The Foundation of Indian Americans (FIA) New England held its annual Diwali celebration and food donation ceremony at the Rhode Island State House in Providence on November 6, combining cultural performances with the launch of an initiative to donate more than 20,000 pounds of nonperishable food, according to a statement from the organization.
The event brought elected officials, diplomats, community leaders and families to the Governor’s Executive Hall. Saffron and red drapes, marigold garlands, lights, a rangoli and traditional brass lamps decorated the marble hall beneath a portrait of George Washington. Guests attended in saris, sherwanis and kurtas, the statement said.
FIA New England President Abhishek Singh joined dignitaries and community members for the ceremonial lamp lighting and food donation kickoff. Participants included Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I.; Raghuram S., consul general of India in Boston; East Providence Mayor Roberto “Bob” DaSilva; Lincoln Town Administrator Philip G. Gould; and Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Abhulime, representing Gov. Dan McKee.
Also attending were Kassandra Florez, community affairs director for U.S. Sen. Jack Reed; Victor Mazurenko, director at Fidelity Financial; Jermie Thompson, vice president and business banker at First Citizens Bank; Mervat Khalil, a board member of the YMCA of Rhode Island; and community leaders Ram and Meetu Gupta.
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Emcee Jyoti Singh discussed the significance of Diwali, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The program opened with a traditional aarti and lamp lighting, with participants offering prayers for peace, health and prosperity, according to the statement.
Amo praised the Indian American community’s commitment to service.
“A celebration with a purpose is truly commendable, and that is exactly what the Indian-American community is doing today. Empathy and compassion for those in need is the greatest charitable work of all.”
Raghuram extended Diwali greetings and encouraged lawmakers to engage with the Indian Consulate in Boston.
“I warmly invite all lawmakers to collaborate with the Consulate General of India in Boston for the betterment of our bilateral relations. I am deeply grateful for the special recognition of the humanitarian work during the pandemic by the Indian American community under the FIA-New England leadership, and I commend FIA New England for its outstanding service to the community.”
DaSilva connected the festival’s themes with his commitment to public service.
“Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom and the establishment of truth and justice. In the same spirit, as I begin my third term as Mayor, I pledge to serve the needy families of our community even more.”
Gould recalled FIA New England’s assistance during a disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits last year.
“When SNAP benefits were disrupted, FIA New England stepped up. Last year’s food donation reached every food pantry in Lincoln, and it made a real difference for families who needed it most.”
Singh emphasized the connection between Diwali and helping others.
“On Diwali, we light a diya in every home. When all these lamps shine together, they drive the darkness away. That is the true essence of Diwali. When each of us, in our own capacity, brings light into the life of someone who needs it most, the purpose of our Diwali celebration is fulfilled.”
The cultural program featured performances by teams led by choreographer and dance instructor Nivedita Chakraborty of the Kalakar Group, along with Pooja Tiwari and Padmini Dey. Children portrayed characters from the Ramayana, including Lord Rama, Sita, Hanuman and the vanar sena, or monkey army, the statement said.
FIA New England also recognized dignitaries and community partners for their service. Organizers paid tribute to McKee for his support of the Indian American community and efforts to assist families in need across Rhode Island.
The event concluded with the launch of the food donation initiative. Singh thanked participating community partners, including Dave Stavros, director of Scouts Rhode Island, and Steve Casey, its associate director.
He also acknowledged representatives of organizations receiving donations: Laura Jones, director of the East Providence Senior Center; Jodi Dirniuo, director of Heritage Hills Rehab & Health Center; Tom Rossi, coordinator of the Manville Share Shack Food Bank; and Nicole VanWort, associate director of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
According to the statement, FIA New England has paired its Diwali celebrations with food donations ahead of the holiday season for the past four years. The organization said the initiative reflects its efforts to encourage service, unity and cultural understanding between Indian Americans and the wider New England community.
