‘Eid Celebration, Indian Consulate NYC

Message of Peace and Harmony marked the Eid Celebration at Indian Consulate in Manhattan on August 12, 2014.

By Juned Qazi & Sabina Ali

Attendees at the Indian Consulate ‘Eid celebration in Manhattan, with awards presented to them at the consulate.

Prominent members of the Indian American community gathered at the Consulate General office to celebrate and exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr. This Festival is celebrated all over the world as an auspicious day after a month of fasting– a ritual meant for purification of the soul, developing self control and bringing us closer to God, an amazingly wonderful spiritual connection with ones self and the creator. Miss Sidra Fatima enlightened our guest on the significance of Eid-Ul-Fitr.

This event and the festivities conducted at  the Consulate General of India in New York is a continuation of  its tradition of celebrating the diversity of Indian culture and its diaspora. The event was organized by Mr Juned Qazi  who is a promising young entrepreneur and New York based community leader.

On the auspicious occasion of Eid-Ul- Fitr, Ambassador Mr. D. Mulay, Consulate General of New York, addressed the gathering and expressed his best wishes to the community at large and also emphasized the peaceful Co Existence of the diverse communities within India and the Indian Diaspora here in the US with amenity, harmony and peace. He very well pointed out the capabilities of Indian Muslims to lead and be a example to the Muslim community of the world for peaceful  co-existence and the solidarity with which various communities of Indian origin achieve common goals and synergies. This he reiterated will continue to  lead us in the path of stronger, dynamic and vibrant India as depicted in the Indian constitution.

A true highlight of the night was the recognition of a few remarkable and accomplished individuals from the community who were honored at this event for their achievements. More importantly for the contributions they have made of time and resources towards the less fortunate within our communities here in the US and back home in our Mother Land India. The assistance they provide has touched many in the area of Medical, Economic and Educational outreach  amongst may other important matters effecting the diaspora. Amongst who that were honored are Mr.Naim Dum, Dr. Sultan Khan, Mr. Ahmed Shakir, Mr.Saeed Patel, Dr. Abu Taher, Mr.Malik Zakaria, Dr. Syed Ali, Mr. Mohammed Azam and Mr. Amin Himani.

The event was attended by many prominent members of the Indian Community,  Dr.Sheik Ubaid, Dr.Rahman, Mr.& Mrs. Habeeb Ahmed,. Mr Ilyas Qureshi, Mr.EdwardSawchuk, Mr. Khaja Khateeb, Mr. Atma Singh, Mr. V.B Sharma, Mr. George Abraham, Mr.TJ Gill, Mrs. Malini Shah, Mr. Minhaj Khan Mr & Mrs. Jagtani,  Mr.Harkesh Thakurwere amongst a few who graced the night.  The celebration reflected a rare combination of social and cultural integration with an inclusive and Secular gathering. An added attraction of the evening was the enchanting Ghazal recital by SudhirNarain, a well known singer of Agra Gharana.The Master of Ceremonies was Mrs.Sabina Ali who was supported by Mr.Pankaj Mathur.

The night was concluded with a vote of thanks for all who joined the celebration, the night ended with a scrumptious dinner provided by Nanking. Truly this was an enchanted night of celebration.

India Day at the Indian Consulate in Chicago was a similarly successful affair at the Chicago Cultural Center, with people attending from across the Mid-West, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio–the attendees enjoyed the evening, especially a speech by Indian Consul-general Ausaf Syed, who spoke about the history and future of India, and the enduring ties between India and the United States.

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