NEW YORK: The Indian American community in New York witnessed the launching of one more organization, the “NRI Federation” on Friday, April 17 at the Hindu Temple Auditorium in Flushing.
The event was graced by Bollywood’s star musician Bappi Lahiri and the Home Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Gulabchand Kataria. Over 500 attendees were present at the launch.
The abbreviation “NRI” stands for Non-Resident Indians and the Federation came into existence in September, 2014 after a meeting that two New Yorkers Deepak and Surbhi Kavadia had with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his last visit here.
They felt the need for an umbrella organization to represent all overseas Indians living across the globe, with the aim of assisting NRIs through various programs namely Adoption & Donations for Smart Village, Health & Medical Cultural Heritage Fairs, Preserving Vedic Cultural Heritage & Education, Youth Development & Education Program, Disabled & Underprivileged Child Support Program, Senior Center & Programs, Women Empowerment & Safety, etc.
The launch started with the American & Indian National Anthem by Pallavi Jain & group. Prominent Indian Americans TV Asia Owner H.R.Shah, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Ajay K. Lodha, Prabha Golia were honored for their services to the community. Dr Ajay Lodha offered his individual support as well as any help wherever needed on behalf of AAPI.
Late Shri Dr Banad N. Viswanath of ITV was remembered and honored for his life time dedicated services to the community.
An audio recording touched upon NRI Federation’s projects and initiatives including the goal to develop at-least 101 smart villages. The audio recording was followed by a slide show.
Several well wishing letters from top BJP leaders like Lal Krishna Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NJ Governor Chris Christie, Congresswoman Grace Meng etc were received and read.
An amazing fashion show and beautiful dances by Pallavi Jain, Arushi Shrimal, Maahika Naheta, Mihika Naheta, Karatika Bamb, Ashna Jain and Ishita Jamar, choreographed by Shreya Dhadda added a touch of sophisticated elegance. Bappi Lahiri’s musical night was the highlight of the event that rocked the audience through the evening.
Deepak Kavdia observed that “NRIs are sandwiched between their mother country, India, and the country that they live in. They often run into problems either at immigration, travel, investments, litigations, pilgrimage, real estate or matrimonial disputes. Living abroad, it certainly becomes very difficult and often impossible to fathom the problems and resolve them. Ultimately, one has to get prepared to give up the hard earned money, investments and property. Through the NRI Federation, everyone affiliated with the organization will be able to travel and invest with a renewed sense of confidence and security,” he said.
