Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York Chapter celebrated its 37th Annual Deepavali Festival with vibrant festivities aboard a cruise on the East River on October 6, 2024.
Over 400 esteemed guests from the community, adorned in traditional Indian attire, set sail on Skyline Princess Cruise from World Fair Marina in Flushing, NY. The beautiful fall weather added to the warmth and joy of the occasion.
Dr. Jagdish Gupta, AIA-NY President, stated: “Sailing down the East River, we all enjoyed breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline, passing under iconic bridges linking Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn and viewing the Statue of Liberty up close.”
Anchoring on the northern side of Liberty State Park in the Atlantic Ocean, guests enjoyed AIA’s spectacular 37th Annual Fireworks Display. The mesmerizing pyrotechnic show, accompanied by the sounds of Indian music on the observation deck, enchanted those on the cruise as well as spectators from the New Jersey shoreline.
This year’s innovative celebration was organized by AIA-NY, founded in 1967 with the mission to promote India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering these values among younger generations in America. Their motto is: “Indian Heritage, American Commitment.”
In his opening remarks, Dr Jagdish Gupta highlighted AIA’s significant achievements over almost six decades. These include New York City’s recognition of Diwali as an official holiday in 2005, the suspension of alternate side street parking for the festival, the celebration of Diwali at Gracie Mansion and later at the White House in 2006, and the release of the Diwali ‘Forever Stamp’ by USPS in 2013. He also acknowledged the establishment of the Diwali holiday in NYC public schools last year, thanking Mayor Eric Adams and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar for supporting this historic accomplishment.
Emphasizing Diwali’s message of “light over darkness,” “knowledge over ignorance,” and “hope over despair,” Dr Gupta called on everyone to light the flame of hope, resilience, and positivity in their hearts and homes, and to remember the festival’s essence of giving, sharing, and togetherness.
The celebration, post-disembarkation, began with the cocktail hour offering Indian and American beverages alongside an array of Indian hors d’oeuvres. The mood was set by the enchanting saxophone tunes of Sobars Macwan, who played melodious Bollywood music. Gala Chair Mrs. Beena Kothari, welcomed the guests, followed by Dr. Gupta’s introduction of the AIA-NY leadership team and honored guests.
A special mention was made of Dr. Louis Kavoussi, a world-renowned urologic surgeon from Northwell Health, and the event’s honoree, Dr. Manish A. Vira, Chief of Urologic Oncology at Northwell Cancer Institute. Dr. Vira was recognized for his excellence in urologic oncology surgery. He thanked AIA-NY for the honor and praised the organization for its contributions to the community.
The Sunny Gill Music Group performed Bollywood hits to serenade the guests at the sumptuous dinner. The Jain Senior Group presented beautifully choreographed Garba dances. All enjoyed an evening filled with singing, dancing, and joy under the salubrious fall skies.
The magnificent Diwali celebration was made possible by the generous support of the community and sponsors, including Fareportal/ CheapOair/ One Travel, New York Life, Mount Sinai Health System, Northwell Health System, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, and all media sponsors.
AIA-NY extended its heartfelt Diwali wishes to the community, praying for peace, prosperity, and happiness for all. May the divine light of Diwali illuminate your homes and guide your path toward a future filled with success and joy.
