New York [US]: The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) marked its 75th anniversary with a grand cruise event over the Hudson River, attended by over 400 guests. The celebration also served as a platform to highlight the ongoing lack of constitutional recognition for the Rajasthani language.
RANA President Prem Bhandari expressed “strong displeasure” over Rajasthani not being included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which lists officially recognized languages.
“Despite a unanimous resolution passed by the Rajasthan State Assembly in 2003 urging its inclusion, the central government has yet to act on it,” Bhandari stated during the event. He noted that the resolution followed RANA’s first International Convention and advocacy efforts with then-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, but claimed that “lack of political will” has stalled progress.
Jaipur Foot Initiative Expands Internationally
Bhandari, who also chairs Jaipur Foot USA, announced an upcoming artificial limb fitment camp at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, developed in collaboration with the American Punjab Society. Discussions with Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Mehta, founder of the Jaipur Foot organization, helped finalize the initiative.
Additionally, a major Jaipur Foot camp in Trinidad and Tobago has been planned, with India’s High Commission handling approvals and logistics. The organization’s 90-year-old founder, Dr. Mehta, will travel from India to attend the event.
“India’s Prime Minister Modi has emerged as the foremost advocate of the ancient Sanskrit principle ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – meaning ‘the world is one family,'” Bhandari told ANI. Under Modi’s leadership, the External Affairs Ministry has funded 32 international Jaipur Foot camps through the “India for Humanity” program. These camps, operated by the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, have provided free prosthetic limbs to thousands across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Farewell to Varun Jeph, Welcome to Vishal Harsh
The event also served as a farewell for Varun Jeph, the outgoing Deputy Consul General of India, who completed a record three years and eight months in the role. Bhandari praised Jeph’s “round-the-clock availability” and “unwavering support” to the Indian community across the ten states under the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in New York.
The incoming Deputy Consul General, Vishal Harsh, was welcomed alongside Indian Foreign Service officers Surender Adhana and Eldos Mathew Punnoose.
The celebrations featured cultural performances, including poetry by Abhinav Shukla, and saw strong participation from young Rajasthanis across the tri-state area.