Jewish and Indian Community Leaders Honor Hero Captain Smit Machhar at New Jersey Ceremony
ISELIN, N.J.— Jewish and Indian community leaders, public officials, and residents gathered at the Iselin Adult Day Care Center on Friday to honor Captain Smit Machhar at a special community ceremony celebrating his heroism and service.
Organized with just three days’ notice, the event brought together representatives of both communities in a show of solidarity and appreciation for Machhar’s actions. The ceremony was initiated by Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg, who connected with event coordinator Nitin Vyas to organize the tribute. Nimish Patel hosted the gathering at the Iselin Adult Day Care Center.
Consul Tsewang Gyaltson of the Consulate General of India in New York delivered keynote remarks, conveying the diplomatic community’s respect for Machhar’s heroism. The program also featured a video highlighting Machhar’s life and heroic deeds, along with musical performances by Jewish soloists centered on peace and unity.
Emcee Abha Devrajan opened the ceremony, followed by welcome remarks from Vyas, who is associated with World Vegan Vision. Community leaders and representatives from civic, religious, healthcare, and political organizations also addressed attendees, including Nalin Shah of Swajan, Sujit Singh, a candidate for the U.S. Congress in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, Dr. Uma Swaminathan of AIA NJ, and Dr. Om Sharma, chairman of the Montgomery Democratic Organization and president of the Isha Vedic Foundation.
Other speakers included Jatinder Singh Bakshi of S&S Distribution and Indo-American Senior Hudson County, Mukund Thakkar of AristaCare, Niren Chaudhary of Balaji Temple, and Ashok Arora of NRI International, who serves as a legal adviser.
Steve Fox of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Teaneck also delivered a special video message recognizing Machhar’s impact.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Edison Mayor’s Heroic Certificate to organizers Vyas and Patel on Machhar’s behalf, acknowledging his outstanding service and valor.
The ceremony concluded with a live tabla performance by Azam Kadarkhan, closing remarks, and a commemorative group photograph. Guests were also served a vegan lunch.
Among those attending were Mukesh Kashiwala of Sayreville Temple, H.P. Singh, and Rupinder Nayyar. Organizers also recognized volunteers Utkarsh Pandya and Bala Devrajan for their contributions to coordinating the event on short notice.
The gathering underscored the role of interfaith and cross-community collaboration in recognizing acts of courage and service, bringing together Jewish and Indian community members to celebrate a shared commitment to unity, civic engagement, and mutual respect.
