In keeping with a cherished tradition that has been celebrated for decades, the Akhil Vishwa Hindi Samiti once again celebrated Diwali with a memorable evening of poetry, dance, and music. Under the leadership of Executive Vice President Shri Pradeep Tandon, this year’s celebration featured a lively Kavi Sammelan alongside a vibrant cultural program, held at the Hindu Center Temple at 45-52 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, New York, on Saturday, November 9, 2024.
The evening began with social hours where guests enjoyed snacks and camaraderie before the program commenced. Dignitaries present included Dr. Bijoy K. Mehta, President of AVHS, Dr. Ravindra Goyal, Mr. Surender Kathuria, Professor Girija Shanker Dubey, Mr. Jitender Sharma, Mr. Ravindra Kumar, Dr. K. L. Kantu, Pt. Ram Niwas Dixit, Head Priest Dr. K. P. Dixit, and others, setting a tone of honor and tradition as they participated in the ceremonial lamp-lighting.
Dr. Usha Tandon, the event’s coordinator and anchor, welcomed the audience with a warm address, sharing insights into AVHS’s work and outlining the evening’s schedule. The program opened with a poetic recital by Dr. Bijoy Kumar Mehta, followed by captivating dance performances from young talents Esha Misra, Anayah Desai, and Urvashie Kissoon. These dancers, displaying remarkable grace and exceptional skill, beautifully exemplified the vibrant future of Indian classical dance. Their mesmerizing performances captivated the audience, showcasing both the enduring traditions and the innovative artistry that continue to evolve our rich cultural heritage.
(All photos provided by Akhil Vishwa Hindi Samiti)
The event also showcased a series of delightful singing performances by Amit Shrivastava, Vandana Kumar, Lalit Shorey, Vinod Goyal, Vipul Sanghvi, Narinder Sarna, Mr. Negi, and Mrs. Manju Dubey. The singers infused the hall with energy, creating an unforgettable cultural experience for the packed audience.
Ashwani Kumar added a delightful touch to the evening with his humor, bringing smiles and laughter to the audience. His witty remarks and lighthearted anecdotes not only entertained but also added a warm, personal charm to the Diwali celebration, making the evening even more memorable
Dr. Usha Tandon did a marvelous job as the anchor for the evening, bringing a unique blend of humor, wit, and charm to every segment. With her lively personality, she seamlessly guided the program, ensuring that each part flowed smoothly and captured the audience's attention. Her skillful coordination and spontaneous humor kept the audience engaged and brought warmth and connection to the event. Dr. Tandon’s vibrant energy and approachable style made each performance and presentation memorable, creating an atmosphere that felt both festive and intimate, leaving everyone present with a feeling of joy and connection to the celebration.
In a special segment, Dr. Bijoy Mehta honored Mrs. Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk of North Hempstead, by presenting her with a shawl and bouquet. Mrs. Ragini Srivastava also awarded citations on behalf of the Town of North Hempstead to four AVHS members: Professor Girija Shanker Dubey, Mr. Jitender Sharma, Mr. Ravindra Kumar, and Dr. Usha Tandon, in recognition of their dedicated efforts in promoting the Hindi language and Indian cultural heritage.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt thank-you, followed by a delicious dinner that brought the community together in celebration of Diwali’s spirit of unity, culture, and gratitude.
