News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (September 27, 2025 - October 3, 2025) October 3, 2025 12 Community Havan Held And Pledges Offered For PM Modi At 75th Birthday At Hindu Mandir Of New England T he Movement to Perform 75 Ha- vans and 75 lakh Global Pledges for Positive Mental, Spiritual, and Physical (MSP) Health was launched on the 75th birthday of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the largest Hindu Temple of New England, recently. This temple was visited by Modi in the 1990s during his pracharak days, a press release from organizers of the move- ment said. PMModi’s birthday falls on September 17. “The ceremony was filled with devo- tion, reverence, and gratitude, offering prayers for his long life, radiant health, enlightened wisdom, and indomitable strength so that he may continue to guide Bharat and the world with vision and courage,” organizers said in a press release September 24, 2025. Senior community leaders Pramit Maa- koday, Abhaya Asthana, Dr. Lakshmi Tha- lanki, Sanjeev Tripathi and many others represents several organizations, joined in performing the sacred Bhagvan Gane- sha and Ayush Homam. They pledged to carry forward the mission by conducting 75 Havans mainly across North America and around the world, symbolizing the collective sankalpa of the diaspora for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and a har- monious world. It is envisioned that the 75th Havan will be performed at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, organizers said. Abhaya Asthana, president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad America VHPA advisory board andWorld Hindu Council in his prayers, said that Prime Minister Modi’s disciplined and selfless life inspires mil- lions across the globe, and his leadership will continue to illuminate the path for Bharat as a developed nation and a moral guide to humanity. A highlight of the event was when Sonal Modi, the niece of PMModi, joined the Puja virtually. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the priests, senior community leaders, and participants for organiz- ing this sacred offering. She conveyed blessings and appreciation on behalf of the family, noting that this devotional tribute reflected the deep love, respect, and prayers of the diaspora for the Prime Minister on his 75th milestone birthday. The program also received blessings and support from physician, philanthro- pist and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media; Dr. Romesh Japra, Kanchan Ba- neerjee, president, and Gaurang Vaishnav, executive vice president of Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV). They all empha- sized how Modi “embodies the qualities of a visionary statesman, courageous re- former, and compassionate leader whose influence transcends borders.” The atmosphere at the temple was peaceful and filled with sounds of Man- tras and Nadaswara, the press release said, as devotees prayed not only for Modi to make Bharath a Viksit Bharat, but also for the United States of America and the whole world to be a better, more peace- ful place under the guiding principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – TheWorld is One Family. Pramit Maakoday, president Global Citizens Forum and Founder Boston Cen- ter of Excellence for Health and Human Development, emphasized that the event was an offering and collective prayer from over a hundred and fifty crore Indians worldwide. “Prime Minister Modi has always urged the global diaspora to adopt global best practices for the greater good of humanity. It reflects the wishes of a global community of citizens and seekers everywhere for Prime Minister Modi ji’s enduring vitality, resolute courage, en- lightened wisdom, and noble leadership to guide Bharat and humanity for genera- tions to come,” Maakoday said. Following the Havan, prasad was of- fered to all participants.” By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Courtesyorganizers Senior community leaders Pramit Maakoday, Abhaya Ashthana, Dr. Lakshmi Thalanki, Sanjeev Tripathi performing the Yagnya. Association Of Indians In America Announces Venue Change For Annual Deepavali Festival T he much-anticipated annual Deepavali Festival, hosted by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), NewYork chapter, will this time be held on October 11, at Overlook Beach near Jones Beach on Long Island’s south shore. Overlook Beach in Babylon is conveniently located and easily acces- sible from Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as Queens, organizers said in a press release September 23, 2025. AIA-NY is condideredb the oldest In- dian community organization in America, set up in 1967 with the motto of ‘Indian Heritage American Commitment’. Festival organizers promise to offer the same fea- tures the Festival is known for: fireworks, cultural performances, Meena Bazar, and ethnic food. Beena Kothari, president of AIA-NY invited everyone to the all-day celebration noting the organization has planned an “exciting” lineup of programs that high- light the Indian American community’s rich culture and heritage to entertain and engage the entire family, from kids to seniors. Admission to the public event is free. The flagship fireworks show is sched- uled for 7 pm on the shore (instead of on the water, as in previous years at the South Street Seaport) and will last 20-30 minutes. Among the performances is the signature 30-minute Ramayana Musical Live Dance Drama, and another which is about Ram Setu. The Jains’ Diwali connection will also be celebrated—on this day in 527 BCE, Bhagwan Mahaveer attained liberation. “Many lawmakers, dignitaries, in- cluding the Consul General of India in NewYork, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and celebrities will grace the festivities in big numbers,” the press release said. Entertainment includes Indian classi- cal and folk dances. A Fashion Show by Prashant Goyal, and a surprise Bollywood star appearance is expected, organizers said. Kids Corner, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, will offer games and fun activities, including henna painting. Adults can head out to the Health and Wellness Zone and take free Yoga and Zumba sessions. Retail and corporate booths will be set up in a tent area. A Meena Bazar where colorful Indian clothes and other products will be set up as will food stalls serving In- dian cuisine and masala chai. Visitors can take part in Rangoli and art competitions. Those interested can purchase tickets for the VIP dinner, which will be held in a private area before the fireworks. Buying raffle tickets could win you exciting grand prizes, the press release said. Main sponsors of the celebration include Bolla Oil, Mount Sinai, NewYork Cancer and Blood Specialists, Cheap-o- Air, Navika Group, ICICI Bank, and Ranju & Ravi Batra. Global TV channels, Zee and Sony, will show highlights of AIA Deepavali 2025. Local media supporters include Parikh Worldwide Media which publishes Desi Talk, News India Times, and Gujarat Times, and its affiliate ITV Gold, as well as TV Asia, Radio Zindagi, Jus TV, The South Asian Times, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Eye, Hum Hindustani, South Asian Insider, and Bollywood Insider. Contact for sponsorship and other details: Mrs Beena Kothari, Ph: +1 631 988 1280, theaianypresident@gmail.com, website: aia-ny.org A press conference is scheduled for Oct 1, 5.30-7.30 pm at Asa Mai Temple, Hicksville. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Courtesyorganizers Beena Kothari, president of AIA-NY.