Wanchoo of Ekal Vidyalaya women in leadership, while recognizing progress
Phatak. The performance was curated by Sneh Foundation, Megha Bhourskar and Ravi Iyer, Di- in education, healthcare, and other vital sectors.
Arts Foundation, setting a vibrant cultural tone for rector of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Saurin Parikh of The evening served as a meaningful gathering
the evening and celebrating the rich heritage of In- Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Prakash celebrating community leadership, cultural en-
dian classical music. Shah of Global Organization of People of Indian gagement, and the growing impact of the Indian
The event brought together several prominent Origin (GOPIO), and Natwar Thakkar of Roshni diaspora in the United States.

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