Page 18 - The Indian EYE 042426

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 24, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

Eid Celebration in

New York Showcases Unity,

Diversity and Hope

Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, speaking at the gathering. Photo: IAMNA Audience members and dignitaries attend the Eid Celebration hosted by
the Indian American Muslims of North America (IAMNA) in association with the Consulate
OUR BUREAU He underscored India’s tradition General of India, New York. Photo: IAMNA
of coexistence and diversity, where dif-
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
ferent languages, traditions and faiths
he Indian American Muslims of thrive together under a shared com- man; Rita Joseph, Councilwoman of forts in empowering and uplifting the
North America (IAMNA), in mitment to mutual respect. Drawing New York City; and Neeta Jain, who community.
Tassociation with the Consulate parallels with the United States, he presented a Congressional Certifi- Speaking on behalf of IAMNA,
General of India in New York, hosted described the gathering as a reflection cate of Merit on behalf of Gregory W. Chairman and media personality
a vibrant Eid Celebration on Friday of “unity in diversity,” where people Meeks. Also in attendance was Raj Ilayas Quraishi expressed gratitude to
evening at Five Star Banquet Hall, from different backgrounds come to- Goyal, who is running for New York the Consulate General of India, Her
bringing together diplomats, elected gether in a spirit of brotherhood. City Comptroller. Excellency Amna Almheiri, elected
officials, interfaith leaders and more Pradhan also highlighted initia- From the Office of the New York officials and community leaders for
than 200 guests from diverse faiths tives by the Consulate to better serve City Public Advocate, Deputy Public their presence and continued sup-
and backgrounds. the community, including new sat- Advocate Kashif Hussain presented an port. IAMNA leadership includes
The event reflected the spirit ellite centers in Edison, New Jersey; official proclamation recognizing IAM- Vice Chairman Ahmed Shakir and
of Eid — a celebration of gratitude, Columbus, Ohio; and Boston, along NA’s contributions to the community. Event Co-Chair Mohammed Faroqui,
compassion, unity and hope - while with expanded service availability. A distinguished group of commu- along with Co-Chairs Mukbul Mans-
showcasing the diversity and strength Her Excellency Amna Almheiri, nity leaders was also present, includ- uri, Faisal Munir and Faheemuddin
of the community. Consul General of the United Arab ing Dr. Sudhir Parikh, recipient of Mohammed, who played key roles in
Addressing the gathering, Consul Emirates, attended as Guest of Hon- the Padma Shri award; Ankur Vaidya, organizing the event.
General of India in New York Binaya or and delivered heartfelt remarks re- President of the Federation of Indian Quraishi described the gather-
Srikanta Pradhan commended IAM- flecting both regional context and the Associations (FIA); Srujal Parikh, Ex- ing as a reflection of the “true colors
NA for its continued partnership with spirit of Eid. ecutive Committee Member of FIA; of India,” where people of different
the Consulate in organizing Eid cel- “Wow, this was truly a pleasant Ravi Bhooplapur, Chairman of St. faiths and backgrounds come together
ebrations and noted the significantly surprise. Thank you very much for in- Xavier Medical College; Mohinder as one. He highlighted the event as a
larger turnout this year. “I can see in viting me today,” she said. “We have Singh Gilzian, President of INOC; powerful example of unity in diversity.
this gathering people from different gone through some difficult times Professor Indrajit Saluja, Editor; Ravi The evening featured a rich and
walks of life,” Pradhan said, empha- back in the UAE and the region, but Batra, Attorney; Vikas Dhall, Entre- engaging program including Quran
sizing the inclusive nature of the event. things are now improving. This makes preneur; Jay Singh, Editor; Neeta Jain, recitation by Umar Faroqui with
He further highlighted that Eid this Eid celebration even more mean- Democratic Leader; Harpreet Singh translation by Zoha Fatima Ahmed,
represents universal values of charity, ingful — a true celebration of peace, Toor, Community Leader; Rajender live Qawwali by Rhythm Tolee, stand-
forgiveness and harmony that reso- unity and hope, not just here, but also Dichpally, Community Leader; In- up comedy by Mohammed Darbar,
nate across cultures and faiths. Em- back in our region.” derpal Dhall, Faith Leader; and A.G. remarks by community leaders, and a
phasizing India’s pluralistic ethos, he She thanked the organizers and Farooqui, Educationist, among others. dinner reception.
noted that India is home to one of the wished everyone a blessed Eid. IAMNA also honored two wom- The event concluded with a re-
world’s largest Muslim populations, The event was attended by sever- en entrepreneurs — Palvesha Yasin newed commitment to fostering uni-
with a rich history of Islam dating al distinguished elected officials, in- Latiwala and Asra Rashid — for their ty, strengthening community ties and
back to early trade interactions along cluding John C. Liu, New York State outstanding community service and promoting harmony across diverse
the Malabar Coast. Senator; Landon C. Dais, Assembly- contributions, recognizing their ef- communities.

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