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

Atlantic County Asian Indian Community Celebrates

Indian Independence Day at Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple

Mohini Banot, and Kunj Ben.
NEERAJ DHAR
Special Recognition for Shantanu Singh
Pomona, NJ
One of the most memorable and
he Asian Indian community of heartfelt moments of the celebration
Atlantic County, New Jersey, was a special recognition honoring
Tcame together in a festive and Shantanu Singh, a dedicated commu-
patriotic spirit to celebrate 80th Indi- nity volunteer who has consistently
an Independence Day on August 15 contributed his time, enthusiasm, and
at the Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple positive spirit to community activities.
in Pomona. Organized by dedicated Atlantic County Sheriff Joseph
community volunteers, the celebra- O’Donoghue and Executive Un-
tion brought together community dersheriff Mario Suarez honored
members, prominent business lead- Shantanu by presenting him with the
ers, social organizations, students, and honorary title of Sheriff’s Deputy, rec-
elected officials from local municipali- ognizing his commitment to volunteer
ties, Atlantic County, and the State of service and his meaningful contribu-
New Jersey. tions to the community.
The program opened with prayers Shantanu expressed his heartfelt
led by Mr. Jayesh Jha, followed by gratitude to Sheriff O’Donoghue for
the singing of the United States and the special honor, making the rec-
Indian National Anthems, beautiful- ognition an especially touching and
ly performed by local children. The memorable moment for everyone in
American and Indian flags were cere- attendance.
monially hoisted and saluted together, Organizing team member Vishal
symbolizing the enduring friendship, Brahmbhatt highlighted Shantanu’s
shared democratic values, and strong accomplishments and community in-
people-to-people ties between the volvement and assisted with the rec-
United States and India. The ceremo- ognition. He also expressed appreci-
ny also reflected the Indian American ation to Sheriff O’Donoghue and the
Community’s commitment to embrac- Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office for
ing American civic life while proud- their throughtful gesture and support
ly preserving its cultural heritage. of the community.
Organizing team member Cha- The celebration concluded with
ran Singh welcomed community refreshments, including tea, coffee,
members, guests, elected officials, and donuts, fresh fruit, and ice cream, pro-
volunteers. In his remarks, he spoke viding attendees with an opportunity
about the significance of Indian In- to socialize, reconnect with friends
dependence Day and the enduring and families, and strengthen commu-
relationship between India and the nity relationships.
United States. He highlighted the Kunj Ben thanked all attendees,
democratic traditions shared by both distinguished guests, performers, vol-
nations and emphasized that the Indi- unteers, and community supporters.
an American community has become Special appreciation was extended to
an integral part of American society the Vaikunth Hindu Jain Temple com-
while maintaining strong connections mittee for providing the venue and
to its cultural heritage. He also un- supporting the successful celebration.
derscored the commitment to civic The event served as a meaningful
participation, volunteerism, service, Mario Suarez; Galloway Township nizing outstanding community service, celebration of India’s independence,
and strengthening the partnership be- Deputy Mayor Rich Clute and Coun- cultural contributions, and harmony the enduring friendship between India
tween the two countries. cil member Umer Mohammed; and were presented to Gayatri Parivar and and the United States, and the many
The celebration continued with Christian Ragland, and Felicia Banks, Vineland Parivar. The proclamations contributions of the Indian American
patriotic songs, cultural performanc- Assistant Vice Presidents of Diversity were presented by Don Guardian and community to Atlantic County and
es, and community activities. Distin- at AtlantiCare. June Byrnes, with assistance from the broader New Jersey community.
guished community members, social The participation of youth, wom- Chirag Desai. The organizing committee ex-
organizations, achievers, and students en, children, and senior citizens was Certificates recognizing academic pressed its commitment to continuing
were recognized for their accomplish- particularly noteworthy, reflecting the achievement and community contri- similar cultural, civic, and communi-
ments, leadership, and contributions strong community spirit and intergen- butions were also presented to Poo- ty-building events throughout the year
to the community. erational connections within the Indi- nam Patel, Yuvika Patel, Parth Patel, to bring people together, strengthen
Among the distinguished guests an American community. and Kaya Shah. The recognitions community bonds, and contribute to
were New Jersey State Assemblyman On behalf of U.S. Congressman were presented by Christian Ragland, the betterment of the community as
Don Guardian; Atlantic Undersheriff Jeff Van Drew, proclamations recog- with assistance from Sheetal Parikh, a whole.

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