Edison, NJ – The vibrant South Asian business community came together on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the ITV GOLD Auditorium in Edison, New Jersey, to celebrate the highly anticipated premiere of Desis on Main Street Season 2. The evening was a blend of business networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiring stories, as entrepreneurs and professionals gathered to honor the achievements of South Asians who have carved their own paths to success in the USA.
The event began with an engaging networking session where business leaders connected, exchanged ideas, and laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The formal program was kicked off by Piya Jyoti, the dedicated host of Desis on Main Street, who has played a pivotal role in bringing the stories of South Asian entrepreneurs to life. She welcomed the audience and introduced Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of ITV GOLD, who delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Parikh emphasized the importance of creating platforms that empower South Asian entrepreneurs and celebrate their journeys.

The visionary behind the show, Ilayas Quraishi, shared the origin story of Desis on Main Street, a concept that emerged from a conversation with Elie Katz, CEO of NRS Pay. Katz not only believed in the vision but also coined the show’s name and generously sponsored its production. Quraishi expressed his deep gratitude to Dr. Parikh for entrusting him with the creative freedom to manage ITV GOLD’s operations independently while always encouraging him to keep expenses minimal — a testament to Dr. Parikh’s business acumen.
The highlight of the evening was the exclusive Season 2 Premiere Screening, featuring eight remarkable individuals who transitioned from South Asia to the USA, excelling in their fields and achieving their American Dream through entrepreneurship:
- Ajay Kumar – Entrepreneur
- Seema Jagtiani – Businesswoman and Entrepreneur
- Gulshan Chhabra – Business Owner and Entrepreneur
- Paritosh Kumar – Owner of an Architecture Firm
- Parag Nevatia – Business Financing Consultant
- Sanjeev Aneja – Realtor and President of Real Estate Association
- Deepti Kulshreshta – Women Empowerment Advocate & Entrepreneur
- Pratik Sharma – Travel Business Owner
Each episode showcased the unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs of these individuals, offering a window into their passion, resilience, and unwavering determination.

The evening also featured a keynote address by Mr. Ajay Kumar, CPA, MBA, CVA, who provided valuable insights into Business Strategy & Tax Planning for Entrepreneurs, empowering attendees with practical tools for financial growth.
A special address by Shariff Khowessa, Assistant Director of Sales at NRS Pay, inspired the audience by sharing his personal journey of professional growth within the company and the importance of seizing opportunities in the business world.
The event left a profound impact on attendees, who expressed their appreciation for the show’s efforts in bringing positive and inspiring stories to light. One enthusiastic attendee even suggested new names for the upcoming Season 3, underscoring the program’s growing influence within the community.
In his concluding remarks, Ilayas Quraishi thanked the entire ITV GOLD team, including Piya Jyoti for her dedication as the show’s host and Sachin Ravindran for his exceptional cinematography. He extended heartfelt thanks to Elie Katz and NRS Pay for their generous support and unwavering belief in the show’s vision.
“Desis on Main Street is not just a show — it’s a movement. These stories remind us that success is possible for anyone who dares to dream and works relentlessly to achieve it,” said Ilayas Quraishi.
Season 2 of Desis on Main Street, sponsored by NRS Pay, will air exclusively on ITV GOLD and later be available on YouTube worldwide, continuing to inspire the next generation of South Asian entrepreneurs.
(Used with permission)