WASHINGTON– Members of the Indian diaspora from Uttar Pradesh gathered in New Jersey over the weekend to celebrate Uttar Pradesh Diwas, with the event drawing strong participation despite a state-level emergency and extreme cold conditions.
The celebration, organized by the Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America, was held on Jan. 24 as temperatures dropped to minus 14 degrees Celsius. Organizers said members of the Uttar Pradesh community turned out in large numbers, reflecting a strong sense of cultural attachment and community solidarity.
In a statement, the organizers said the event was held with the blessings and goodwill of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His address to the Pravasi Uttar Pradesh community was shared during the program.
Congratulatory messages and letters were received from several dignitaries, including Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, and multiple ministers from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Messages were also received from Padma awardees, cultural figures, and spiritual leaders.
The chief guests included Piyush Singh from the Media and Culture Department of the Consulate General of India and Linden Mayor Derek Armstead. The program also received support from a number of community organizations and leaders, including the Federation of Indian Associations, VHP America–New Jersey, BAJANA, and UPAGP.
The event was coordinated by Prashant K. S. Dikshit, founder and trustee of the Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America, and conducted by Neeta Tyagi. A vote of thanks was delivered by UPFNA President Amit Gupta in the presence of trustees and office bearers.
A special highlight of the celebration was the collective rendition of “Vande Mataram” to mark its 150th anniversary. Sacred Prasad from the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya was also distributed during the event.
Uttar Pradesh Diwas is observed annually on Jan. 24 to commemorate the formation of the state in 1950. Organizers said the New Jersey celebration underscored the role of diaspora organizations in preserving cultural ties and celebrating regional identity beyond India’s borders. (Source: IANS)
