News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community News India Times (October 25, 2025 - October 31, 2025) October 31, 2025 9 Atlanta Mayor Joins Hindu Organization To Hold 3rd Annual Diwali Celebration At City Hall O n October 20, 2025, Diwali lit up Atlanta City Hall as Mayor Andre Dickens joined hands with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted the Festival of Lights. The event brought together community mem- bers, lawmakers, diplomats, educators and entrepre- neurs, a press release from CoHNA said. Attendees included State Senator Jason Esteves who is a gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic Party, State Senator Emanuel Jones, House Representative Esther Panitch, House Representative Matt Reeves, and Consul General of India at Atlanta Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan among other dignitaries. The Mayor participated in the traditional lighting of the Diwali lamp joined by community leaders, symboliz- ing the festival’s enduring message of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Addressing the gathering, Mayor Dickens shared how honored he felt to join the gathering, the residents of Metro Atlanta, and over a billion people around the world, in celebrating one of the world’s most cherished festivals. He observed that while the stories and traditions may not always be the same, the message of Diwali is timeless—of light winning over darkness. A highlight of the evening was the Diwali Proclama- tion, handed to the CoHNA Board of Directors by Mayor Dickens in recognition of the festival as well as the contri- butions of the Hindu community in Atlanta. CoHNA vice president and co-founder Rajeev Menon thanked the mayor and lawmakers for their continued partnership, noting: “Every year, we see Atlanta’s embrace of Diwali grow stronger. This festival and the Proclama- tion reminds us that celebrating our faith is also about celebrating shared human values—hope, renewal, and community.” During the dinner, a surprise awaited attendees – Di- wali greetings via video, from Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who wished the community suc- cess and joy as they celebrated the popular festival. The evening featured classical dance and musical performances as well as remarks from several Geor- gia lawmakers who thanked the community for their partnership in their districts and pledged to stand by the community to challenge misconceptions and bigotry. Rep. Esther Panitch pointed out that Diwali and Ha- nukkah celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the miracle of light. “These aren’t just metaphors and old stories”, she added. “They are promises that we make to each other and the world that small flames when tended to with care can illuminate entire communities”. CoHNA board member Suresh Krishnamoorthy ad- dressed the emerging open ‘Hinduphobia’ saying, “We must reject the framing of Hindu Americans from the right and left, either as unpatriotic Americans or as sup- porters of a theocracy and genocide against non-Hindus.” He asked lawmakers to stand up against this whisper campaign and stop it from becoming a false narrative about Hindu Americans. Thanking the assembled guests, CoHNA general secretary Shobha Swamy said, “Atlanta has truly set an example for cities nationwide by making space for diverse voices. We are grateful for the Mayor’s partnership and the incredible community spirit that defines this city.” This year’s celebration is part of the ongoing Hindu Heritage Month celebrations in Georgia marked by doz- ens of events across the State—ranging from school and library exhibits to community Diwali fairs. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:CourtesyCoHNA Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joins CoHNA members to light the traditional lamp jump-starting the Diwali celebrations at City Hall, October 20, 2025. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens with CoHNA members displays the Diwali Proclamation recognizing the festival as well as the contributions of the Hindu community in the city. AristaCare Indian Nursing Home Program Celebrates 20th Anniversary, And Diwali A ristaCare Health Service, celebrated the 20th an- niversary of its visionary Indian Nursing Home Program October 19, 2025. The event also cel- ebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a memo- rable time for residents of the Cedar Oaks venue in South Plainfield, NJ. More than 100 guests as well as parents housed in the senior care facility, gathered to celebrate the anniversary as well as Diwali. Sweets and delicacies decorated the tables, as did religious images. The event began with Ganesh Vandana led by founder and president of the Indian Nursing Home Program, Mu- kund Thakar, who also spoke about his experience over the two decades. More than 20,000 Indian parents have been served by the facility, he said, calling it “my parents’ temple,” adding that currently he has “800 parents.” Young children performed a dance number, and women did the garba dance in a circle, all dressed in traditional finery. Thakar, who saw the need for culturally appropriate care needs for Indian seniors, worked with his wife Rama, and daughter Ankita Patel, to make it a reality. Ankita Patel is the director of the Indian Nursing Home Program. Among other services, Patel, noted, since the elders can- not visit temples easily, “We brought the temple here,” and programs such as Annakut etc. are held at the nurs- ing home. Support staff who work at the facility were also present at the event, as were residents, some of them in wheel- chairs. Thakar received support in his initiative from co- founder Sydney Greenberger, president of AristaCare Health Services, who was also present at the event. Greenberger, in his speech, wished everyone a Happy Diwali. He praised Thakar calling him a “really special hu- man being, saying what he does, “It is always been from his heart…. This was never a job. It was a calling. And you (Mukund Thakar) succeeded beyond anybody’s wildest imagination.” For two decades the Program has been dedicated to providing senior care services specializing in post-acute rehabilitation, memory care, and long-term care given to Indian senior citizens, Aristacare notes. Thousands have been served over the years with what families see as a nurturing community built on compassion, culture and care. Edison, NJ Mayor Sam Joshi arrived and mingled with the guests, chatting with community leaders and family members of the residents. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Raja Bhatty Founder and President of the Indian Nursing Home Program Mukund Thakar with his wife Rama, and daughter Ankita Patel, as well as staff and guests pose for a picture at the october 19, 2025, celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Program, and Diwali, at the Cedar Oaks facility in South Plainfield, NJ.