Rajasthan Association of North America celebrates multiple milestones with joyful cruise 

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The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) New York hosted a cruise to celebrate the 75th Rajasthan Diwas and the 25th Holi Sneh Milan. Held March 29, 2025, in Rego Park, Queens, New York City, the event attracted more than 400 guests, a press release from organizers said.

During the event, leaders advocated for the Rajasthani language, bid farewell to India’s outgoing Deputy Consul General as they welcomed the incoming DCG.

RANA President Prem Bhandari advocated for the inclusion of the Rajasthani language spoken by more than 100 million people, to be included in the 8^th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He expressed deep disappointment that despite a unanimous resolution passed by the Rajasthan State Assembly on August 25, 2003, urging its inclusion, the central government had yet to take action.

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Bhandari recalled that this resolution was a direct outcome of RANA’s first International Convention, during which a memorandum advocating for Rajasthani’s recognition was submitted to the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. “However, even after decades, this demand remains unfulfilled due to a lack of political will,” the press release from RANA said.

A farewell ceremony was also held in honor of Dr. Varun Jeph, the outgoing Deputy Consul General of India, who has been the longest-serving DCG, completing more than 3 years and 8 months in office, RANA noted.

Former RANA Presidents K.K. Mehta, Anand Nahar, Haridas Kotewala, Dr. Narender Hadpawat, and Dashrath Dugara, presented bouquets to Dr. Jeph, acknowledging his dedicated service to the Indian diaspora. Bhandari shared his experiences of working with Dr. Jeph, praising his round-the-clock availability and unwavering commitment to assisting the Indian community across the 10 states under the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in New York.

At the event which was attended by Indian Foreign Service officers Surender Adhana and Eldos Mathew Punnoose, RANA  also welcomed the incoming Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh.

Well-known poet Abhinav Shukla regaled the audience with his soulful poetry.

Adding to the festive spirit, guests participated in the traditional Holi celebration with flower petals.

Dr. Sharad Kothari, Vice President of RANA, and Neelam Modi, Treasurer of RANA,  welcomed the guests and thanked the Executive Committee and Board Members, emphasizing that the event’s remarkable success would not have been possible without their active participation and unwavering support.

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