Edison, NJ: Marking the significance of Maha Shivratri through a dialogue among media professionals and distinguished members of the community, A Lotus In The Mud hosted an Editors’ Meet luncheon in Edison.

The program, held at the Akbar banquet hall, was hosted by Abhishek Mishra and curated and moderated by Parveen Chopra, founding editor of ALotusInTheMud.com. According to a statement, the gathering brought together prominent voices from the Indian American community to reflect on interfaith harmony and shared values, fostering an atmosphere of unity and collective purpose.

Chopra said “A Lotus in the Mud is pleased to associate with Abhishek Mishra’s endeavors to promote belief in God, and that all religions advise doing good deeds.”

During the event, Mishra spoke about his personal spiritual journey, including what he described as a “miraculous manifestation” of Lord Shiva’s images in his home. He emphasized that dharma, the “righteous way of living,” differs from organized religion.

Ashok Vyas, Producer at ITV Gold and Founder of HerambaStudio, presented a devotional Shiv Stotra.

Upendra Chivukula, the first Indian elected to the New Jersey Legislature and a member of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, addressed attendees on civic engagement and the importance of community responsibility.

Veteran community leader Peter (Pradip) Kothari urged the Indian community to remain united, recalling the progress achieved since the Dotbusters incidents of the late 1970s. Kothari is the founding President of the Indian Business Association, which organizes the annual India Day Parade on Oak Tree Road.

Harish Goyal, CEO of Zee TV Americas and Yo1 Health Resort in upstate New York, reflected on faith and perseverance, noting that awareness of God’s presence often unfolds gradually and may become clearer during challenging times. He also shared his experience learning meditation practices while leading Yo1.

Adam Rizvi, editor of The India Observer, cited historical examples of interfaith harmony in India.

Dr. Shrenik Shah, author of ‘Practical Spiritual Life’, discussed the integration of meditation, compassionate living, and a whole-food plant-based lifestyle as pathways to healing, personal growth, and lasting transformation.

Sarada Chiruvolu, author of ‘Home at Last’, spoke about her spiritual journey and experiences of enlightenment. Soma Rao, head of the New Jersey chapter of One World, One Family, introduced the organization founded by Sri Madhusudan Sai, described as a direct disciple of Sathya Sai Baba, and outlined its global humanitarian initiatives.

An interactive segment allowed members of the media and community to share their perspectives. Jyoti “Pia” Kachroo, anchor at ITV Gold; Pritpal Kaur of Preetnama Media; and Shashi Airi spoke about their beliefs and experiences. Ginsmon Zacharia of JaiHind Vartha, Sunil Tristar and Urmila Thirumani of India Life and e-malayalee, and Vishnu Raja of NRI Tamil were also recognized.

Among the attendees were Edison Councilman Ajay Patil, Indian Business Association Secretary Sharad Agarwal, and community networker Khazan Gowda.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Namita Mishra, who shared her husband’s advice: “If what you want happens, that is good. If it does not, that is even better.”

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