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Vaisakhi celebrated at Indian Consulate in New York
Community members and local representatives came together to honor the spirit of the festival.
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Parveen Chopra - Thu, 17, Apr 2025
- 11:46 EDT
- 153
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The program began with a soulful Shabad. / Courtesy- Parveen Chopra
New York: The Indian Panorama together with the Indian Consulate organized a celebration of Vaisakhi on April 11 at the Consulate.
Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan described it as “a joyous celebration honoring the spirit of Baisakhi and Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.” Amb. Pradhan highlighted the teachings of Sikh gurus who emphasized qualities of compassion, harmony, service, and equality. He also recognized the Punjabi community’s contributions to India’s nation-building.
Consul General Binaya Pradhan addressing the gathering. / Courtesy- Parveen ChopraProf Indrajit Singh Saluja, editor-publisher of The Indian Panorama, who put together the program, stated that Vaisakhi was originally a Punjab harvest festival when Guru Gobind Singh chose the day to give birth to Khalsa in 1699, so Vaisakhi is now also Sikh Foundation Day.
Keynote speaker Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, a Sikh scholar and author, further reflected on the founding of the Khalsa and shared some interesting anecdotes from its history.
Eminent attorney Ravi Batra shared his moving experience at the Golden Temple and saluted the Sikh gurus for saving India as a nation with their sacrifices.
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(L-R) Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja and Ravi Batra. / Courtesy- Parveen Chopra
I, as a Hindu and founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, had the privilege to felicitate the Sikh community on Vaisakhi. Ahmed Shakir spoke on behalf of Muslims and Koshi Thomas for Christians.
Apart from community leaders among the 100-plus audience, New York State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava graced the event and briefly spoke. All the presenters were honored with shawls. Amb Pradhan’s wife, Monalisa Shuvadarshini greeted and thanked each presenter.
Amb. Pradhan with guests and organizers. / Courtesy- Parveen ChopraThe program began with a soulful Shabad, ‘Deh Shiva var mohe,’ after which Consul (Community Affairs) Pragya Singh kicked off the proceedings, ITV Gold anchor Jyoti Kachroo emceed the program. The event concluded with a Bhangra performance and dinner.
Bhangra performance was a highlight of the event. / Courtesy- Parveen ChopraAmb. Pradhan thanked The Indian Panorama and Prof Saluja for organizing the event, and for holding the Holi/Hola celebration on Long Island a week earlier.
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