‘Diwali At Times Square’ Spotlights US-India Bonds, Honors Diaspora Trailblazers

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India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY — Members of the Indian American community and their American friends gathered in Times Square for the annual “Diwali at Times Square” event, celebrating Indian culture and heritage while promoting a universal message of peace, hope, and harmony.

Sammaan For All has organized the event since 2013 at the “Crossroads of the World,” highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and the US. 

Consul General of India in New York, Binay Srikanta Pradhan, joined community members and visitors for the cultural festivities, with the Consulate General of India later noting on X that such events continue to bring the two nations closer together.

The public celebration was preceded by an October 23 gala at Tribeca 360, where Indian American honorees were recognized for their contributions in philanthropy, innovation, medicine, journalism, and public service.

At the gala, Aroon Shivdasani, Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council, received the Sammaan Award. Nebex CEO Tejpaul Bhatia was named Man of the Year, while Female Founders Fund Founding Partner Anu Duggal was named Woman of the Year. 

Justice Karen Gopee received the Trailblazer Award for Justice and Community Service, and journalist Seema Mody was honored for Excellence in Media and Journalism. Additional honorees included Dr. Rachana Kulkarni for Excellence in Medicine and Community Service, Naresh Kumar for Philanthropy, and environmental activist Nithya Tammana, who received the Youth Inspiration Award.