News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know By a StaffWriter Top Arizona Students, Including 3 Indian Americans, Win Prestigious 2025 Flinn Scholarship T wenty Arizona high-school seniors have been awarded the 2025 Flinn Scholarship, the state’s most prestigious merit-based award that provides a full ride to an Arizona public univer- sity. Three Indian American students are among the recipients, according to an April 17, 2025, press release. The 40th class of Flinn Scholars receives a comprehensive package valued at more than $135,000 over four years, including the cost of tuition, fees, housing, meals, and at least two study-abroad experiences including a two-week group sum- mer seminar following freshman year. The 20 Flinn Scholars repre- senting 20 high schools will be attending Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona starting this fall. The Flinn Scholarship is sup- ported by the Phoenix-based Flinn Foundation in partnership with Arizona’s three public universities. The three students of Indian origin in the 20 names announced include: Jishnu Nayak, Smilangi Sidhugari, and Sudeep Vattikuti. Sindhi Association Of Metropolitan Chicago Celebrates Cheti Chand 2025 O n Sunday April 13, 2025, Ashyana Banquets in Chicago, echoed with cries of “Jai Jhulelal,” and the rhythmic sounds the dhol as the Sindhi Association of Metropoli- tan Chicago (SAMC) hosted Cheti Chand 2025, a spiritual gathering that included sacred rituals, joyous dances, and an eve- ning full of tributes to what organizers see as the undying spirit of Sindhiyat faith, food, festivity, and family. The Behrana Sahib and a soul-stirring Arti was led by Devika, to which devotees swayed and sang, invoking Jhulelal Sain, the Ishta Dev of Sindhis, the protector, the healer, the unifier, according to a press release from Jayanti Oza. The Jhulelal Juloos (procession) saw women in bright Sindhi Ajrak and men in traditional Sindhi topis dancing in circles, carrying the Behrana Sahib on their shoulders, celebrating Cheti Chand, the Sindhi NewYear. The immersion ritual was performed followed by distribution of prasad. The celebration planning by President Vinita Gulabani and Subhash Balaney, with a team of dedicated volunteers, resulted in a successful event. Dr. Gita Rupani set up the pooja space that many said it reminded them of their homes in Sindh, from the shimmering diyas to the meticulously prepared offer- ings. “It felt like my childhood temple in Larkana,” whispered Sudhir Raheja stand- ing still with moist eyes in front of Jhulelal Sain’s murti. The Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, addressed the gathering, calling Sindhis the bearers of one of the oldest living civilizations. He spoke about the annual Sindhi Conference in Ladakh, where the Government of India honors Sindhi contributions to world heritage. His words were met with thunderous ap- plause. Emcees Ria Matta and Henna Ballaney conducted the proceedings with warmth and wit, effortlessly tying the evening together. The cultural segment included dance performances, the men led by Vikas Kalwani, and women by Vinita Gulabani. Swapnil Sahu and Rinki Talati took the stage. Their voices, both playful and soul- ful, kept the dance floor packed. Swapnil’s peppy numbers blended perfectly with Rinki’s traditional tunes, this is Sindh!” exclaimed beaming Kavita Vanjani. Key roles for preserving and celebrat- ing Sindhi heritage was led by the SAMC Board made up of President: Vinita Gula- bani, Vice President: Puja Jiandani, Sec- retary: Subhash Balaney, Joint Secretary: Raj Khatri, Treasurer: Nand Belani, Joint Treasurer: SanjayWadhwani, Auditor: Kenny Gurnani, Public Relations Officer: Prakash Chatwani, Program Coordina- tors: Ria Matta, Ramya Jhaveri, Manisha Ballaney, Gita Rupani, Volunteer: Haresh Harpalani. Sponsors of the event included Sunil Shah (NewYork Life), SSS. Entertainment, Warenium Nedia Management (Media Partners), Splendor Celebrations (An- jali Raheja), Pinky and Dinesh Thakkar, Mindful Meditation Yoga (Anu Malhotra), Crossroads Animal Hospital (Dr. Bhupin- der Beri), US Bank (Anil Punjwani), VK Financials (Vikas Kalwani), Vinni’s Salon & Spa (Vinita Gulabani), Trinity Financials, Port of Peri Peri, Vidya Jyoti (Pratibha Jai- rath), Remax Real Estate (Jesse Singh), Formed in 1965, the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago (SAMC) strives to continue Sindhi traditions and connect generations through community events in an attempt to foster pride in Sindhi roots. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Courtesy Jayanti Oza Invoking Jhulelal Sain, the Ishta Dev of Sindhis, the protector, the healer, the unifier, at the Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s 2025 Cheti Chand celebration. Consul General of India, Chicago Somnath Ghosh. spoke about the annual Sindhi Conference in Ladakh, where the Government of India honors Sindhi contributions to world heritage. President Vinita Gulabani welcomingChief guest, Consul General of India in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, left. The cultural segment included vibrant dance performances. Community News India Times (May 3, 2025 - May 9, 2025) May 9, 2025 9