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The Indian American Muslims of North America (IAMNA), in association with the Consulate General of India in New York, hosted an Eid celebration on April 10, 2026, at the Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City, New York.
The event brought together diplomats, elected officials, interfaith leaders, and more than 200 guests from diverse faiths and backgrounds. According to a statement from IAMNA, the gathering reflected the spirit of Eid as a celebration of “gratitude, compassion, unity and hope,” while showcasing the community’s diversity and strength.
Addressing attendees, Consul General of India in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan commended IAMNA for its continued collaboration with the Consulate in organizing Eid celebrations and noted the significantly higher turnout this year.
“I can see in this gathering people from different walks of life,” Pradhan said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event.
He emphasized that Eid represents universal values of charity, forgiveness, and harmony that resonate across cultures and faiths. Underscoring India’s pluralistic ethos, Pradhan noted that the country is home to one of the world’s largest Muslim populations, with a long history of Islam dating back to early trade interactions along the Malabar Coast.
He also highlighted India’s tradition of coexistence and diversity, where multiple languages, traditions, and faiths thrive together with a shared commitment to mutual respect. Drawing parallels with the United States, he described the gathering as a reflection of “unity in diversity,” where individuals from different backgrounds come together in a spirit of brotherhood.
Pradhan further outlined initiatives by the Consulate to enhance community services, including the establishment of new satellite centers in Edison, New Jersey; Columbus, Ohio; and Boston, along with expanded service access.
Consul General of the United Arab Emirates Amna Almheiri attended as Guest of Honor and delivered remarks reflecting both regional developments and the spirit of Eid.
“Wow, this was truly a pleasant surprise. Thank you very much for inviting me today,” she said. “We have gone through some difficult times back in the UAE and the region, but things are now improving. This makes this Eid celebration even more meaningful — a true celebration of peace, unity and hope, not just here, but also back in our region.”
She thanked the organizers and extended her Eid greetings to those in attendance.
The event was attended by several elected officials, including New York State Senator John C. Liu, Assemblyman Landon C. Dais, New York City Councilwoman Rita Joseph, and Neeta Jain, who presented a Congressional Certificate of Merit on behalf of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.
Also present was Raj Goyal, a candidate for New York City Comptroller. From the Office of the New York City Public Advocate, Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain presented an official proclamation recognizing IAMNA’s contributions to the community.
A number of prominent community leaders attended the event, including Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Ankur Vaidya, Srujal Parikh, Ravi Bhooplapur, Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Professor Indrajit Saluja, Ravi Batra, Vikas Dhall, Jay Singh, Neeta Jain, Harpreet Singh Toor, Rajender Dichpally, Inderpal Dhall, and A.G. Farooqui, among others.
During the program, Imam Sheikh Ahmed Waheed spoke on the significance of Ramadan and Eid, emphasizing spiritual reflection, self-discipline, charity, and compassion. He noted that Ramadan is not only a period of fasting but also a time for personal growth, strengthening faith, and fostering empathy for those in need, with Eid marking the culmination of these values.
IAMNA also recognized two women entrepreneurs, Palvesha Yasin Latiwala and Asra Rashid, for their contributions to community service and empowerment initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of IAMNA, Chairman and media personality Ilayas Quraishi expressed appreciation to the Consulate General of India, Amna Almheiri, elected officials, and community leaders for their presence and continued support.
IAMNA’s leadership team includes Vice Chairman Ahmed Shakir and Event Co-Chair Mohammed Faroqui, along with Co-Chairs Mukbul Mansuri, Faisal Munir, and Faheemuddin Mohammed, who played key roles in organizing the event.
Quraishi described the gathering as a reflection of the “true colors of India,” where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together as one. He highlighted the event as an example of unity in diversity.
“This gathering is not just about celebrating Eid, but about celebrating our shared values and collective identity,” Quraishi said. “It demonstrates how our community continues to contribute positively as proud Indian-Americans and as active participants in the broader American society.”
The evening featured a cultural program that included Quran recitation by Umar Faroqui, with translation by Zoha Fatima Ahmed, live Qawwali by Rhythm Tolee, stand-up comedy by Mohammed Darbar, remarks by community leaders, and a dinner reception.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering unity, strengthening community ties, and promoting harmony across diverse communities.
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