The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) celebrated RANA Day and India's Independence Day with a luncheon in New York, honouring cardiologist Dr. Samin K. Sharma following his appointment as Chief of Clinical Cardiology at Mount Sinai.
RANA President Prem Bhandari praised Sharma's career and humanitarian work, saying, "Dr. Samin Sharma means cardiology."
The event also focused on RANA's social welfare initiatives in Rajasthan, particularly its work with Ghumantu, Ardh-Ghumantu and Denotified communities. Bhandari highlighted programmes covering sanitation, social awareness, employment and education, carried out with the Chandra–K.K. Mehta Family Foundation.
He said the organisation plans to support deserving children from these communities through their education, with the aim of helping them pursue careers as doctors, engineers and civil servants.
The gathering was attended by Dilip Chauhan, who helped secure New York City's proclamation of August 6 as "RANA Day" last year, as well as senior Indian Foreign Service officer Surender Adhana. RANA patrons, board members and representatives of the Indian-American community were also present.
RANA Vice President Dr. Sharad Kothari, Secretary Ravi Jargarh and Treasurer Neelam Modi presented a floral tribute to Dr. Sharma.
RANA also announced that its 27th Deepmahotsav will be held on November 15, 2026. The event will honour philanthropists Rajeev Daga, Dr. Lucky Jain and Amit Bhansali for their contributions to the community. RANA patron Dr. Narinder Kukar will chair the event.
