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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 21

RANA hosts a vibrant and colorful

Holi Sneha Milan

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
he Rajasthan Association
of North America (RANA)
TNew York, one of the most
influential and largest organizations
representing Rajasthanis outside
Rajasthan, hosted a spectacular cel-
ebration marking the 75th Rajasthan
Diwas and the 25th Holi Sneh Milan.
The grand event took place aboard a
cruise and was attended by over 400
distinguished guests, making it a truly
memorable occasion.
On this significant occasion,
RANA President Prem Bhandari
voiced his strong displeasure over the
continued injustice faced by over 100
million people due to the non-recogni-
tion of the Rajasthani language in the
Eighth Schedule of the Indian Consti-
tution. He expressed deep disappoint- Former RANA Presidents
ment that despite a unanimous reso- K.K. Mehta, Anand Nahar, Haridas
lution passed by the Rajasthan State Kotewala, Dr. Narender Hadpawat,
Assembly on August 25, 2003, urging and Dashrath Dugara presented flo-
its inclusion, the central government ral tributes to Dr. Jeph, acknowledg-
has yet to take action. ing his dedicated service to the Indian
Bhandari recalled that this resolu- diaspora.
tion was a direct outcome of RANAs Prominent diaspora leader Prem
first International Convention, during Bhandari shared his experiences of
which a memorandum advocating for working with Dr. Jeph, praising his
Rajasthani’s recognition was submit- round-the-clock availability and un-
ted to the then Chief Minister Ashok wavering commitment to assisting the
Gehlot. However, even after decades, Indian community across the 10 states
this demand remains unfulfilled due under the jurisdiction of the Indian
to a lack of political will. Consulate in New York. Bhandari com-
A farewell ceremony was also or- mended him for being approachable,
ganized in honor of Dr. Varun Jeph, accessible, and always willing to help.
the outgoing Deputy Consul Gen- The event also welcomed the new
eral of India, who has been the lon- Deputy Consul General, Vishal Harsh,
gest-serving DCG, completing over 3 and was attended by Indian Foreign
years and 8 months in office. Service officers Surender Adhana and

Eldos Mathew Punnoose. Many In- petals, making the event truly special.
dian-Americans of Rajasthani origin Dr. Sharad Kothari, Vice Pres-
from the tri-state area actively par- ident of RANA, and Neelam Modi,
ticipated in the celebrations, further Treasurer of RANA, warmly wel-
strengthening the community ties. comed the guests. They extended
The evening was filled with cultur- heartfelt gratitude to the Executive
al vibrancy, as renowned poet Abhinav Committee and Board Members, em-
Shukla mesmerized the audience with phasizing that the event remarkable
his soulful poetry. Adding to the festive success would not have been possible
spirit, guests participated in the tradi- without their active participation and
tional Holi celebration with flower unwavering support.

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