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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 16, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

ating memories together. The festival
placed a special emphasis on children
and young people, encouraging them
to participate, perform, create and
take pride in their heritage.
Deepavali carries a universal
message that extends across commu-
nities and traditions: the triumph of
light over darkness, knowledge over
ignorance and good over evil.
For Hindus, Deepavali commem-
orates Lord Rama’s return to Ayo-
dhya. For Jains, it marks Bhagwan
Mahavira’s liberation, Sikhs celebrate
Bandi Chhor Divas, associated with Anthony Manetta also joined the cel- the volunteers, teachers, schools, cho-
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, while Dee- ebration, while Suffolk County Leg- reographers, performers, parents and
pavali also holds significance within islator Jason Richberg, representing children who dedicated countless
other Indian traditions. Legislative District 15, participated in hours to preparing and presenting the AIA-NY further recognized its
“This festival is for everyone,” Bee- the festivities. cultural program. media partners, including Newsday,
na Kothari, President, said. “We cele- Representatives from the Town “Our children are our future, and Long Island Press and Indian Ameri-
brate not only as Indians, but as global of Babylon, including the Chief Fire watching them proudly share their can media organizations, for their cov-
citizens — united by the light of hope, Marshal, Public Safety Commissioner heritage and talents was one of the erage and continued support in shar-
compassion, courage and community.” and Park Commissioner, also joined most meaningful parts of the cele- ing the community’s stories, traditions
the community at Overlook Beach. bration,” AIA-NY President Beena and accomplishments.
Senator Chuck Schumer Sends AIA-NY expressed its apprecia- Kothari said.
Special Diwali Message tion to Supervisor Schaffer, Council- A Celebration Belonging to the
Although U.S. Senator Chuck man Manetta, Legislator Richberg Special Appreciation to Arjun Community
Schumer was unable to attend the fes- and all Town of Babylon and Suffolk AIA-NY offered special thanks to With an estimated 10,000 visitors
tival in person, he sent AIA-NY and County officials who attended and Arjun, the British Indian singer who throughout the day, the 39th Annual
the Indian-American community a helped recognize the importance of traveled from the United Kingdom to Deepavali Festival demonstrated the
special video message extending his Indian heritage, culture and the con- perform for the Long Island, NY and strength, diversity and spirit of the In-
warm Diwali greetings and congrat- tributions of the Indian-American the Tristate community. His nearly dian American community on Long
ulating AIA-NY on its 39th Annual community to Long Island. hour-long performance brought tre- Island, NY and from the tristate.
Deepavali Celebration. A Celebration Made Possible by mendous energy to the festival and “And finally, thank you to every
In his message, Senator Schum- the Community was enjoyed by audiences of all ages. single person who attended — every
er also recognized AIA-NY’s com- AIA-NY credited the success of family, senior, child, young person,
mitment to serving older adults and the festival to the dedication of its Gratitude to AIA-NY Leadership performer, supporter and visitor who
highlighted a $100,000 federal grant Executive Committee, Board of Trust- AIA-NY also expressed its deep came to Overlook Beach and cele-
supporting senior wellness and com- ees, Past Presidents, advisors, mem- appreciation to its Executive Commit- brated Deepavali with us,” Beena
munity programs. bers, volunteers, performers, parents, tee, Board Members, Trustees, Advi- Kothari said.
AIA-NY expressed its sincere ap- teachers, sponsors, vendors, media sors, members and organizing team. “This celebration belonged to all
preciation to Senator Schumer for his partners, community organizations Special recognition was given of you. From the bottom of my heart,
Diwali message and for recognizing and supporters. to Dr. Sharad Kothari, Dr. Bal Gilja, thank you for believing in AIA-NY,
the importance of supporting seniors “Every successful celebration is Dr. Tarun Wasil, Harsh Vyas, Ani- for supporting our mission, for cele-
and strengthening the community. built by people who believe in the mis- ta Thakkar, Jyoti Kothapalli and brating our heritage and for helping
sion and are willing to work togeth- Navneet Kothari for their dedication, us build bridges of light, unity and
U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi er” Beena Kothari said. “I am deep- teamwork and countless hours of be- community.”
Joins the Celebration ly grateful to every person who gave hind-the-scenes work, without them “This Diwali, AIA-NY rode the
U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi at- their time, opened their hearts and this tremendously successful Festival waves of change — from the river-
tended the celebration and shared his helped make this celebration possible. would not have been possible. banks of our past to the oceanfront of
Diwali greetings with the community. Our children, volunteers, sponsors, The organization also thanked our future. Together, we are building
“Happy Diwali! It was wonderful media partners, past presidents, trust- its Past Presidents and longtime pil- a bridge of light, unity and joy that
to celebrate with the Indian Ameri- ees and the entire AIA-NY Team are lars whose leadership, experience and connects every generation of Indians
can community,” U.S. Congressman the pillars of this organization. Your continued support have helped build in America.”
Suozzi said. “Let’s carry forward dedication has not gone unnoticed, the foundation of AIA-NY.
the messages of Ganesh Chaturthi, and I am truly honored to share this Thank You to Community Lead- About the Association of Indians
Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali: over- journey with you.” ers, Vendors and Media Partners in America
coming obstacles, finding strength and Special Thanks to the Emcees AIA-NY expressed its sincere Established in 1967, the Associ-
courage, choosing good over evil, and and the Cultural Team appreciation to the community lead- ation of Indians in America (AIA)
lighting a candle of hope in the dark- AIA-NY extended special ap- ers, elected officials, dignitaries and is one of the oldest national Indi-
ness.” preciation to its emcees — Gautam guests who joined the celebration and an-American organizations in the
Strong Support from Town of Chopra, Ananya Kavi, Kaavya Rama- shared their Diwali wishes. United States. Guided by its motto,
Babylon and Suffolk County Leaders ni, Swati Bhansali, Cultural Chair Jy- The organization also thanked “Indian Heritage, American Commit-
The festival was honored by the oti Gupta and Gunjan Rastogi — for the festival’s vendors, whose food, ment,” AIA works to serve, educate,
presence of Town of Babylon Super- guiding the audience and bringing en- shopping and cultural offerings empower and unite communities
visor Rich Schaffer, along with fellow ergy, warmth and professionalism to helped create a vibrant marketplace while promoting Indian heritage and
elected officials and community leaders. the stage throughout the day. and brought the richness of India to strengthening civic and cultural con-
Town of Babylon Councilman The organization also thanked Overlook Beach. nections in America.

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