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Newsmakers of the Week JUNE 06, 2025 | The Indian Eye 32

ference, set in 2026 in San Antonio, GIRIJA DEVI
with a focus on climate change—a
topic he champions.
Thakur’s goal is clear: to spot- Dr. Monica Shah Honors Legend
light Texas, and particularly Houston,
as a national hub for cutting-edge Through Music
science. His leadership marks a new
era of inclusion for UH and sets the n a spellbinding performance at
stage for major interdisciplinary col- Global Mall, Atlanta, on May 25,
laboration.
I2025, classical vocalist Dr. Moni-
ca Shah paid homage to her guru, the
PANDIT SHYAM MAHARAJ late Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi,
with a concert that moved the audi-
ence to awe and reverence.
Priest Appointed Second Hindu and Global Entertainment & Media
Organized by Mustafa Ajmeri
Chaplain in U.S. Army Services, the event featured an ele-
gant mix of khayal, thumri, dadra,
bhajans, and rare semi-classical piec-
andit Shyam Maharaj has made es rooted in the Banaras gharana.
history as only the second ac-
Shah began with a powerful bada
Ptive-duty Hindu chaplain in the khayal in Raga Yaman, followed by a chhota khayal and thumri in Raga Desh.
U.S. Army. Commissioned on May Highlights included the captivating “Zhoola Dhire Se,” the soulful dadra “Di-
13, 2025, his appointment represents wana Kiya Shyam,” and a Mira bhajan “Aali Ri Mere Nainan.”
a growing recognition of Hindu chap- She also performed a rarely heard tappa in Raga Kafi, showcasing techni-
laincy in American institutions. cal mastery and emotional depth. The evening concluded with the devotional
Maharaj, a Chinmaya Mis-
sion-trained pandit with a Mas- “Mai Dharu Viharo Dhyan” in Raga Bhairavi.
Dr. Shah was accompanied masterfully by Ashfaq Khan on tabla and
ter of Divinity from Emo- Manish Vyas on harmonium. The performance left the audience enthralled,
ry University, has served as a celebrating classical music’s timeless grace and emotional power.
spiritual caregiver in temples
and hospitals. His mission now extends to military personnel of all faiths.
“Hinduism’s teachings on duty, service, and spiritual balance are deeply DR. SUMUL RAVAL
relevant to military life,” said Maharaj. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he em-
phasized the importance of moral clarity and inner resilience. Neuro-Oncologist Honored in
Swami Swaroopananda, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, offered bless-
ings and advised Maharaj to draw strength from daily study and spiritual practice. New Jersey State House
Since 1997, Chinmaya Mission West has been the Department of De-
fense’s sole endorser of Hindu chaplains. CMW is preparing more chaplains
for military service, reflecting rising interest in Hindu spiritual care.
r. Sumul N. Raval, a trail-
blazing neuro-oncologist, was
MEERA GANDHI Dhonored at the New Jersey
State House on May 22, 2025, for his
UPLIFTNY25 to Unite New contributions to medicine and com-
munity service as part of AAPI Heri-
Yorkers on June 21 tage Month.
Founder of the David S. Zocchi
Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth
n June 21, 2025, Central Park Medical Center, Dr. Raval has ad-
will transform into a sanctu-
Oary of peace, wellness, and vanced brain tumor care through
clinical trials and research in vaccine
unity as thousands gather for UP- therapy for glioblastoma. His com-
LIFTNY25, a celebration of Interna- passionate approach emphasizes
tional Yoga Day hosted by The Giv- both treatment and quality of life.
ing Back Foundation. Beyond medicine, Dr. Raval has
Founded by philanthropist
Meera Gandhi, the foundation aims served as Secretary of AAPI and is a vocal advocate for healthcare equity and
representation.
to promote mental health, spiritual “This honor reflects our shared values of innovation, compassion, and re-
growth, and community harmony. silience,” Dr. Raval said at the ceremony. His leadership continues to bridge
UPLIFTNY25—supported by the gaps in care for underserved communities while inspiring the next generation
NYC Mayor’s Office—will feature yoga, meditation, music, and talks cen- of medical professionals.
tered around the theme: “How to Uplift Ourselves in a Challenging World?” Dr. Raval’s nomination for India’s Padmashree Award further reflects his
From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Rumsey Playfield, participants will expe-
rience performances by Madame Gandhi, Daybreaker, and others. A light global influence in both science and social responsibility.
vegetarian lunch will be served free to all attendees.
“UPLIFTNY is more than an event—it’s a movement for healing and To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians, log on to and follow
collective upliftment,” says Gandhi. Advance registration is required via the our website www.TheIndianEYE.com
event website.

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