News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know . i i i . – t ’ a l y n t k News India Times (April 4, 2026 - April 10, 2026) April 10, 2026 26 Community Association Of Indians In America Strengthens Ties With Queensborough Community College O n March 25 witnessed another chap- ter in the history of the Association of Indians in America – NewYork Chapter (AIA-NY) when it strengthened educa- tional ties with the Queensborough Community College (QCC) through scholarships and cultural exchanges. AIA National Past President Dr Urmilesh Arya and Dr Yashpal Arya gifted $10,000 for ten scholar- ships of $1,000 each to students from low-income families enrolled in certificate and associate degree programs at QCC. This University is one of the top-ranked community colleges in the CUNY system and has its campus in Bayside, NY, a press release from AIA-NY said. The Aryas presented the scholarship check to QCC President Dr Christine Mangino thanking her and her team for the growing partnership with AIA-NY. They were joined at the ceremony by AIA- NY President Beena Kothari, Past President Dr. Jagdish Gupta, and community leaders including Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo, chairman of the Indo American Arts Council. This collaboration with QCC started last year with the establishment of the Student Success Scholarship Fund, initiated with the support of AIA-NY leadership, the Arya Family Foundation and Dr Jagdish Gupta. Since then, 31 QCC students have been supported with scholarships during Holi and Deepavali celebrations at the campus. “It reflects AIA-NY’s ongoing dedication to educational empowerment and community upliftment,” the organi- zation said. Over the past year, AIA-NY and QCC have celebrated several important cultural events to- gether, including Holi – Festival of Colors, and Deepavali – the Festival of Lights. These events brought together students, faculty, families, and community leaders in joyful celebrations featuring music, dance, and the arts. On March 25 this year, 75 students of Indian origin exuberantly celebrated Holi with gulal. They were joined by 50 prominent members of the Indian community invited by AIA-NY, in- cluding AIA National President Nilima Madan, Past President Gobind Munjal, Dr. Raj Modi, Harsh Vyas, Anita Thakkar, newspaper editors Sunil Hali and Jasbir Jay Singh. “This collaboration with QCC marks a significant milestone in AIA-NY’s mission to strengthen educational access while preserving and celebrating Indian heritage through mean- ingful community engagement,” organizers said. Founded in 1967, the AIA-NY chapter is one of the oldest Indian-American community organizations in the United States. It’s mission is to promote cultural heritage, education, and community service through pro- grams, scholarships, and events. The annual Deepavali festival in the first week of October is its flagship event. By Saurabh Sharma Hundreds Join 38th Phagwah Parade In Queens, Assembly Member Rajkumar Portrays Kali T he 38th Annual Phagwah Parade in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York, witnessed Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar dressed in a red traditional dress, with a crown on her head, a trishul or trident in her right hand, and with the left side of her face painted dark. The Assemblywoman, the first Hindu American elected to NewYork State Office, has also been a Grand Mar- shall of the parade in the past. This year, the atmosphere was livelier than ever according to participants, fea- turing vibrant colors, music, and food. Kali, the Hindu goddess, is known to be benevolent, but furious if witnessing a wrong, bringing out the dark fury of her which makes her devotees worship her but also fear her. Kali in Indian theology represents the female power of the uni- verse, denoting the strength and power of any woman. Rajkumar adopted the form of Goddess Kali to embody “fierce,” “powerful” divine feminine energy and the triumph of good over evil, as she had said in a previous post. Earlier, as part of theWomen’s History Month, she had hosted theWomen’s Em- powerment Celebration atWoodhaven’s American Legion Post 118 on Saturday, March 28, honoring female community leaders and trailblazers in south Queens, including the late Assembly Member Catherine Nolan. Rajkumar has become a regular pres- ence at the Phagwah parade, with com- munity members engaging heavily with her, such as when she attended alongside officials like Senator Chuck Schumer. This year she attracted even more people desir- ing to meet her. Phagwah (Holi) is a major celebration of Hindu culture, marking the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The Phagwah parade is a major cultural event in Queens, celebrating diversity and the Indo-Caribbean community. Like every year for the past 37 years, the parade was a grand occasion bringing thousands of people from the tristate area together for a cultural celebration of the Holi festival. Beginning at Liberty Avenue and 133rd Street, the parade ran west on Liberty Av- enue, north on 124th Street, east on 97th Avenue and south to 125th Street. Several floats were featured during the parade, with some featuring dancing participants and Caribbean music. People waited on the sidewalks with children and families and friends to wit- ness the parade of bands, groups and floats marching down in Richmond Hill, known to NewYorkers as Little Guyana. Mayor Mamdani was the Grand Mar- shall for this year’s parade and walked with it, joining people playing Holi, and participating in the color throwing. Thanking the organizers of the parade for their persistent hard work, Mamdani said, “Thank you to everyone who is here, because today is a celebration of color, of joy, of life.” After the parade, Mamdani’s post on Facebook said: The 38th Annual Phagwah Parade was livelier than ever—NewYork City is definitely ready to welcome Spring. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards was also part of the parade along with Mamdani. The parade culminated at Phil Rizzuto Park, where attendees enjoyed live music, cultural performances and family-friendly activities. By Archana Adalja PHOTO:A STILL FROM AYOUTUBEVIDEO /VIDEOGRAB PHOTO:AIA-NY PHOTO:COURTESY JENIFER RAJKUMAR A colorful bus at the 38th Phagwah Parade. AIA members and Queensborough Community College ofiicals at the check presentation. Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar poses for a photo with a group of young dancers at the 2026 Phagwah Parade.