Our Bureau
Queens, NY
Bruhud New York Seniors, a non-profit socio-cultural organization serving the greater New York City area since 2009, celebrated its annual Diwali event at the Hindu Community Center in Queens on November 8, 2025. The grand celebration was attended by over 700 guests from across the tri-state area.
The evening began with a sumptuous dinner, bringing together members and guests in a spirit of festivity and community.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan, Deputy Consul General Vishal J. Hersh, and was presided over by Mr. Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA.
In his remarks, Mr. Ajay S. Patel, President of Bruhud, shared updates on the organization’s humanitarian initiatives. Following last year’s Diwali announcement, Bruhud successfully organized a free artificial limb fitment mega camp in Mahudi, Gujarat, in January 2025, benefiting over 500 individuals. With the support of Jaipur Foot, additional devices such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, and calipers were also distributed to those in need.
Consul General Pradhan spoke about the opening of new Indian community centers in Edison, NJ, Columbus, OH, and Boston, MA, to better serve the Indian diaspora. He also emphasized that the Consulate, in partnership with Team Aid, now provides free assistance for the repatriation of remains for Indian passport holders.
Mr. Bhandari highlighted India’s recent celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, noting his pivotal role in uniting the nation. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, citing India’s remarkable progress from the world’s tenth-largest economy in 2014 to the fourth-largest today.
During the program, three distinguished individuals were honored for their outstanding service to the community:
- Mr. Ashok Sancheti, President, Pioneer Gems LLC
- Captain Pratima B. Maldonado, the first South Asian female Captain in the NYPD
- Mr. Atit J. Thakore, Patel Brothers Group
The evening featured vibrant entertainment by Swar Sarita and Indian Idol singer Khuda Baksh, delighting the audience well past 11:00 p.m. The program concluded with a parting gift presented to all attendees as a token of appreciation and festive goodwill.
