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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

India Association of Long Island Celebrates

Diwali with Great Enthusiasm in Collaboration

with the Town of Hempstead

More than 300 community members come together at Levittown Hall to celebrate the Festival of

Lights, honoring Indian culture, traditions, community leadership, and unity.

OUR BUREAU social, charitable, and community ini- jay Khanna, Manish Byala, Renu Ka- and Deepak Sachdeva, for their valu-
tiatives organized by IALI throughout poor, and Mohan Sharma. able service and commitment.
LEVITTOWN, NY
the year. He expressed his gratitude to
he India Association of Long Supervisor John Ferretti, the Town of A Celebration of Culture and IALI: A Growing Voice for the
Indian-American Community
Diversity
Island (IALI), in collaboration Hempstead, the Community Affairs
Twith the Town of Hempstead, Department, the IALI leadership, vol- One of the highlights of the eve- With approximately 3,000 life
hosted a spectacular Diwali cele- unteers, and community members for ning was an outstanding lineup of members and a continuously growing
bration at Levittown Hall, bringing making the celebration possible. six cultural and dance performances membership, the India Association
together more than 300 community Keynote Speaker Bobby Kumar showcasing the richness and diversity of Long Island has established itself
members for an evening filled with cul- Kalotee, Chairman of the Nassau of Indian and South Asian traditions. as one of the largest and most influ-
tural performances, traditions, spiri- County Human Rights Commission, The performances included Bol- ential Indian-American community
tuality, recognition, and togetherness. delivered an inspiring address on the lywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, organizations on Long Island.
The celebration was spearheaded deeper spiritual and cultural meaning Bhangra, and Nepali cultural dances. Under the leadership of Presi-
by the IALI Women’s Forum in part- of Diwali. He emphasized the time- The talented performers captivated the dent Jasbir Jay Singh and his dedicat-
nership with the Town of Hempstead less message of the triumph of good audience and created an atmosphere ed team, IALI continues to organize
Community Affairs Department, over evil and light over darkness. He of joy, pride, and cultural celebration. cultural celebrations, community
under the leadership of Supervisor also highlighted the significance of Honoring Community Leaders outreach programs, educational ini-
John Ferretti and his dedicated team. Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the and Distinguished Personalities tiatives, social gatherings, and char-
The evening commenced with release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, As part of the celebration, IALI itable activities, bringing people
the traditional lighting of the diyas, and shared blessings associated with recognized and honored several together while promoting Indian
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. prominent and distinguished per- heritage, diversity, and harmony.
and a religious pooja, symbolizing The evening was masterfully sonalities for their contributions and The overwhelming participation
the victory of light over darkness and hosted by Amita Karwal, who served commitment to the community. and enthusiasm at the Diwali cel-
good over evil. Zahid Syed, Director as the Master of Ceremonies. She The honorees included Gary Sik- ebration demonstrated the strong
of Community Affairs for the Town introduced the executive committee, ka, Shalu Suri, Sheetal Talati, Tony bond between IALI and the commu-
of Hempstead, welcomed everyone board members, chairs, and co-chairs Arora, Ajay Sondhi, Rosy Sondhi, nity it proudly serves.
and provided an introduction to the representing IALI’s various forums, Angel Shah and Shweta Nagpal. The evening concluded with
significance and traditions of Diwali. recognizing their dedication and con- Their recognition reflected IALI’s gratitude and appreciation to the
IALI President Jasbir Jay Singh tributions to the organization. continued commitment to appreciat- Town of Hempstead, Supervisor
addressed the gathering, highlighting The IALI executive leadership ing individuals who make meaning- John Ferretti, the Community Af-
the organization’s growth, its commit- and committee members present in- ful contributions to society and the fairs Department, IALI Women’s
ment to community service, and the cluded Vice President Ravinder Ku- community. The organization also ac- Forum, executive committee, vol-
accomplishments of the current execu- mar, Secretary HarGovind Gupta, knowledged the dedicated members unteers, performers, honorees, and
tive team and past presidents. He also and Executive Committee members of its Election Committee, including everyone who contributed to the suc-
spoke about the numerous cultural, Abha Bhatnagar, Shashi Goyal, Vi- Om Bhambri, Rita Kashi Batheja, cess of the event.

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