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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 29, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

American Punjabi Society Hosts a Picnic

as a Celebration of Community Spirit

OUR BUREAU
Long Island, NY
he American Punjabi Soci-
ety (APS) successfully hosted
Tits First Annual Picnic, which
turned out to be a resounding success
and a true celebration of communi-
ty spirit. It was a day marked by joy,
laughter, and togetherness, where
families, friends, and well-wishers
came together to enjoy the outdoors
and strengthen community bonds.
The event featured great food,
great teamwork, and a great get-to-
gether, reflecting the strength, unity,
and vitality of the APS community. Pahwa, S. Harcharan Singh Gulati,
Guests were treated to traditional and Cashier S. Santok S. Bajaj, Har-
Punjabi delicacies alongside festive bans Singh Vohra, and Tarlok Singh
favorites, while lively music, dance, Vohra.
and sports activities added to the Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava of
fun-filled atmosphere. Children es- the Town of North Hempstead at-
pecially enjoyed games such as sack tended the picnic as a special guest.
races, cricket, and face painting, In her remarks, she praised the work
which added color and excitement to of the APS Women’s Council and
the family-friendly celebration. Mr. encouraged them to continue their
Jasbir Singh Japra delighted every- leadership role, highlighting the im-
one by treating children to ice cream portance of women’s empowerment
and bringing fresh sugar cane pieces, and active participation in communi-
adding a sweet and traditional touch ty life.
to the festivities. Youth and seniors Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava
alike joined in, making the picnic tru- commended APS for its efforts: “APS
ly intergenerational. has shown how community organiza-
Special recognition goes to Mr. tions can bring people together with
Gary Sikka, whose vision and dedica- love, respect, and service. Events like
tion continue to bring the communi- this picnic not only provide joy but
ty closer, and to Ms. Navneet Sondhi, also strengthen our cultural and so-
Chair of the APS Women’s Council, cial bonds.”
under whose leadership and tireless APS President Gary Sikka ex-
efforts — along with her dedicated pressed his gratitude: “This picnic
team and energetic young volunteers was more than just an outing — it
Ms. Priyanka Khanna, Ms. Shweta was a testament to the power of col-
Malhotra, Ms. Harleen Jolly, Ms. lective spirit, teamwork, and lead-
Dilsheet Kaur, Ms. Taranjeet Ahuja, ership. The joy on everyone’s faces
Ms. Swati Anand, and Ms. Guntaj showed the strength of our unity and
Arora — ensured the event’s smooth the values that hold our community
success. The youth volunteers were together. Honoring our Blood Drive
led by Ms. Janessa Sondhi, Director volunteers with citations from Super-
of the APS Youth Wing. Their com- visor Joseph Saladino made the oc-
mitment exemplified the spirit of col- casion even more meaningful.”
lective teamwork and hospitality that The APS Picnic is part of the
APS is known for. dedication to public service and for the medical team during the Blood organization’s annual calendar of
During the picnic, citations from making a life-saving impact through Drive, was also one of the first to at- major events, which also includes
Hon. Joseph Saladino, Town Super- their contributions. The Blood Drive, tend the picnic, reflecting his ongoing the Blood Drive, Cancer Awareness
visor of Oyster Bay, were presented organized in collaboration with New commitment to community service. Walk, Vaisakhi Celebration, and
to the volunteers who had worked York Cancer and Blood Specialists The picnic was further honored Annual Gala. With each initiative,
tirelessly during the highly success- (led by Dr. Tarun Wasil), the New by the presence of respected lead- APS continues to uphold its mission
ful APS Blood Drive held on August York Blood Center, AAPI–QLI, and ers from Gurdwara Guru Nanak of service, unity, and cultural pride,
10, 2024, at AsaMai Temple. These AsaMai Temple, far exceeded ex- Darbar, including Chairman Dyal making every gathering memorable
volunteers were recognized for their pectations. Dr. Tarun Wasil, who led Singh Vohra, President Balbeer S. and meaningful.---

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