News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Special Report News India Times (July 5, 2025 - July 11, 2025) July 11, 2025 16 Indian Film Icons To Lead FIA’s India Day Parade. Cricket Revolution Promised At Curtain-Raiser explained, unveiling a pastel-colored poster adorned with mandalas and peace symbols. In a major step toward inclusivity, this year’s Parade will allow ethnic associa- tions to enter floats free of charge. “This parade isn’t pay-to-play; it’s pride-to- participate,” he declared. Chairman of FIA Ankur Vaidya paid tribute to late Chairman Emeritus Ramesh Patel, reminding attendees that the curtain-raiser belongs to the community, not FIA. He reaffirmed FIA’s volunteer-driven logistics and high- lighted new post-parade collaborations, including MOUs and a gala at Cipriani Wall Street. The FIA Executive Committee offered rapid-fire updates underscoring the scale of the event. • Dr. Avinash Gupta, Immediate Past President, highlighted the parade’s continuous growth and encouraged all to subscribe to the Diaspora Bi- Weekly newsletter. • Joint Treasurer Haresh Shah, con- firmed the August 15 flag-hoisting at Times Square, and Mahesh Dubal, Joint Secretary, announced that the Empire State Building would be lit in India’s tricolor the same evening. • Vice President of FIA, Deepak Goel, identified participation from Guya- nese, Mauritian, and Réunion Island contingents, celebrating India’s global identity. FIA Executive VP Smita Miki Patel un- veiled plans for 18 youth performances built around the parade’s wellness theme. Priti Ray Patel, Vice President, pre- viewed the post-parade gala, promising cultural richness, including a city-wide “Gol Gappa Competition” to crown the pani-puri champion. “This gala blends tradition with modern elegance,” noted Gala Conve- nor Manan Saxena/ “Expect NewYork’s longest Instagram-worthy dessert table brimming with Indian and global treats.” State Bank of India (USA) Country Head Amit Verma reflected on the bank’s parallel journey with FIA. “We arrived in 1971, FIA was founded in 1970—our stories are braided together.” With cricket’s explosive potential and the star power of Indian cinema con- firmed, the FIA leadership envisions the 43rd India Day Parade to be a cultural and sporting milestone. Madison Avenue is poised to transform into a living celebration of Indian identity with the tri- color, dances, costumes, music etc. PHOTOS: Jayesh Pateland Adnan Khawaja,courtesyFIA - Continued From Page 14 Cricmax Connect team felicitating Deputy Consul General – Vishal Jayesh Harsh at the June 27, 2025, curtain raiser for the India Day Parade in August. Sridhar Chillara Named Chair Of South Asian Coalition For Ciattarelli 2025 A t a major community gather- ing in Edison, New Jersey, gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli officially appointed Sridhar Chillara as Chairman of the South Asian American Coalition for Jack 2025. The announcement was made in the presence of prominent community leaders from across the state, highlight- ing the campaign’s focus on strengthen- ing grassroots engagement within New Jersey’s growing South Asian population ahead of the November election. In his new role, Chillara will lead an ambitious effort to unify and activate voters through the formation of multiple sub-coalitions representing key South Asian national communities, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan Americans. Within the Indian American coalition, Chillara plans to establish language-based cul- tural wings to ensure tailored outreach and meaningful voter engagement. These will include Telugu, Gujarati, Tam- il, Punjabi, and Hindi-speaking groups, with flexibility to incorporate additional language communities as needed. As part of the coalition’s infrastructure, Chillara will build a leadership team, advisory council, and several special- ized committees focused on mobilizing support. These committees will address digital engagement through social media, organize campaign events at temples and cultural festivals, foster partnerships with local associations, and promote outreach to youth and women. Strategic initiatives will also include voter registration drives, community conversion campaigns, and targeted fundraising efforts. “This is not just an appointment — it’s a movement,” said Chillara. “With over one million South Asians living in New Jersey, our voice and our vote have the power to shape the state’s future. We are ready to deliver a decisive victory for Jack Ciattarelli.” The announcement reflects the Ciat- tarelli campaign’s broader strategy to energize ethnic communities and expand its base through culturally aligned, grassroots-driven initiatives. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Sridhar Chillara Chairman,South Asian American Coalition for Jack 2025 Jack Ciattarelli congratulates Sridhar Chillara following his appointment as Chairman of the South Asian American Coalition for Jack 2025. Gubernatorial candidate for New Jersey Jack Ciattarelli with Sridhar Chillara on his left, and other South Asian supporters pose for a photo.