The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) marked the 77th Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan at the Consulate General of India in New York with a vibrant cultural showcase and a major philanthropic announcement, a pledge of over $5 million to establish an Indo-US Friendship Centre.
The event, held on Sunday (local time), brought together members of the Indian diaspora, community leaders, and distinguished guests, underscoring growing India–US people-to-people ties while celebrating Rajasthan's cultural heritage.
$5M Boost for Indo-US Friendship Centre
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of an initial contribution of over $5 million from the Mehta Family Trust, founded by New York-based businessman K.K. Mehta and his wife Chandra Mehta.
The announcement was made by RANA President Prem Bhandari, who described the proposed Indo-US Friendship Centre as a long-term cultural and community hub for the Indian diaspora.
The planned centre will include:
- A Rajasthan Bhawan
- A Yoga and Ayurveda Centre
- A Convention Centre
- A Social Centre for seniors
The initiative, conceptualised by India's Consul General in New York, Ambassador Binay K. Pradhan, aims to preserve Indian heritage while fostering stronger community connections across generations.
"We want every Indian who walks through those doors—whether they came here fifty years ago or fifty days ago—to feel that Rajasthan, and India, never left them," Bhandari said.
The celebration featured traditional performances, music, and a Kavi Sammelan (poetry recital), reflecting Rajasthan's rich cultural traditions. Flower Holi festivities and performances by RANA members, including women and children, added to the festive atmosphere.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India in New York highlighted the event as a reflection of India–US cultural ties, thanking RANA and its leadership for organising the gathering that brought the diaspora together.
@IndiainNewYork , in collaboration with Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), hosted Rajasthan Diwas & Holi Sneh Milan at the Consulate in New York, bringing together members of the Indian diaspora to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and the vibrant… pic.twitter.com/vq2yg90wNa
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) March 30, 2026
Rajasthan Ratna Awards Honour Global Philanthropists
The event also saw the presentation of the prestigious Rajasthan Ratna Awards, recognizing individuals for their contributions to society and philanthropy across India and the United States.
Among the honorees were:
- Dr. Samin Sharma
- Dr. Narinder Kukar
- Dr. Raj Bansal
- Ashok Sancheti
- Jugal Kishore Ladda
All five were also appointed as patrons of RANA.
Another recipient, Nand Todi, was recognised for his $1 million donation toward a shelter home for the homeless in the Philadelphia region, alongside his continued support for initiatives such as Jaipur Foot and Apna Ghar Ashram.
The Mehta family's contribution builds on a broader record of philanthropy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, K.K. Mehta provided 100 rooms at his Times Square hotel for students in need and hosted Air India crew members involved in the Vande Bharat Mission.
The Indo-US Friendship Centre project itself traces its origins to earlier discussions between Ambassador Pradhan and Mehta at previous RANA events, highlighting a sustained vision for diaspora-driven institution building.
Push for 365-Day Consular Services
Bhandari also used the platform to praise Ambassador Pradhan's decision to keep the New York Consulate operational 365 days a year, serving a jurisdiction of more than two million Indians.
He urged Indian consulates globally to adopt a similar model, citing its impact on community access and service delivery.
The approach has already gained traction, with Boston's newly appointed Consul General S. Raghuram announcing plans to implement a similar system.
The event also spotlighted upcoming philanthropic initiatives, including a Jaipur Foot prosthetics camp in Gujarat, sponsored by BRUHUD NY Seniors under the leadership of Ajay Patel.
The camp continues a long-standing tradition of support for mobility and rehabilitation efforts in India.
Beyond announcements and awards, the evening reinforced the growing influence and cohesion of the Rajasthani diaspora in North America.
RANA described the event as a testament to unity, cultural pride, and community service—values that continue to shape its global outreach.
The Rajasthan Diwas celebration in New York was not just a cultural gathering—it was a statement of intent.
With a $5 million pledge anchoring a new Indo-US Friendship Centre, the event highlighted how diaspora networks are increasingly moving beyond celebration to institution-building, philanthropy, and long-term community impact.
