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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Indian Diaspora Leaders Urge Government Action Over Passport-Related Delays In Repatriating Mortal Remains including the NOC from the Indian Consulate, being in order,” Bhandari said. “The only hurdle is the passport, stuck with customs in Chicago for the last three days, delaying its cancellation. No airline is willing to transport the body due to fear of penalties.” The personal toll on families is devastating. “Mean- while, I receive calls at odd hours from the deceased’s brother, Dilip Patel, from Gujarat every day whose family hasn’t slept–desperately waiting to bring Rahul home,” Bhandari added, highlighting the sleepless nights and anguish that define the experience of families caught in this bureaucratic maze. Despite Indian consulates showing compassion by is- suing NOCs that acknowledge missing passports, families face additional trauma when remains arrive in India. Airport immigration officials sometimes detain bodies for hours, citing the absence of original travel documents, creating further delays in an already agonizing process. “We used to occasionally ship human remains even when the original passport was unavailable, with the support of the Indian Consulate-issued No Objection Certificate (NOC),” says Nannapaneni. “However, due to recent penalties imposed on airlines by the Bureau of Im- migration, carriers are now refusing to transport remains without an original passport. This has created heart- breaking challenges for grieving families who are unable to fulfill sacred religious rites and ensure a dignified final journey to their loved ones’ homeland.” The advocacy groups note this heartbreaking scenario occurs “even after families have endured days of emo- tional turmoil and logistical challenges to bring their loved one’s home.” Chief Advisor Prem Bhandari raises a fundamental question about the current system: “Indian Consulates, Embassies, and High Commissions issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the repatriation of mortal remains only after verifying the deceased’s Indian nationality. Therefore, penalizing airlines in such cases is neither understandable nor justified.” His words underscore the frustration felt by families caught between competing bureaucratic requirements while trying to honor their departed loved ones. In light of this growing crisis, TEAM Aid’s Chief Advi- sor, Prem Bhandari, has formally appealed to the Home Secretary of the Government of India, urging immediate intervention and a permanent resolution to protect and support Indian families in distress abroad. The organizations are requesting a formal directive or circular to airport and immigration authorities across India, stipulating that valid embassy NOCs mentioning passport unavailability should be sufficient for releasing remains without further delays. “We humbly request your intervention to streamline the process,” the letter states with quiet desperation, emphasizing that the issue “affects the dignity of the deceased and the sentiments of their families.” The groups describe the matter as a “critical humani- tarian concern” requiring immediate government atten- tion to support the Indian diaspora community, particu- larly the substantial population in North America. For families already shattered by loss, the additional bureaucratic hurdles transform grief into a prolonged nightmare, denying them the closure that comes with performing final rites in their homeland. -ANI - Continued From Page 9 Thousands Of Devotees Join Ratha Yatra Celebration In New Jersey T he India Cultural Society of New Jersey and Tri-State Odia Devotees of USA celebrated the famous Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) on Saturday, June 28, 2025, atWayne Hindu Temple. Thousands of devotees participated in the Yatra festival of Chaturdha Murti: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balavadra, Devi Suvadra & Lord Sudarshan for 18 consecutive years, a press release from organizers said. The Ratha Yatra festival marks the annual journey of three deities – Lord Ja- gannathji, brother Balabhadraji and sister Subhadraji – from the temple in a resplen- dent wooden chariot. Mahapuja began with sacred Yagna (prayer) in the afternoon by priest Sastri Anil Joshi & Pandit Pitambar Sarangi. Senior members of Temple Dr. Sarat Dash, Jayesh Patel, Dr. Dhiren Das, Akhil Patel, Kaushik Patel, Prabhas Panigrahi and Arvind Bhatt participated in the Ma- haPuja and Yagna. Many devotees including dignitaries attended the puja, Maha Aarati and the pahandi (ritual journey of the deities) ceremony. Sri Jagannath Bhajan by Dr Bijoy Das and the sound of Kirtan (devo- tional song) presented by devotees filled the temple. Kitchen volunteers prepared Maha Prasad and Chhapan Bhoga to offer their beloved God on this auspicious day. Other important rituals like Chhera Panhara (symbolic cleansing around the chariot) was performed by Dr Dhiren Das and Prabhas Panigrahi, with a broom (gold-handled), sprinkling sandalwood water while Priests chanted shlokas and other dignitaries were offering flowers to the deities. The Yatra was accompanied with a music ensemble that included Mridan- gam, Ghanta, Gini, and Kirtan devotees enjoyed pulling the elaborate chariot to Shri Gundicha Temple where deities will reside for 9 days. The Bahuda Yatra (return Rath Yatra) on which the deities return to the main temple from Gundicha temple (which is believed to be their aunt’s house), was celebrated on Sunday, July 6. This return journey is a significant part of the annual Rath Yatra festival. The term “Bahuda” itself means “return” or “homecoming” in Sanskrit. Live bhajan program, vocal perfor- mances, Indian Classical and Fusion Dance Ensemble were presented by local and professional artists. Several hundred attendees joined atWayne Hindu Temple auditorium and witnessed the splendid cultural show while enjoying authentic snacks and Lassi from the state of Odisha. Bahuda Rath Yatra started at 7pm from Sri Gundicha Temple and deities went back to Ratna Mandap after the Laxmi Darshan ritual. During the Bahuda Yatra, the chariot stopped on the way where the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a traditional sweet. Devotees got to be in the presence of Lord Sri Jagannath, Sri Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in their golden attire – “Suna Vesa” as the Maha Aarati was con- ducted. The Yatra ended with the serving of Mandir Prasad. By a StaffWriter Deities in golden attire for the Suna Vesa darshan. Priests who conducted the Maha Puja. Ringing of bells during the pujas for the Ratha Yatra. PHOTOS:Courtesy India Cultural Society/Other ORGANIZERS Community News India Times (August 2, 2025 - August 8, 2025) August 8, 2025 10