More than 300 community members come together at Levittown Hall to celebrate the Festival of Lights, honoring Indian culture, traditions, community leadership, and unity.
Our Bureau
Levittown, NY
The India Association of Long Island (IALI), in collaboration with the Town of Hempstead, hosted a spectacular Diwali celebration at Levittown Hall, bringing together more than 300 community members for an evening filled with cultural performances, traditions, spirituality, recognition, and togetherness.
The celebration was spearheaded by the IALI Women’s Forum in partnership with the Town of Hempstead Community Affairs Department, under the leadership of Supervisor John Ferretti and his dedicated team.
The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the diyas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a religious pooja, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Zahid Syed, Director of Community Affairs for the Town of Hempstead, welcomed everyone and introduced the significance and traditions of Diwali.
IALI President Jasbir Jay Singh addressed the gathering, highlighting the organization’s growth, its commitment to community service, and the accomplishments of the current executive team and past presidents. He also spoke about the numerous cultural, social, charitable, and community initiatives organized by IALI throughout the year. He expressed his gratitude to Supervisor John Ferretti, the Town of Hempstead, the Community Affairs Department, the IALI leadership, volunteers, and community members for making the celebration possible.
Keynote Speaker Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Chairman of the Nassau County Human Rights Commission, delivered an inspiring address on the deeper spiritual and cultural meaning of Diwali. He emphasized the timeless message of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. He also highlighted the significance of Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and shared blessings associated with Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
The evening was masterfully hosted by Amita Karwal, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. She introduced the executive committee, board members, chairs, and co-chairs representing IALI’s various forums, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the organization.
The IALI executive leadership and committee members present included Vice President Ravinder Kumar, Secretary HarGovind Gupta, and Executive Committee members Abha Bhatnagar, Shashi Goyal, Vijay Khanna, Manish Byala, Renu Kapoor, and Mohan Sharma.
A Celebration of Culture and Diversity
One of the highlights of the evening was an outstanding lineup of six cultural and dance performances showcasing the richness and diversity of Indian and South Asian traditions.
The performances included Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Bhangra, and Nepali cultural dances. The talented performers captivated the audience and created an atmosphere of joy, pride, and cultural celebration.
Honoring Community Leaders and Distinguished Personalities
As part of the celebration, IALI recognized and honored several prominent and distinguished personalities for their contributions and commitment to the community.
The honorees included:
- Gary Sikka
- Shalu Suri
- Sheetal Talati
- Tony Arora
- Ajay Sondhi
- Rosy Sondhi
- Angel Shah
- Shweta Nagpal
Their recognition reflected IALI’s continued commitment to appreciating individuals who make meaningful contributions to society and the community.
The organization also acknowledged the dedicated members of its Election Committee, including Om Bhambri, Rita Kashi Batheja, and Deepak Sachdeva, for their valuable service and commitment.
IALI: A Growing Voice for the Indian-American Community
With approximately 3,000 life members and a continuously growing membership, the India Association of Long Island has established itself as one of the largest and most influential Indian-American community organizations on Long Island.
Under the leadership of President Jasbir Jay Singh and his dedicated team, IALI continues to organize cultural celebrations, community outreach programs, educational initiatives, social gatherings, and charitable activities, bringing people together while promoting Indian heritage, diversity, and harmony.
The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm at the Diwali celebration demonstrated the strong bond between IALI and the community it proudly serves.
The evening concluded with gratitude and appreciation to the Town of Hempstead, Supervisor John Ferretti, the Community Affairs Department, IALI Women’s Forum, executive committee, volunteers, performers, honorees, and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
It was truly a night to remember — celebrating the Festival of Lights, the spirit of togetherness, and the strength of our community.