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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 03, 2024 | The Indian Eye 24

Indian Muslim Community Lights Up New York’s

Consulate General of India for Vibrant Eid Celebrations

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
n April 21, 2024, the Indian
Muslim Community (IMC)
Oof NY/NJ/CT continued its
tradition of showcasing unity and
strength by hosting the Eid Celebra-
tions 2024 at the Consulate Gener-
al of India (CGI) in New York. The
event began with a stirring Quran
recitation and translation by Sumayya
Ahmed, setting the tone for a day
filled with cultural richness and com-
munity spirit.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. (From left to right): Ahmed Shakir, Ilayas Quraishi, Sibu Nair, Kashif Hussain, Yusuf Salaam, Jenifer Rajkumar, John Liu, and Dr. Varun Jeph
Varun Jeph, Acting Consul Gener- delivering remarks at the Consulate General of India
al of India in New York, highlight-
ed the significance of Eid in India’s
cultural landscape, emphasizing
its reflection of the nation’s mil-
lennia-old composite culture and
unity in diversity. He underscored
the importance of celebrating di-
versity, a value shared by both India
and the diverse city of New York.
Despite being unable to attend
in person, Senate Majority Leader
Chuck Schumer conveyed his heart-
felt wishes through a video message,
emphasizing the theme of unity in
love and faith during challenging
times marked by division and bigotry.
New York State Assembly-
woman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addressing the audience via his video message.
Indian woman elected in the state,
shared her deep connection with for the invitation and present-
the Muslim community and her ef- ed citations from the New York
forts to empower it. She highlighted Public Advocate to community
initiatives such as expanding halal members for their contributions.
food options in public schools and The event also received messages
ensuring the allowance of the Mus- of support from New York Governor
lim call to prayer in New York City. Kathy Hochul and presentations from
Special citations from the State of various community leaders, including
New York were presented to IMC’s Sibu Nair, Deputy Director of Asian
founding member Ilayas Quraishi American Affairs for New York State.
and others, recognizing their contri- The celebrations featured a di-
butions to the community. Quraishi verse range of cultural performanc-
expressed humility and gratitude for es, including explanations of Eid’s
the community’s support in preserv- significance, ghazal performances,
ing the tradition of celebrating Eid at IMC’s core committee members along with Dr. Varun Jeph, Jenifer Rajkumar, Yusuf Salaam traditional drumming, and stand-up
the CGI in New York. and representatives of New York State Governor, New York City Mayor, and New York City comedy, showcasing the rich cultural
Reflecting on the journey of In- heritage of the Indian Muslim com-
dian Muslims in the United States, Public Advocate at the Consulate General of India munity.
Quraishi emphasized the shared hu- The Indian Muslim Communi-
manity and values of compassion, gen- New York State Senator John Liu Councilman Yusef Salaam high- ty’s Eid Celebrations at the Consulate
erosity, and unity that Eid represents. acknowledged the significant Muslim lighted the symbolic significance of Eid, General of India in New York served
He acknowledged the responsibility population in India and the thriving representing gratitude, brotherhood, as a testament to the community’s
of representing over 200 million In- Indian American community in New and unity among Muslims worldwide. resilience, unity, and commitment to
dian Muslims and Indian American York, emphasizing the importance of Deputy Public Advocate Ka- fostering inclusivity and understand-
Muslims in the United States. unity and solidarity. shif Hussain expressed gratitude ing in society.

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