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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 24, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

PARAM Keeps the Spirit of Rajasthan Alive

Across Borders at Annual Summer Picnic

OUR BUREAU

Charlestown, PA
he aroma of freshly prepared
Rajasthani delicacies, the melo-
Tdies of traditional folk songs, and
the laughter of families spanning mul-
tiple generations filled Charlestown
Township Park on Sunday, July 12, as
the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal
(PARAM) hosted its Annual Summer
Picnic. The event brought together
Rajasthani families from Pennsylva-
nia, New Jersey, Delaware, and neigh-
boring states in a vibrant celebration From planning the event and
of culture, heritage, and community. transporting cooking equipment to
The gathering was honored by the preparing meals, serving food, coor-
presence of Chester County Commis- dinating activities, and cleaning the
sioner Josh Maxwell, who attended as park afterward, dozens of volunteers
Chief Guest. Commissioner Maxwell donated countless hours to make the
met with community members, ob- celebration possible.
served the unique traditions that make Dr. Ravi Murarka joined fellow
PARAM’s annual picnic special, and volunteers in preparing fresh Kota
expressed his appreciation for the orga- Hing Kachoris and traditional rotis
nization’s dedication to preserving Ra- alongside other community members,
jasthani culture for future generations. reflecting the spirit of teamwork and
A Tradition Cooked Together service that defines PARAM.
Unlike many community gather- The event showcased the dedi-
ings, PARAM’s annual picnic contin- cation and unity of volunteers whose
ues a cherished Rajasthani tradition commitment continues to strengthen
of preparing every meal together rath- ations growing up in the United States. entertainment. the Rajasthani community through-
er than relying on outside catering. Many PARAM families have lived Recognizing Young Cultural Am- out the Greater Philadelphia region.
Early in the morning, volunteers in America for decades while continu- bassadors Keeping Rajasthan Alive Across
arrived carrying large cooking vessels, ing to speak Rajasthani at home, cel- One of the afternoon’s highlights Generations
traditional utensils, spices, and fresh ebrate traditional festivals, pass down was the recognition of nine young par- For many first-generation im-
ingredients. Families worked side by family values, and introduce younger ticipants who represented Rajasthani migrants, gatherings such as the
side throughout the day, preparing au- generations to the customs and heri- heritage during the Bharatiya Temple PARAM Annual Summer Picnic rep-
thentic Rajasthani cuisine just as com- tage of Rajasthan. Gangaur Festival by creating presen- resent much more than a social event.
munities have done for generations in “Our children are Americans by tations and posters promoting the Ra- They provide an opportunity for
villages and towns across Rajasthan. birth, but they should also know where jasthani language, traditional cuisine, grandparents, parents, and children
Guests enjoyed a wide variety of their ancestors came from,” said Dr. festivals, culture, and heritage. to celebrate together while passing on
freshly prepared dishes, including the Ravi Murarka, President of PARAM. Commissioner Josh Maxwell rec- traditions, language, customs, and val-
famous Kota Hing Kachori, Gatte Ki “They should know our language, our ognized the students’ dedication to ues to future generations.
Sabzi, Aloo Ki Sabzi, Dal, Rice, fresh traditions, our festivals, our food, and preserving their cultural roots while As many community members
rotis, traditional chutneys includ- our values. Heritage survives only growing up in the United States. often say: “India is our Janmab-
ing Lasun Chutney, Kairi Ka Panna, when it is practiced.” Earlier this year, these students hoomi—our land of birth. America is
Ras Malai, ice cream, and traditional Traditional Games for a New were also recognized by the Rajas- our Karmabhoomi—our land of op-
paan. The homemade flavors and aro- Generation than Association of North America portunity.”
mas brought back fond memories of The picnic also celebrated Rajas- (RANA) for their outstanding efforts PARAM believes that embracing
Rajasthan for many attendees. than’s traditional games, giving both to promote Rajasthani heritage. life in America while preserving Ra-
Commissioner Maxwell sampled children and adults an opportunity to A special recognition was pre- jasthan’s rich cultural heritage creates
several traditional dishes, including experience activities enjoyed for gen- sented to Aarushi Sharma, whose pre- stronger families and stronger com-
the popular Kota Hing Kachori, and erations. sentation on the importance of pre- munities.
complimented the volunteers for pre- Adults enthusiastically participat- serving one’s mother tongue earned As the evening concluded with
paring authentic homemade Rajas- ed in the traditional game Satoliya, special appreciation from Shri Prem smiling faces, shared memories, and
thani cuisine. while many children were introduced Bhandari, President of RANA, who renewed friendships, one message res-
Preserving a Living Heritage to Ghoda Javar Khay for the first honored her for her exceptional work. onated throughout the gathering:
Beyond the food and festivities, time. Families also enjoyed cricket, Volunteers Make It Possible Distance may separate Rajasthan
PARAM’s mission is to preserve the volleyball, badminton, and other rec- The success of the annual picnic from America, but love for one’s roots
Rajasthani language, traditions, values, reational activities, creating a balance was made possible entirely through knows no borders. Wherever Rajas-
and cultural heritage for future gener- between heritage and modern family volunteer service. thanis gather, Rajasthan lives.

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