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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 18, 2022 | The Indian Eye 20

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

New York City Lincoln Hospital

Celebrates Diwali

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
n October 27, NYCHHC Lin-
coln Hospital celebrated the
OIndia festival of Diwali (Fes-
tival of Lights) with pomp and show.
Lincoln Hospital truly exhibits how ac-
commodating and accepting in regards
to cultural diversity. The program
started with the American national
anthem sung by Pitique Desruisseaux
and Indian national anthem sung
by Tara Shajan & Sukhdeep Hayer.
The program was inaugurated
and the lamp was lit by Chief Executive
Officer Christopher Roker who in his
speech mentioned that Diwali is “Per-
sonally” a day of reflection, it’s also
about celebrations and “happiness,
positivity, bringing people together.”
Diwali is one of the major religious
festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and
Sikhism. The name Diwali is derived
from the Sanskrit term “Dipavali”,
meaning “row of lights.” The festival
generally symbolizes the victory of light
over darkness. It is one of the most
popular festivals with South Asian
communities and Indian diaspora.
The festival has secured a sturdy
foothold far from the subcontinent
in places with significant Indian di-
aspora population – like New York.
NYCHHC Lincoln provides a mul-
ticultural community setting to help
the staff experience cultural diversi-
ty through participation in different
forms of art.
The chief guest & keynote speaker
at the event was Tom George Kolath,
actor, writer, director, film producer.
Addressing the audience, he stated:
“Be the Change for others through
showing the spirit of Diwali and it re-
flect the light in other people’s life.”
“That bigger picture of accepting
and recognizing other cultures and
festivals is always admirable. You
healthcare workers are so awesome.
I would like to inhale all your love & Davinderpal Hanjan did a won- Roshin Mammen entertained was by Dr. Usha Venugopal who de-
support and Exhale my gratitude.” derful job being the Emcee and all the audience with his performance livered the vote of thanks. The dance
Kolath also thanked our Mayor staff who were dressed in Indian with drum beats to a Bollywood song. floor was opened with Bollywood
Eric Adams and Governor Kathy clothes participated in a fashion Sukhdeep Hayer, Tara Shajan, and music & staff enjoyed dancing to that
Hochul for taking that initiative and show which was very interesting to others performed a catchy perfor- catchy music. The staff enjoyed the
recognizing an Indian Festival to this watch the different styles and dresses mance of Bollywood dance and Indi- Diwali sweets and food which was
Empire state and also in NY City. representing different states of India. an fashion show. The closing remarks served thereafter.

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