In a vibrant and culturally rich celebration, the Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA) – New England, in collaboration with the Indian-American community, hosted its annual Diwali Celebration at the Rhode Island State House on Friday, October 17, 2025. The event was graced by Governor Daniel McKee as the Chief Guest, who joined other dignitaries for the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Governor Emphasizes Community Service Amid Government Uncertainty

During his address, Governor McKee extended Diwali and holiday season greetings to all attendees and lauded the Indian-American community for its enduring commitment to service. He highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives like food donation drives, especially in light of potential government shutdowns, which may lead to cutbacks in funding and suspension of critical programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“If benefits are denied and programs like SNAP are impacted, it is community efforts like FIA’s food donation drives that will become lifelines for the needy,” said Governor McKee. He urged everyone to “double down on service and compassion” during these uncertain times.

The Governor also commended the FIA for leading such efforts consistently over the years and officially kicked off FIA’s Diwali/Holiday Season Food Drive, which aims to donate over 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food items across Rhode Island and the New England region within the next month.

Honoring Exemplary Indian-Americans

As part of the ceremony, Governor McKee honored two distinguished Indian-Americans:

· Subrata Das, for his outstanding contributions to performance art and theater over more than two decades.

· Mohan Nannapaneni, recognized for his extraordinary humanitarian service benefiting communities both locally and globally.

The Governor also presented a special citation to the entire FIA Executive Team, led by President Abhishek Singh, acknowledging their continued dedication to volunteerism and community service. The citation noted FIA’s diverse programs throughout the year, including:

· Blood and food donation drives

· Adopt-a-Highway clean-up programs

· Indian Consular Camps

· July 4th, Veterans Day, 9/11 Remembrance events

· Martyrs Vigils, India Day, International Women’s Day, Yoga Day

· Participation in the Boston Marathon

President Abhishek Singh Calls for Unity and Reflection

In his welcome remarks, FIA President Abhishek Singh encouraged the community to embrace the deeper meaning of Diwali, beyond the celebration:

“As we gather here, let’s not only relish in the festivity but take a moment to show the unity that binds us,” said Singh. “It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and spreading the warmth of our love and kindness.”

Celebration Attended by Community Leaders and Dignitaries

The celebration saw the presence of many notable dignitaries and community leaders, including:

· Ram Nehara (Founder, Ekal – Rhode Island)

· Mahesh Patel (Founder, Indian Community Center – RI)

· Kaushik Patel (President, VHPA)

· Sandeep Asija ( Entrepreneur ) 

· Nilesh Agarwal (President,  IAGB)

· Srinivas Gondi (President,  TAGB)

· Ravi Sarin

Along with members of the FIA-New England Executive Team:
Nikhil Wadhwa, Anand Sharma, Hiten Bhavsar, Deepti Kavsari, Archana Soni, Divya Prakash, Hardik Patel, Nikunj Doshi, Mohan Sonti, and Santosh Thawani.

Cultural Bonanza Lights Up the State House

The celebration featured a colorful cultural program, showcasing the richness of Indian classical and contemporary dance:

· Maharshi Kondvilkar delivered a mesmerizing classical performance.

· Kalakaar Indian Classical Performing Arts and Padmini Dance Academy (with Padmini and the Dancing Divas) brought vibrant dance sequences to life.

The event commenced with a heartfelt rendition of the Indian and American National Anthems by Sonali Doshi and Mitesh Soni, and was smoothly emceed to maintain the festive energy and community spirit.

FIA’s Continued Commitment to Community

In the vote of thanks, Rakesh Kumar, Vice President of FIA-New England, and Amol, Secretary of FIA-New England, expressed their sincere gratitude to Governor McKee, dignitaries, performers, and all attendees. They reaffirmed FIA’s mission of service and announced the organization's ambitious plan to donate over 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food within a month to support families across Rhode Island and New England.

“Service is the true spirit of Diwali,” said Rakesh Kumar. “And we are determined to spread that light to every corner of our community.”

About FIA-New England
The Foundation of Indian-Americans – New England is a leading nonprofit organization committed to promoting cultural heritage, volunteerism, and civic participation. Through year-round initiatives and strong community partnerships, FIA continues to be a unifying force among Indian-Americans throughout the region.

Please find the below google drive for the Photos and videos from the event  and description of the photos.  ( Photo Credits - Pramode Kumar & Pranita ) 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lmkcKaip5nkUxvuLJmt630wSzFMFwx3P?usp=sharing

1. Governor Dan McKee, together with FIA President Abhishek Singh and several eminent dignitaries, inaugurated the event with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp ceremony.
2. Members of the Indian-American community from Rhode Island and across the New England region came together to honor Governor Dan McKee.
3. FIA’s Diwali and Holiday Season Food Donation Drive launched by Governor Dan McKee.
4. Governor Dan McKee honors Team Aid founder Mohan Nannapaneni for his humanitarian service.
5. Governor Dan McKee honors SETU Co-founder Dr. Subrata Das for 20 years of dedication to art and theater.
6. Governor Dan McKee honoring the Indian Community with Abhishek Singh FIA-NE President 

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