Our Bureau
Bridgewater, NJ
Federation of Indo American Seniors’ Association of North America (FISANA) and more than 35 Indian Organizations, participated and condemned Vociferously the barbarian Terrorist Attack on innocents, as they organized prayer and candle light vigil gathering at large in Indian market near Edison Cinema, New Jersey on April 27th, 2025 from 5pm. More than 35 Indian Organizations and community lead people gathered to pay tribute and highlighted this deeply affected crime against humanity.
Smita Gandhi called upon Iskcon priest who did prayers. More than 35 Indian Organizations started putting their emotions by holding pledge cards and long banners expressed in loud voices “Bharat Mata Ki Jay” “Vande Mātaram” and Edison Police requested them to have silent candle vigilance.
Mr. Vishal J Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India, Indian Consulate of New York, said “Indian Government is going after “every terrorist and their backers” following an attack that killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also, India announced the closure of a border with Pakistan and curbs to a special visa programme, along with other measures. Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi who knows that Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack, but Indian Police in J & K, have named three of the four terrorists as cowards attacking unarmed humans. His words of empathy, resilience, grief for the people in India and globally were particularly moving in remembrance.”
Edison Mayor Samip (Sam) Joshi said with loud voice about his deep sadness for the innocent humans and many injured who were deeply impacted and affected by the gun shots. Sam Joshi with deep sorrow and agony said how many people must have suffered within an empathic framework of terror, and understanding and processing the tragedy. India needs to stop the continuation of a long-standing pattern of cross-border terrorism. Mr. Sam Joshi thanked the gathering and requested to have flame of light in heart and mind with prayers for victims.
Piyush Patel, Chairman of FISANA said that the seniors in America, have tears in eyes and deep sadness in heart, condemning this cruel and brutal attack on Hindus in the majority. Suresh Patel-President of FISANA along with other 20 presidents of senior’s organizations, expressed their thoughtful and powerful speech about this heinous terrorist attack which has struck India and now globally, majority of countries support India against the terrorist attack.
Assemblyman Rob Karabinchak offered everyone a much-needed sense of comfort and solidarity during the time of deep mourning and sorrow and vociferously condemned the act. Congressman Frank Palone and Assemblyman Sterly Stanley sent condolence messages and extended their support to stand with Indian community. FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya also expressed his sadness and described the incident as a matter of resilience and grief for the people in India and globally this Pahalgam terror attack has placed every nation in remembrance for the victims.
Among other community speakers, Dr. Mukund Thakar – Vice Chairman, FISANA, Bimal Joshi-Former EDO Chairman, Tuhin Pandya – Golden Era, BJP Chapter of New Jersey (OFBJP) Amar Goswami and Krishna Reddy, Ganesh Ramakrishna of HSS USA, Nikunjbhai- Hindu CoHNA, SVAJAN Chairman Nalin Shah and President Mehul Shah, IBA President – Dhiren Amin, Global Kashmir pandit diaspora – Anil Kachroo, Vishva Hindu Parishad – Jay Bansal, OHM Kriya Foundation – Raj Laxmi, Vegan Vison – H K Shah, IASONJ – Rajubhai Shah, Umiyadham – Harshad Patel, Hemant Bhatt -AARC, BAPS, Vipul Signs, Honest Restaurant, and many more Hindu organization groups associated to stand and provide support in this tragic attack despite all the discomfort and anger against the terror attack.
Also, there was message from President Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio that America has made it clear that the United States stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. Americans pray for the lives of those who were injured and those who were lost. Vice President JD Vance also conveyed that “We American pray for those who lost life and sympathies with those who are injured, we wish them speedy recovery from their injuries and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
Seniors’ members of FISANA, meaningfully and powerfully reminded that Indian government should strengthen border security and Indian Hindu values. Bimal Joshi, Tuhin Pandya, Ganesh Ramakrishna, Vijay Shah, Smita Gandhi, Sharad Sound System took lead role in organizing Prayers and Candle Vigil events.
On behalf of FISANA and all associated organization, Suresh Patel thanked departments of Edison Police, Fire and EMS and their presence till end of the day. Presence of TV ASIA, ITV GOLD, MANA TV, AAJ TAK and many other media outlets were specifically acknowledged for their coverage of the event by Bimal Joshi and Vijay Shah.
