A Celebration of Heritage, Humanity, and Gratitude
Our Bureau
Queens, NY
The Sarvamangala Shri Saneeshwara Temple – NY hosted its Annual Thanksgiving Gala Luncheon, a dazzling celebration that combined community spirit, cultural brilliance, and humanitarian recognition. Under the dynamic leadership of Temple President Rupa Sridhar (Rupa Ji), the event brought together distinguished guests, honorees, and performers in a vibrant showcase of dharmic heritage and unity.
Honoring Humanitarian Excellence
The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Heritage & Humanity Award 2025, honoring individuals who embody dharmic values and uplift humanity through peace, humanitarianism, culture, and leadership. This year’s honorees included:
- Dr. Vasundara Kalasapudi
- Sri. Nikunj Trivedi
- Ms. Sunita Viswanath
- Ms. Prisha Gowda
- Ms. Leora
Each recipient was honored with a Citation, Plaque, and Shawl, and their names will be permanently featured on the temple’s website to inspire future generations.
Distinguished Guests
The gala was graced by the presence of civic leaders and dignitaries, underscoring the temple’s growing role in bridging cultural heritage with civic engagement:
- Ms. Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead
- Ms. Michelle Solages, New York State Senate Member
- Ms. Christine Lui, Council Member, Town of North Hempstead.
- Sri Sharanjit Singh Tind, Congressman Dist 18
- Sri. Dilip Chauhan – Dy Commissioner, Mayor’s Office New Your City
Their participation highlighted the temple’s impact as a cultural and humanitarian beacon in New York.
Cultural Extravaganza
The luncheon featured a spectacular cultural program, blending classical traditions with contemporary vibrancy:
- Sloka Performance & Bharatanatyam performance by : Sruthi Arun & Advaita Narla
- Group Singing: Curated by Guru Kumudha Venkatakrishnan, performed by young artists Anjana Venkatakrishnan, Anaeah Danamjey, Vihaan Shankar, Mahita Prakash, Satya Sentilkumar, and Suriya Senthilkumar, Abinav Krishnan & Anagha Ramkumar
- Vaishavi Ranadev performed a solo classical Dance & group Bhangra as part of Rangla Punjab Dance Academy, with dancers Rahet, and Rubani, curated by Vandana Sharma
- Traditional SathirAttam – Pushpanjali: Ankita Khanna and Moneesha Kumar
- Group Dance Medley: Curated by Ms. Gayathri Arun, featuring Anjana Venkatakrishnan, Anayeah Danamjey, Shruti Arun, Abhinav Venkatakrishnan, Mahati Prakash, and Adhya Santhosh
The performances electrified the audience, weaving together devotion, artistry, and cultural pride.
Closing Note
The Annual Thanksgiving Gala Luncheon 2025 was a resounding success, marked by heartfelt recognition, dazzling performances, and the presence of esteemed dignitaries. Guided by the vision and leadership of Temple President Rupa Sridhar, the event reaffirmed the temple’s mission to honor dharmic heritage, inspire humanitarian service, and strengthen community bonds.
