News India Times
September 11, 2015
16
– that’s all you need to know
Community
India’s Legislative Leaders Greet Community In New York
By a StaffWriter
ok Sabha Speaker
Sumitra Mahajan, who
attended the Fourth
World Conference of
Speakers of Parliaments
at the United Nations last week,
hosted a dinner at the Indian
Consulate Sept. 1 for members of
the Indian-American community.
Lauding the achievements of
the Indian Diaspora, Mahajan
said that they have earned laurels
across the world, be it in entre-
preneurship or academics, sports
or the arts. “All Indians settled
abroad are the overseas ambassa-
dors of India,” she told the guests
at the dinner which was attended
by an estimated 50 people.
“Through their hard work,
dedication, courage and success,
they have not only raised the
global profile of their host coun-
try but also created a unique
‘brand’ for themselves and the
country of their origin,” she said.
Among prominent dignitaries
present at the dinner included
Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Prof. P.J. Kurien; Permanent
Representative of India to the
United Nations, Asoke Kumar
Mukerji, other members of the
visiting Indian Delegation as well
as Dr Sudhir Parikh, publisher of
News India Times and Padma
Shri award winner. Consul
General Dnyaneshwar Mulay
delivered an address welcoming
the visiting speaker and the digni-
taries.
Mahajan along with her dele-
gation was in NewYork to attend
the FourthWorld Conference of
Parliament Speakers at the
United Nations that took place
Aug 31-Sept.3 and addressed par-
liamentary leaders from some
140 countries, telling the confer-
ence that countries must
strengthen democracy by ensur-
ing that it is participatory and
inclusive to make a difference in
the lives of the vulnerable sec-
tions of the society.
Speaking on the subject –
‘Placing Democracy at the Service
of Peace and Sustainable
Development,
Building theWorld the People
Want,' – Mahajan told the confer-
ence that she is happy that one of
the Sustainable Development
Goals of the world body seeks to
provide access to justice for all
and build effective, accountable
and inclusive institutions at all
levels.
“Good Governance is an
enabler for development.
Inclusive participation together
with good governance will pro-
mote peace and sustainable
development,” she said, adding
that the post-2015 development
agenda is notable and important
for several reasons. Mahajan, who
also met with Secretary General
Ban Ki-moon, said that a strong
global partnership is needed to
support the efforts of developing
countries in the spirit of Vasudeva
Kutumbakam (the entire world is
a family).
L
FromNews Dispatches
T
he first-ever National
Vaishnav Convention in
North America was held
last month at Richmond
Convention Center in
Richmond, Virginia, by Vallabh
Youth Organization, U.S.A.,
The August 7-9 convention
was attended by an estimated
1,200 Vaishnavites from various
states and cities of the United
States, and abroad, organizers
said.
The purpose of the conven-
tion was to unite Hindus/
Vaishnavites from various
parts of North American to
experience three days of
“Bhav,” “Bhakthi,” and “Prem.”
The convention showcased the
values, teachings and philoso-
phy of Hinduism as envisioned
by Jagadguru Shrimad
Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu,
one of the five great Acharyas
of Hinduism.
In honor of Gusainji
Prabhucharan’s 500th Birth
Anniversary (second son of
Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu),
the convention focused on
informative lectures, interactive
discussions, and practical
workshops. In addition there
were engaging exhibits, health
and wellness sessions, and
social networking opportuni-
ties for all age groups, includ-
ing children, young adults,
adults and seniors.
During the event there were
cultural programs, satsangs,
lectures, rangoli competition,
and musical. Sarjubhai Shah, a
trustee of VYO USA, was the
conveyor of convention.
Notables among the attendees
were VYO chairman
Parimalbhai Mehta, vice chair-
man Rameshbhai Rakholia,
president Drishmaben Patel.
Yogeshbhai Parikh, Bansibhai
Shah, Biren Sheth, Parulben
Modi, as well as other commit-
tee members from different
VYO centers contributed to the
program’s success.
First National Vaishnav Convention Held In Virginia
Peter Ferreira
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan,
was in New York last week for the Fourth
World Conference of Parliament Speakers
at the United Nations Aug. 31-Sept. 2. She
hosted a dinner for the community
members at the Indian Consulate Sept. 1.
Photo above, Mahajan, second from left,
at the consulate with Dr. Sudhir Parikh,
publisher of News India Times and Padma
Shri award winner, third from left, and
Consul General of India in New York
Dnyaneshwar Mulay, extreme right. Photo
right, Mahajan, Deputy Chairman of Rajya
Sabha P.J Kurien and Consul General
Mulay, address the community gathering.
Peter Ferreira
