Our Bureau
New York, NY
“Bharat Mahotsav”, the Festival of One India, celebrated the culmination of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the proclamation of Amrit Kaal transforming India into New India from 24th to 28th August 2023 at Times Square Plaza in New York City.
It was organized by Confluence Dr. Amitabh Shrivastav, Smita Shrivastav and hosted by World Peace and Health Foundation by Pramod Bhagat and Ms. Neeraj Bhagat, with the Presence of Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Raj Bhayani, Mr Navin Shah, Mr Shuddh Prakash Jasuja, Spice-Indian Club United Nations, REDIO (Rescuing Every Distressed Indian Overseas), United Precious Insurance, Parikh Worldwide Media, Royal Albert’s Palace, Arya International to promote Indian Art and culture, Business Networking, Indian Fashion, Wellness on an international level and to provide a global platform to unsung talented artisans, weavers, and craftsmen of our country to showcase their unique & indigenous talent organized by Confluence celebrating ‘Culmination of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and proclamation of Amrit Kaal – transforming India to New India’, ‘Bharat Mahotsav’ – Festival of One India’ two of the most novel and inspiring initiatives of our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Also promoting Uttar Pradesh Tourism in association with UPANA. The Chief Guest for the event was H.E Randhir Jaiswal Consul General of India New York and the Special Guest of Honor was Amruta Fadnavis and Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan.
The Bharat Mohotsav New York 2023 saw various activities every day.
On 25th August 2023: the Swadeshi connect conference was held with topics on Eco Restoration, Health and Wellness Session about REDIO App at the United Nations Headquarter in association with SPICE Indian Club Represented by Shri Matbar Negi. On 26th August, Bharat Gaurav Samman – Swadeshi Manch, Swadeshi Samman, and Swadeshi Parade held at Times Square, New York. Swadeshi Parade event initiated by Confluence and put together by Fashion Designer Smita Shrivastav from her label ‘Smitha Banaras’ to showcase an upcoming line of clothing and accessories. Rina Dhaka the world-famous senior fashion designer, British Fashion Designer Lucilia Fernandes showcased her extraordinary designs.
A Musical Concert at Times Square was held with the performances of Amruta Fadnavis, Avitesh Shrivastava who is the son of Aadesh Shrivastava, and Josh Moreland from Hollywood. Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna and Mount Everest summiteer Akash Negi got felicitated by Bharat Gaurav Samman.
On 27th August, a “Swadeshi Wellness Conclave” Health and Wellness retreat was held in association with “World Peace and Health Foundation” at Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York.
On 28th August the culmination of event with spiritual summit performing the ritual of Rudrabhishek and the confluence of Ganga water with Hudson Water at Waterfront Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York.
On 27th and 29th August evening two grand galas were hosted by Navin Shah of Navika Capital and Albert Jassani of Royal Albert Palace in honor of Amruta Fadnavis and celebrated Chandrayaan’s successful landing on the Moon.
Bharat Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India and the Indian diaspora overseas it reflects socio–cultural, political, and economic identity. The conference showcased a book launch “Bharat – The Rising of Vishwa Guru” By Dr Vivek Singh at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. ‘Festival of one India shows India’s development through our ‘Swadeshi Manch’ which signifies Indian growth through the ‘last 75 years across all sectors.’
Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, said through video conferencing: “I extend my best wishes to Confluence for Organizing ‘Bharat Mahotsav’ – Festival of one India with hosting partner of the Event in USA World Peace and Health Foundation from 24th to 28th August 2023 at Times Square Plaza in New York City to promote Indian craft and culture, B2B meeting, Indian Fashion, Wellness on an international level and to provide a global platform to unsung talented artisans, weavers, and craftsmen of our country to showcase their unique and indigenous talent.”
Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM of Maharashtra added, “It’s very great to know that you all have come together to celebrate India’s grand success of Chandrayaan 3. I am very thankful to Mr Dilip Chauhan and the organizers of Bharat Mahotsav that they are celebrating such a great moment in New York. The contribution of our women scientists in this mission is great. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has named this landing site Shiva Shakti Point unlike before it is not only that India got added to the list of USA Russia and China for this achievement but proud to mention that India is the first country to land on the south pole of the moon.”
Dr. Smita Shrivastav, the Make In India Activist Founder-President Of Confluence said: “Taking Inspiration from “Make in India”, the idea of “Confluence” was to bridge the gap between art, artisans and the commoner. The quest was to create something meaningful and eccentric, streaming art for common people and simplifying art. Following the bugle of the Make in India motto, the Confluence initiative is also aiming to preserve and cherish the rich heritage of India in art and culture known since ancient times by our local folks.
Dr. Amitabh Shrivastav, the Curator of Bharat Mahotsav said: “Through the convergence of cultures and the celebration of heritage, we illuminate the tapestry of human expression. Confluence and Bharat Mahotsav stand as tributes to the symphony of diversity that shapes our world.”
Deputy commissioner for Trade, investment, and innovation for Mayor Eric Adams Office for International Affairs, Mr. Dilip Chauhan, graced this occasion with his presence and inaugurated the event. Speaking on the occasion Chauhan said that “Under the leadership of Mayor Eric Adams NYC is open for business and if you are looking to open your office or business in New York City please feel free to reach out to our office and will make sure to help you to expand your business in New York City.”
