RANA Celebrates 77th Rajasthan Diwas & Holi Sneh Milan at Indian Consulate in New York, Announces $5 Million Plus Indo-US Friendship Center Initiative

 

The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) proudly celebrated the 77th Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan at the Consulate General of India in New York, bringing together members of the Rajasthani diaspora, community leaders, and distinguished guests in a vibrant display of culture, unity, and tradition.

 

On this auspicious occasion, RANA President Prem Bhandari announced, on behalf of RANA Founder K.K. Chandra Mehta, an initial contribution of USD 5 million plus from the Mehta Family Trust toward the development of the Indo-US Friendship Center. This visionary initiative, conceptualized by Ambassador Binay K. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, will include a Rajasthan Bhawan, a Yoga and Ayurveda Center, a Convention Center, and a Social Center for Seniors. Discussions for this landmark project began during the previous RANA Deep Mahotsav. During the COVID-19 pandemic, K.K. Mehta demonstrated exceptional generosity by offering 100 rooms at his Times Square hotel for students in need and by hosting the Vande Bharat Mission–2 Air India crew at the request of Prem Bhandari.

The event also featured the prestigious Rajasthan Ratna Awards, conferred upon distinguished individuals for their remarkable contributions to society and philanthropy. The honorees included Dr. Samin Sharma, Dr. Narinder Kukar, Dr. Raj Bansal, Ashok Sancheti, and Jugal Kishore Ladda. All five were also appointed as Patrons of RANA in recognition of their outstanding philanthropic contributions in both the United States and India. Additionally, Nand Todi was honored with the Rajasthan Ratna Award for his continued humanitarian efforts, including a recent donation of USD 1 million toward a shelter home for the homeless in Montgomery County, Suburb of Philadelphia, along with his longstanding support of Jaipur Foot and Apna Ghar Ashram.

 

In recognition of humanitarian service, Team Aid Founder Mohan Nannapaneni and his team were honored with a plaque for their extraordinary work in facilitating over 5,000 repatriations of mortal remains to 27 countries, primarily to India, since 2017. All honors and awards were presented by Chief Guest Ambassador Binay K. Pradhan.

In his address, Prem Bhandari praised Ambassador Pradhan for his remarkable initiative of keeping the New York Consulate operational 365 days a year, serving more than 2 million Indians within its jurisdiction. Dr. Ravi Murarka, Media Chairman, further shared that during a recent welcome ceremony hosted by Team Aid in Boston, where Mr. Prem Bhandari served as Chief Guest, S. Raghuram newly appointed Consul General of Boston who was also Guest of Honor announced that the Boston Consulate would also adopt a 365-day operational model

Bhandari emphasized that Indian consulates across the world should follow this model wherever needed to better serve the community. Prem Bhandari also strongly advocated for the inclusion of Rajasthani Bhasha in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan to grant Rajasthani the status of a second language within the state.

 

Ambassador Pradhan elaborated on his vision for the Indo-US Friendship Center, while K.K. Chandra Mehta reaffirmed his commitment to the project and entrusted Prem Bhandari with leading its implementation, emphasizing the importance of preserving Indian culture and heritage for future generations. The celebration was further enriched by vibrant cultural performances, including flower Holi festivities, dance performances by RANA ladies and children, and a poetry recital by Abhinav Shukla. RANA Treasurer Neelam Modi welcomed the attendees, and RANA Secretary Ravi Jangarh delivered the vote of thanks.

 

It was also announced that a Jaipur Foot camp will be organized again in Gujarat, sponsored by BRUHUD NY Seniors under the leadership of its President Ajay Patel, in memory of his father, Late Shashikant Bhai. Last year’s camp was organized under the guidance of Harsh Vardhan Shringla, whom Bhandari praised as a steadfast supporter of Jaipur Foot initiatives.

 

The event stood as a testament to the unity, cultural pride, and philanthropic spirit of the Rajasthani diaspora, further strengthening RANA’s mission to preserve heritage while contributing meaningfully to society.

Jai RANA Jai Rajasthan!