NEW YORK, NY — The Alliance Indus Foundation, in collaboration with World Vegan Vision, hosted an exclusive high-profile luncheon at SAAR Indian Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, honoring a prominent visiting Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Shri C. P. Joshi (Member of Parliament, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, and Chairperson of the Committee on Petitions, Lok Sabha).
The standing-room-only event brought together over 100 distinguished community leaders, dignitaries, business executives, and media representatives for an afternoon of diplomatic exchange, networking, and cultural celebration.
Official Welcome to the Visiting Parliamentary Delegation
The hosts extended a warm community welcome to the 15 visiting Members of Parliament representing both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha across various states:
Shri C. P. Joshi (Chittorgarh, Rajasthan — Lok Sabha)
Shri Rahul Kaswan (Churu, Rajasthan — Lok Sabha)
Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar (Rajsamand, Rajasthan — Lok Sabha)
Shri Biplab Kumar Deb (Tripura — Lok Sabha)
Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri (Uttara Kannada, Karnataka — Lok Sabha)
Shri Asit Kumar Mal (Birbhum, West Bengal — Lok Sabha)
Adv. Priya Saroj (Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh — Lok Sabha)
Dr. Gumma Thanuja Rani (Araku, Andhra Pradesh — Lok Sabha)
Shri Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje (Nashik, Maharashtra — Lok Sabha)
Smt. Lovely Anand (Sheohar, Bihar — Lok Sabha)
Dr. Sikander Kumar (Himachal Pradesh — Rajya Sabha)
Shri Anil Kumar Yadav Mandaadi (Telangana — Rajya Sabha)
Shri Banshilal Gurjar (Madhya Pradesh — Rajya Sabha)
Shri Sanjay Yadav (Bihar — Rajya Sabha)
Shri L. K. Sudhish (Tamil Nadu — Rajya Sabha)
Key Highlights, Event Leadership & Volunteer Support
Host & Visionary Organization: Hosted by Ashok Bhatt, Chairman of the Alliance Indus Foundation.
Event Coordination & PR: Public relations and organizational coordination were directed by Nitin Vyas Vgn, Public Relations Director of World Vegan Vision.
Master of Ceremonies: Ronak Jani (Jani Finance NYC) guided the afternoon’s proceedings as Emcee, managing transitions and keeping attendees engaged.
Volunteer Leadership: Aayushman Jani actively served as a key youth volunteer, providing essential ground coordination, guest logistics, and event support throughout the afternoon.
Dr. Thomas Abraham (Chairman, GOPIO International) delivered opening welcome remarks and addressed key Non-Resident Indian (NRI) topics and policy questions. Dual Citizenship,
Aadhaar Access,
Diaspora Philanthropy,
Diaspora Expertise,Youth Engagement.
Prakash Shah (International Presìdent Gopio) on cross-border financial collaboration and trade opportunities between the U.S. and India.
Distinguished Guests, Civic Leaders & Performing Artists
Sonalee Vyas Jani (Sonalee.com), acclaimed choreographer and creative force behind major landmark productions including the Global Citizen Festival and the Government of Maharashtra Diwali at Times Square, joined as an honored guest to welcome the parliamentary delegation.
Sujit Singh, community leader and former candidate for U.S. Congress (NJ-12), extended a warm welcome to the delegation on behalf of the diaspora.
Dilip Chauhan (Former Deputy Commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office of International Affairs) delivered remarks on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, emphasizing NYC’s strong relationship with the Indian diaspora.
Dr. Jayesh Patel represented community health and civic leadership from Jersey City.
Sunil Hali represented Indian diaspora media and broadcasting platforms.
Special honors and warm greetings were extended by Dr. Narendra (Rana Samaj), Hari Bhai Bhatt, and Kadar Khan (Founder & Director of Kalavant Center for Music, NY). Uma Swaminathan ( AIA NJ) Santosh Peddi ( Rotary Club ) Utkarsh Pandya ( Liquor Consultants)
Sidharth Jain ( Vegan Activist)
Rajeev dilpachy . MINESH MEHTA ( INDIAN PRIEST)
Exquisite Culinary Supervision by Michelin-Starred Chef Hemant Mathur
Guests enjoyed a lavish spread of gourmet Vegan and Jain cuisine specially catered and prepared under the direct supervision of owner and celebrated Michelin-starred Chef Hemant Mathur at SAAR Indian Restaurant. Known as one of the premier Indian chefs in the United States, Chef Mathur curated a plant-based menu featuring rich, authentic regional flavors that received widespread praise from the visiting delegation and dignitaries alike.
Media Contact:
Ashok Bhatt | Chairman, Alliance Indus Foundation | 415-269-2907
