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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

Saree Goes Global Returns to Times Square, Blending

Culture, Colour and Women’s Empowerment

Host Committee with Dignitaries during welcome remarks by Uma Global President Dr. Rita Host Committee performing welcome Shloka.
Kakati-Shah. Dignitaries from left Dr. Jessica Sims from St. George’s Society of NY, Consul From left Nira Bahauddin, Pooja Mugilan, Jayeeta Mukherjee, Garima Agrawal,
Head of Chancery at Indian Consulate in NY Pragya Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Interna- Rita Kakati-Shah, Mitali Chattopadhyay
tional Affairs at NYC Mayor’s Office Dilip Chauhan. (Photo credit Friday Films).

OUR BUREAU the NYC Mayor’s Office, praised the community ties. and Kankana Goswami, vocalist
event as a testament to New York’s Dressed in a paat silk mekhela Shimul Khan, and dhol artist Prince
New York, NY:
inclusive spirit. “The saree reminds chador from Sualkuchi in Assam, Dr. Murmu. The square came alive as
imes Square burst into co- us that when women lead, communi- Rita Kakati-Shah, President of Uma the crowd joined in the infectious
lour and celebration as Sa- ties thrive,” he said, commending the Global, said the event was a tribute rhythm of Jai Ho.
Tree Goes Global returned to organisers for bringing a cultural cel- to women, youth, and the global The signature saree walkathon
Father Duffy Square for its second ebration of such scale and meaning saree community. “Seeing Times — a spirited march led by the dhol
year, transforming one of the world’s to Times Square. Square once again transform into — brought participants together in
busiest public spaces into a sweeping New York Governor Kathy Ho- a sea of culture, colour, and confi- a lively display of unity and cultural
showcase of South Asian heritage. chul sent a congratulatory letter dence is something we should all be pride, drawing cheers from onlook-
Organized by Uma Global in part- applauding Uma Global and Dr. very proud of,” she said. ers and tourists.
nership with the Consulate Gener- Rita Kakati-Shah for their efforts After the dignitary remarks, Special appreciation was extend-
al of India in New York, the event in promoting cultural exchange and Host Committee members per- ed to the Host Committee — Dr.
brought together women and cul- women’s empowerment. Dr. Jessica formed a traditional shlok, setting Garima Agrawal, Jayeeta Mukher-
tural enthusiasts from across India, Sims of the St. George’s Society of the stage for a cultural program jee, Nira Bahauddin, Dr. Mitali
Bangladesh, the UK, the West In- New York underscored the role of that featured performances by Hi- Chattopadhyay, Pooja Mugilan, Dr.
dies, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, cross-cultural initiatives in building mani Joshi, dancers Rokaya Begum Salma Khan and Dr. Dipti Jain — for
and several American cities, turning their dedication in shaping the event
Times Square into a vibrant global and energising its global community.
tapestry. With participants representing
The celebration opened with cultures and nations across conti-
remarks from dignitaries, including nents, this year’s edition of Saree
Mrs. Pragya Singh, Consul (Head of Goes Global reaffirmed its position
Chancery) at the Consulate General as a powerful platform for heritage,
of India, who spoke about the saree’s community, and women’s empow-
ancient history and its enduring cul- erment.
tural resonance. She noted that the About Uma Global:
saree, one of the world’s oldest con- Uma Global is a New York–based
tinuously worn garments, embodies philanthropic organisation dedicat-
India’s artistic diversity through its ed to empowering youth and women
fabrics, drapes and regional tradi- through education, leadership and
tions. “Saree Goes Global beauti- cross-cultural initiatives. Its pro-
fully brings this legacy to life in the grams span multiple countries, fos-
centre of New York City,” she said. Traditional Bihu Dance from Assam performed by Kankana Goswami, with audience member tering confidence, collaboration and
Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Com- and Uma Global President Rita Kakati-Shah global understanding among emerg-
missioner for International Affairs at ing leaders and changemakers.

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