Mehta Family Trust Makes $5 Million Pledge For Indo-US Friendship Center In NY

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY -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, where an initial commitment of over $5 million pledged on behalf of founder K.K. Chandra Mehta through the Mehta Family Trust, was announced for a proposed Indo-US Friendship Center.

Conceptualized by Consul General Ambassador Binay K. Pradhan, the project includes plans for a Rajasthan Bhawan, a yoga and Ayurveda center, a convention facility, and a senior social center.

At the event, Pradhan presented the Rajasthan Ratna Awards to Dr. Samin Sharma, Dr. Narinder Kukar, Dr. Raj Bansal, Ashok Sancheti, and Jugal Kishore Ladda for their contributions to philanthropy and community service. All five were also named patrons of RANA.

Nand Todi was separately recognized for humanitarian work, including a recent $1 million contribution toward a shelter for the homeless in Montgomery County near Philadelphia, along with continued support for Jaipur Foot and Apna Ghar Ashram.

Team Aid founder Mohan Nannapaneni and his organization were honored for facilitating more than 5,000 repatriations of mortal remains to 27 countries since 2017, primarily to India.

Speaking at the event, RANA President Prem Bhandari called for the inclusion of Rajasthani in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and urged the Rajasthan government to grant it status as a second state language.

The program included cultural performances, including flower Holi celebrations, dance presentations, and a poetry recital by Abhinav Shukla. RANA Treasurer Neelam Modi welcomed attendees, and Secretary Ravi Jangarh delivered the vote of thanks.