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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 08, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

American Punjabi Society Celebrates Vaisakhi with

Grandeur, Unity, and Distinguished Participation

Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan Joins Celebrations

OUR BUREAU

Mineola, NY
he historic Theodore Roos-
evelt Executive and Legislative
TBuilding came alive with vi-
brant energy, cultural pride, and com-
munity spirit as the American Punjabi
Society (APS), in collaboration with
Bruce A. Blakeman, the Consulate
General of India, New York, the Of-
fice of the Chairman, Human Rights
Commission, and the Nassau Coun-
ty Office of Asian American Affairs,
hosted a grand celebration of Vaisakhi
— the sacred Khalsa Sajna Diwas and
Punjabi harvest festival.
The event commenced under the
leadership of Mr. Own Naqvi, Direc-
tor of the Office of Asian American
Affairs, setting a warm and dignified
tone for the evening. Mr. Bobby Ka- All the Awardees with County Executive Hon. Bruce Blakeman
lotee, Chairman of the Human Rights
Commission, played an important
role as one of the organizers.
The celebration was further hon-
ored by the presence of Consul Gen-
eral of India Hon’ble Ambassador
Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, whose par-
ticipation underscored the strong cul-
tural and diplomatic ties between India
and the Indian American community.
The event brought together elect-
ed officials, dignitaries, and commu-
nity leaders, reflecting the shared
values of unity, gratitude, and seva.
Led by APS Global President
Gary S. Sikka and Founder Patron
Harry Singh Bolla, the evening began
with warm hospitality, including appe- APS President Gary Sikka & Ravinder Sikka with Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan APS Global President Gary Sikka
tizers and refreshments served prior
to the formal program. pressed appreciation for APS’s role in Sikka elaborated on the broader mes- livered an insightful address on the
APS General Secretary V.P.S. Sik- promoting unity, diversity, and com- sage of Vaisakhi as not only a religious religious significance of Vaisakhi,
ka opened the program with an over- munity engagement. and cultural celebration but also a highlighting the historic importance
view of APS’s initiatives and ongoing APS Founder Patron Harry Singh call to action for community build- of Khalsa Sajna Diwas and its endur-
community service efforts. Bolla reflected on the profound spiri- ing and service. He reaffirmed APS’s ing message of equality, courage, and
The program featured a dignified tual and historical significance of Vai- commitment to strengthening cultural service.
Presentation of Colors, followed by vi- sakhi as the birth of the Khalsa and a identity, engaging youth, and building The presence of Consul General
brant cultural performances including defining moment in Sikh history. He bridges across communities through of India Hon’ble Ambassador Binaya
traditional bhangra and giddha, along emphasized that Vaisakhi serves as a meaningful initiatives, while promot- Srikanta Pradhan added special sig-
with presentations highlighting the powerful reminder of the core values ing unity and collaboration within the nificance to the event, reinforcing the
significance of Vaisakhi. of faith, courage, equality, and selfless diverse Indian American community. global importance of Vaisakhi and
Nassau County Executive Bruce service (seva), and highlighted the Prominent oncologist and Padma strengthening ties between India and
A. Blakeman acknowledged the sig- importance of preserving these tradi- Bhushan awardee Dr. Nori also ad- its diaspora.
nificant contributions of the Punjabi tions while passing them on to future dressed the gathering. The celebration was attended by
community to the cultural and so- generations. Jathedar of Takht Sri Keshgarh numerous elected officials, commu-
cial fabric of Nassau County and ex- APS Global President Gary S. Sahib, Professor Manjeet Singh, de- Continued on next page... >>

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