Members of Parliament Shri C.P. Joshi ji, Her Royal Highness Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar ji and Shri Rahul Kaswan ji Join Prominent Community Leaders and the Rajasthani Diaspora; Youth of Rajasthan Unveils Its SANGANAK Digital Education Initiative
Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
The Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) hosted a grand reception at Royal Albert’s Palace, New Jersey, to honor a distinguished Indian parliamentary delegation visiting the United States. The prestigious gathering brought together approximately 100 prominent members of the Indian-American and Rajasthani diaspora, including business leaders, IT executives, entrepreneurs, media representatives, elected officials and community leaders.
The evening welcomed Shri C.P. Joshi Ji, Honorable Member of Parliament, Former BJP Rajasthan State President and leader of the visiting Indian delegation; Her Royal Highness Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar Ji, BJP Member of Parliament representing Rajsamand and a member of the royal family of Mewar; and Shri Rahul Kaswan Ji, Congress Member of Parliament from Churu.
The event was a remarkable celebration of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, traditional hospitality and the collective commitment of the global Rajasthani community to education, youth empowerment and the development of its motherland.
A Grand Traditional Welcome by ROAR Leadership
ROAR President Mrs. Tarang Soni, along with Founder and Patron Shri Parmeshwar Soni and Lifetime Patron Shri Haridas Kotahwala, extended a heartfelt welcome to the distinguished parliamentarians.
The dignitaries were honored with traditional Rajasthani dupattas, beautiful bouquets, commemorative plaques and ROAR’s magazine, symbolizing the community’s deep respect, cultural pride and affection for its homeland.
Shri Dilip Chauhan Ji, Former Deputy Commissioner of New York City; Shri Rajesh Mehta Ji, Councilman of North Brunswick Township; Shri Piyush Patel Ji; and ROAR’s patrons and executive members also joined in welcoming and honoring the visiting delegation.
The gathering reflected the strong bonds connecting Rajasthan with its global diaspora and provided an important platform for meaningful discussions on education, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and community development.
ROAR’s Vision: Preserving Heritage While Creating Opportunities
In her welcome address, ROAR President Mrs. Tarang Soni highlighted the organization’s journey and its unwavering dedication to keeping Rajasthan’s rich traditions, culture and heritage alive in the United States.
She emphasized that ROAR’s mission extends far beyond organizing cultural festivals and celebrations. The organization continues to build a strong community network by creating opportunities for business and professional connections, employment support, matrimonial networking, youth engagement and community service.
She proudly highlighted the growing involvement of the younger generation through Youth of Rajasthan (YOR), ROAR’s youth wing, which is encouraging young Indian-Americans to embrace their cultural identity while developing leadership skills and contributing meaningfully to society.
The message of her address centered on a powerful vision: preserving our roots while creating opportunities for future generations.
Founder and Patron Shri Parmeshwar Soni Ji reflected on the vision behind establishing ROAR and the importance of bringing the Rajasthani community together on a unified platform.
He emphasized opportunities in business investment, tourism, hospitality, entrepreneurship and youth leadership, encouraging meaningful collaboration that can generate employment, foster innovation and support Rajasthan’s economic development.
His message underscored the importance of transforming community relationships into lasting partnerships that benefit both Rajasthan and the Indian-American community.
Lifetime Patron Shri Haridas Kotahwala Ji highlighted the tremendous potential of the global Rajasthani diaspora to strengthen economic and social connections between India and the United States.
He emphasized that cultural preservation, community unity and strong intergenerational relationships are essential to ensuring that Rajasthan’s traditions continue to flourish abroad. He also encouraged the diaspora to remain actively involved in initiatives that contribute to the progress and prosperity of Rajasthan.
Education Unites Leaders Across Political Lines
Education and youth empowerment emerged as the central themes of the evening, with all three Members of Parliament emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation.
Shri C.P. Joshi Ji, addressing the gathering, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception and acknowledged ROAR President Mrs. Tarang Soni for her continuous dedication to promoting and preserving Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage in the United States.
He spoke passionately about the transformative power of education and the responsibility of communities to nurture, guide and empower young minds.
He emphasized the importance of connecting the next generation with its cultural roots while equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Her Royal Highness Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar Ji applauded the efforts of Youth of Rajasthan and praised the young leaders for taking meaningful steps toward improving educational opportunities for underprivileged students.
She particularly appreciated the vision behind the SANGANAK Initiative and expressed her willingness to extend support and encouragement wherever possible.
Shri Rahul Kaswan Ji highlighted the importance of strengthening schools and colleges in Rajasthan through active community participation.
He encouraged members of the diaspora to consider adopting schools in their native communities, contributing educational resources, improving infrastructure and supporting institutions that serve students in need.
Although the three parliamentarians represent different political affiliations, their messages reflected a shared conviction that education transcends political boundaries and remains one of the most powerful investments in the future of society.
Youth of Rajasthan Presents SANGANAK: A Vision to Transform Digital Education
One of the most inspiring highlights of the evening was the presentation of The SANGANAK Initiative by Atharva Soni, Founder and President of Youth of Rajasthan (YOR).
The youth-led initiative aims to modernize government schools across Rajasthan by establishing computer laboratories and providing access to digital education and modern technology for students from underserved and economically disadvantaged communities.
Through SANGANAK, Youth of Rajasthan envisions bridging the digital divide, strengthening technological literacy and providing students with opportunities to develop essential computer skills that can shape their academic and professional futures.
Atharva Soni outlined the initiative’s objectives and announced that the first pilot program is planned for December 2026–January 2027, marking an important step toward translating the vision into tangible action.
The presentation was warmly received by the distinguished parliamentarians and community leaders, who recognized the importance of youth-driven initiatives in advancing educational development.
The initiative represents an important milestone for ROAR, demonstrating how young Indian-Americans can remain connected to their heritage while contributing directly to the progress of communities in Rajasthan.
A Celebration of Rajasthan’s Rich Culture and Royal Hospitality
The evening beautifully reflected the cultural richness, warmth and traditional hospitality for which Rajasthan is renowned.
The program commenced with a patriotic rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a traditional Ganesh Vandana, invoking blessings and setting an auspicious tone for the gathering.
A vibrant Ghoomar dance performance added color and elegance to the celebration, bringing Rajasthan’s timeless folk traditions to life and creating a memorable cultural experience for the visiting delegation.
The distinguished guests were also treated to an authentic Rajasthani culinary experience featuring Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Mirchi Pakode, and a variety of other traditional delicacies.
The traditional welcome, cultural performances and exquisite cuisine beautifully showcased the pride and affection that overseas Rajasthanis continue to hold for their homeland.
Bringing Together Leaders, Entrepreneurs and the Global Rajasthani Diaspora
The prestigious reception was attended by approximately 100 distinguished guests, including CEOs of IT companies, business owners, entrepreneurs, media professionals, community representatives and prominent members of the Rajasthani diaspora.
The gathering provided an opportunity for meaningful interaction between Indian policymakers and the Indian-American community, highlighting the potential for collaboration in education, tourism, business investment, entrepreneurship and youth development.
The presence of elected officials and community leaders further reflected the growing influence and contributions of the Rajasthani community in the United States.
Discussions throughout the evening reinforced the belief that the global diaspora can play a significant role in supporting Rajasthan’s development by contributing knowledge, resources, professional expertise and opportunities.
Beyond a Welcome: A Shared Commitment to Rajasthan’s Future
The evening was much more than a ceremonial reception. It became a platform for shared aspirations, meaningful dialogue and a renewed commitment to giving back to Rajasthan.
From preserving cultural traditions to empowering young leaders, strengthening educational institutions and creating new avenues for collaboration, the gathering reflected ROAR’s expanding vision of community service and global engagement.
The encouragement received by Youth of Rajasthan for its SANGANAK Initiative marked a particularly meaningful moment, demonstrating the potential of the next generation to drive positive change.
The event concluded with gratitude, a spirit of unity and a collective determination to strengthen the bonds between Rajasthan and its global community.
As ROAR continues to celebrate Rajasthan’s glorious heritage on American soil, it is equally committed to building a future where culture inspires connection, education creates opportunity and youth leadership drives meaningful progress.
About ROAR
The Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) is a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating the rich cultural heritage, traditions and values of Rajasthan.
Through cultural festivals, community networking, educational initiatives, professional connections, philanthropic activities and youth leadership programs, ROAR continues to strengthen relationships among Rajasthanis living abroad while maintaining meaningful connections with their motherland.
Its youth wing, Youth of Rajasthan (YOR), empowers the next generation through leadership development, cultural engagement, community service and educational projects, including its flagship SANGANAK Initiative, which aims to expand digital learning opportunities in government schools across Rajasthan.