News India Times

Community News India Times (July 5, 2025 - July 11, 2025) July 11, 2025 18 www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal Holds Annual Summer Picnic P hiladelphia Rajasthani Mandal USA, PARAM, a community organization for Rajasthanis in the tri-state area, hosted its much-antici- pated Annual Summer Picnic June 28, 2025, a day filled with fun activities and celebration of culture and tradition. Chester County, PA, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, attended the celebration, and spent time interact- ing with the community and presenting certificates and awards to young Rajasthani participants. Children displayed their talent in a poster exhibi- tion on the importance of the Rajasthani language and culture during the Bhartiya Temple Gangaur Festival held in March this year. One of the most memorable highlights of the picnic was the live cooking of authentic Rajasthani delicacies—Dal Baati Churma and fresh Jalebi— prepared on-site by volunteers and community members. The rich aroma and vibrant flavors brought a taste of Rajasthan to American soil, de- lighting all attendees, a press release from organizers said. The celebration also featured traditional games, ethnic group dances, and spirited performances to Rajasthani folk songs, immersing those present in the colors, sounds, and joy integral to Rajasthani heritage. Families traveled from neighboring states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia; others driv- ing hundreds of miles, to be a part of the gathering. “We are Rajasthani Indian-Americans—rooted in our values, rising across oceans,” organizers said in the press release. “Even though many of us have been away from our homeland for four to five decades, our hearts have never left Rajasthan. We continue to speak our language with pride, cook our traditional foods with love, and instill timeless values of community, respect, and togetherness in our next generation.” Dr. Ravi Murarka, president of PARAM, reflected on the occasion, saying, “This picnic was not just a celebration—it was a reminder that even thousands of miles away, our culture thrives when we come together with unity and purpose. Seeing families, volunteers, and children connect through heritage, food, and music was truly heartwarming.” PHOTOS:PARAM Sangeet Gupta sharing her culinary skills while preparing the traditional jalebi dessert at the Annual Summer Picnic of the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal, PARAM, June 28, 2025. From left – Dr. Ravi Murarka, president of PARAM, Commissioner Josh Maxwell of Chester County, PA, and Pankaj Ajmera, PARAM Picnic Coordinator, at the June 28, 2025, Annual Summer Picnic hosted by PARAM. Attendees enjoying the Rajasthani Annual Summer Picnic in Philadelphia June 28, 2025. By a StaffWriter Global Indian Diaspora Foundation To Host Pre-Release Screening Of The Bengal Files In Chicago T he Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF) will host an exclusive pre-release screening of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s powerful new film, The Bengal Files, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at AMC Naper- ville. Following the critical acclaim of The Kashmir Files, Agnihotri’s latest work explores the tragic and often- overlooked events of Direct Action Day and the Noakhali massacres of 1946. The film sheds light on one of India’s most painful yet forgotten chapters that preceded Parti- tion. “This film confronts buried truths and awakens histor- ical memory,” said Rakesh Malhotra, GIDF President. “It’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India’s path to independence.” The Chicago screening is part of the national “One Truth. Ten Cities.” tour in partnership with I Am Buddha Foundation, CoHNA, and GKPD, and is supported by several community organizations, including Indica USA, Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, and VHP. The event will include a red-carpet welcome, address- es by Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi, and a community discussion session. Community support for this event is strong, with endorsements from: Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Chicago Kali Bari, Federation of Indian Associa- tions estd.1980, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation,and Indica USA. The Bengal Files officially releases worldwide on September 5, 2025. Chicago audiences will get an early, exclusive look at this powerful film on August 9. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO:@gidfoundation.org Logo of Global Indian Diaspora Foundation.