News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (December 20, 2025 - December 26, 2025) December 26, 2025 10 Community Bridging Continents And Communities: Congressional Candidate John Bartlett Honors The Legacy Of Pramukh Swami Maharaj F or Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, now a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Dis- trict, the distance between New Jersey and Ahmed- abad, India, is bridged by a shared commitment to service, community, and spiritual leadership. As millions gathered globally to celebrate the 100th birthday of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Bartlett was there as a prominent voice for New Jersey, recognizing the profound impact the late spiritual leader has had not just in India, but right here in Passaic County. Joined by his wife Prof. Khyati Y .Joshi and their son Kedhar, Bartlett attended “PSM100,” a month-long festi- val of inspiration to mark the life of a guru whose motto was, “In the joy of others, lies our own.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Commissioner Bartlett, whose career in public service has been defined by advocacy for the vulnerable and the celebration of diversity. The 2021 centennial, which transformed a massive swathe of Ahmedabad into a temporary, awe-inspiring cultural and spiritual city, was a magnet for heads of state, international dignitaries, and millions of devotees. Commissioner Bartlett’s attendance was not simply a courtesy; it was a testament to his long-standing commit- ment to the BAPS community and his understanding of its profound civic contributions in New Jersey. Bartlett’s involvement with the Indian American community is both personal and professional. Living in Wayne with his wife Prof. Joshi, a noted scholar, he is in- timately aware of the cultural and spiritual currents that guide his Indian American constituents. He is currently a candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s11th Congressional District, running to succeed Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. The special election will take place on February 5, 2026, with vote-by-mail ballots available in late December. The 11th District includes tens of thousands of Indian American voters in Parsip- pany, Randolph, Livingston, Short Hills, Wayne, and elsewhere. Bartlett has long been a fixture at events hosted by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the organization Pramukh Swami Maharaj led for decades. He has witnessed firsthand how the values preached by the Swami—unity, selfless service, and humility—translate into tangible community benefits in New Jersey. From food drives to health fairs, the local BAPS mandirs (temples) have been hubs of civic engagement, often with Bartlett offering his support and official recognition. “The teachings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj regarding peace and community service reflect the highest ideals of public service,” Bartlett has noted in his interactions with the community. His support for the centennial was a natural extension of his commitment to services that embrace and include New Jersey’s immigrant communi- ties – including providing access for social services in languages like Gujarati and Bengali to ensure no one is left behind. For devotees in New Jersey, seeing their elected official honor their guru helps solidify their sense of belonging. It sends a message that their faith and their traditions are respected parts of the American mosaic. Bartlett’s engagement goes beyond a simple photo opportunity; it reflects a deep understanding of the unique bridge the diaspora builds between their ancestral home in Gujarat and their adopted home in New Jersey. As the centennial celebrations concluded, the mes- sage remained clear: while the festivities may have been centered in Ahmedabad, the spirit of the event was alive in northern New Jersey, championed by leaders like John W. Bartlett who understand that supporting a community means honoring the icons who inspire them. Through his continued friendship with the BAPS community, Bartlett ensures that the legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj—one of inclusion and service—remains a guiding principle in New Jersey’s future. By Khyati Joshi, Special to Desi Talk PHOTOS:PROVIDED American Punjabi Society Hosts Annual Gala Celebrating Culture And service H ICKSVILLE, N.Y. – The Ameri- can Punjabi Society held its annual gala this week, draw- ing elected officials, diplo- mats, business leaders and community members to celebrate Punjabi culture, service and leadership. The event, held at Pearl Banquet Hall, highlighted the organization’s humani- tarian work, cultural programming and youth initiatives, while honoring longtime community leader Harry Singh Bolla with its highest recognition, the Punjabi Ratan Award. APS Vice President Ajay Vir S. Sondhi opened the program, followed by Gen- eral Secretary VPS Sikka, who introduced President Gary S. Sikka and praised his leadership and commitment to commu- nity service. In his opening remarks, President Sikka expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the organization’s mission of seva, or selfless service, along with cultural preservation and unity. He credited APS’s growth and accomplishments to collective commu- nity support. Padma Bhushan award recipient Sant Singh Chatwal delivered keynote remarks, reflecting on the importance of cultural organizations in strengthening identity within the Indian diaspora. Chatwal, who played a key role in facilitating President Bill Clinton’s historic 2000 visit to India, praised APS for its work in community building, youth empowerment and hu- manitarian service. “APS is doing exemplary work in bring- ing our community together through seva, culture and service,” Chatwal said, also commending Sikka and his leadership team. The evening’s centerpiece was the pre- sentation of the Punjabi Ratan Award to Harry Singh Bolla, a patron of APS recog- nized for his philanthropy and leadership. Accepting the honor, Bolla credited his success to faith and community support and dedicated the award to hardworking Punjabis who uphold the spirit of service. Punjabi film star Neeru Bajwa attended as chief guest and shared reflections on storytelling and cultural expression. The program also featured a live musical performance by Punjabi singer Ms. Pooja, who energized the audience. APS leaders highlighted the organiza- tion’s 2024–2025 initiatives, including a GurdhamYatra pilgrimage with 135 participants, blood donation drives, can- cer awareness walks, youth mentorship programs and Vaisakhi celebrations in partnership with Nassau County. Women’s Council Chair Navneet Sikka Sondhi spoke about women-led initia- tives and announced upcoming winter coat and children’s holiday gift drives. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Indian Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, state and local officials from across Long Island, and representa- tives from Indian-American organiza- tions, faith institutions and law enforce- ment affinity groups. In closing remarks, President Sikka thanked APS officers, advisory board members and volunteers, noting that the gala reflected a community “rooted in seva, united by culture, and strengthened by shared purpose.” The American Punjabi Society is a non- profit organization focused on preserv- ing Punjabi heritage, promoting service, empowering youth and fostering civic engagement within the Indian-American community. By A StaffWriter Photo: N.Y. Photo: APS Punjabi film star Neeru Bajwa and Padma Bhushan recipient Sant Singh Chatwal pose with Consul General of India Binaya Srikanta Pradhan during the American Punjabi Society’s annual gala in Hicksville,