Tag: Indian diaspora

International

Goans in New York Come Together to Celebrate Feast of St Francis Xavier

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

The New York Goan Association’s annual celebration of the Feast of St Francis Xavier was held on December 7 at St Luke’s Church Hall in Whitestone, New York, bringing together over 130 members of the Goan and Indian community in a vibrant expression of faith, culture and togetherness.

The day began with a well-attended Holy Mass that set a reverent and reflective tone for the celebrations. Following the Mass, members and guests gathered at the Church Hall, which was beautifully decorated by the association’s committee, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Guests were welcomed with an array of appetisers including chicken lollipops, vegetable spring rolls, kebabs and haryali chicken. The programme was set in motion by Master of Ceremonies Valerian Rodrigues, who opened the event with the traditional Goan March. New York Goan Association President Abigail Couto then addressed the gathering, thanking sponsors, members and committee volunteers for their dedication. She highlighted the association’s ongoing work in New York and India, noting that proceeds from the raffle baskets would support charitable initiatives in Goa, Mumbai and Nashik, including orphanages, homes for the aged and hospices.

Music and entertainment kept the celebrations lively, with DJ Evette providing foot-tapping tracks alongside live performances. A special highlight for younger members was the arrival of Santa Claus, continuing a cherished tradition that brought joy and excitement to the children. The feast cake was cut amidst the singing of the traditional feast song, adding to the sense of shared heritage.

The audience was also treated to melodious performances by young singing talent Leanne Rodrigues and by Joey, whose songs added a special charm to the afternoon. Lunch featured a generous spread of Goan, Indian and Portuguese cuisine, catered by Spice Symphony, The Order and O Lavrador, complemented by a signature salad prepared by a committee member. Traditional sorpotel, made and sponsored by The Order, was enjoyed with sannas, while the menu also included seafood paella, Peruvian chicken, chana masala, fish curry, lomein and more. Wines for the event were sponsored by the New York Wine Exchange and the Couto family.

The event was coordinated entirely by the New York Goan Association committee, whose members reiterated that keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York and bringing families together remains central to the association’s mission. The celebration stood as a reminder that even far from home, Goan traditions, faith and community continue to thrive.

International

North America’s Tallest Lord Ram Idol Unveiled in Mississauga, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

A towering 51-foot idol of Lord Ram, the tallest in North America, was unveiled on Sunday at the Hindu Heritage Center (HHC) in Mississauga, marking a historic spiritual and cultural milestone for the Indian diaspora in Canada.

The idol, which was fabricated in Delhi and assembled by artisans in Canada, now stands as a beacon of devotion and heritage in the Greater Toronto Area. Positioned on a 7-foot pedestal, and with plans for a future chattri (umbrella) addition, the fiberglass statue is designed to endure over 100 years and withstand wind speeds of up to 200 km/h.

Inspired by Ayodhya and Community Spirit

Acharya Surinder Sharma Shastri, the temple’s founder and head priest, shared that the concept had been in development for nearly three years, inspired by the Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration in January 2024.

“This is a reflection of our devotion, identity, and cultural heritage. Lord Ram’s blessings are now visibly present here in Canada,” he said.

Ceremony with Dignitaries and Devotees

The unveiling featured a religious procession, rituals, and participation from federal and provincial Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Mississauga’s Mayor. Thousands of devotees and community members attended the historic event.

Kushagr Sharma, the event’s principal organizer, confirmed that all city permissions were secured and that the event was conducted with full cooperation from law enforcement, considering recent trends of anti-immigrant sentiment.

Symbolism Meets Visibility

One of the most striking features is the idol’s visibility from the sky. With Toronto Pearson International Airport nearby, the statue is now among the first sights for passengers flying into the city — a symbol of the growing presence and pride of the Indian community in Canada.

Security Measures Amid Cultural Tensions

In light of previous incidents — such as backlash over a 55-foot Hanuman idol in Brampton in 2024 — this event was conducted under heightened security to ensure a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Organizers emphasized that the event was about unity, pride, and peace.

The unveiling of the tallest Lord Ram idol in North America is a landmark event — not just for the temple, but for the entire South Asian diaspora across the continent. It stands as a reminder of resilience, culture, and the enduring faith that transcends borders.

National

Indian-Origin Shailesh Jejurikar Appointed as CEO of Procter & Gamble📍 Global | Business | July 2025

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In a landmark move in the world of global business, Procter & Gamble (P&G) has appointed Shailesh Jejurikar, an Indian-origin executive, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This appointment marks a significant milestone, not only in Jejurikar’s career but also for the Indian diaspora across the globe.

Jejurikar takes over the reins of the consumer goods giant after serving in various critical roles across P&G’s global operations, including leading divisions in North America, Asia, and Africa. Known for his strategic insight, innovation-led mindset, and inclusive leadership style, he has played a crucial role in expanding P&G’s footprint and transforming operations to be more sustainable and future-ready.

A graduate of Mumbai University and a seasoned global business leader, Jejurikar’s elevation reflects a growing trend of Indian-origin professionals being recognized for their leadership at the highest echelons of the corporate world. With over three decades of experience at P&G, he brings a rich understanding of both emerging and developed markets—a skillset vital for steering a multinational brand in a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Speaking on the appointment, industry experts have hailed the move as a testament to the depth of talent and leadership that Indian professionals bring to the global stage.

His new role comes with high expectations: to lead P&G into its next chapter of innovation, sustainability, and growth—while continuing its legacy as one of the most trusted brands in the world.

This development also sparks pride and celebration among Indian communities worldwide, highlighting the growing influence of Indian talent in global decision-making roles.

Stay tuned to Allycaral.com for updates on this developing story and more inspiring moments of Indian excellence around the globe.

International

Robbinsville Akshardham: The Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Opens in New Jersey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Robbinsville, New Jersey | 2023 – The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville has officially become the largest Hindu temple outside India, marking a monumental achievement in architectural splendor, spiritual dedication, and community effort.

Spread across a vast 183-acre campus, the temple was constructed over 15 years with the help of over 12,500 global volunteers and an extraordinary 4.7 million hours of selfless service. The structure is built using hand-carved Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, integrating more than 10,000 intricately sculpted statues, arches, columns, and motifs — each reflecting ancient Hindu scriptures and traditions.

The project was inspired by the visionary leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and brought to life under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. It reflects the ideals of unity, peace, service, and spiritual enlightenment.

More than just a religious structure, the Robbinsville Akshardham serves as a living bridge between Indian heritage and American values — welcoming people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds to explore India’s spiritual richness.

The temple also embodies the global mission of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), which operates over 100 centers in North America and 3,500+ worldwide. The organization continues to spread Indian culture through spiritual teachings, humanitarian services, and youth engagement.

Whether visited for worship, architectural admiration, or cultural curiosity, the Robbinsville Akshardham stands as a beacon of timeless devotion and modern inclusivity, showcasing the enduring strength of community, craftsmanship, and faith.

TechPulse

India Eyes Global Talent: OCI Representation in Sports

allycaralgoa

India is considering a policy shift that could revolutionize its sports landscape. The government is exploring the possibility of allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent India in select sports like football and tennis. This potential change has sparked excitement among sports enthusiasts and could have far-reaching implications for Indian sports.

The proposal to permit OCI representation in sports aims to tap into the vast pool of talented individuals of Indian origin living abroad. Many OCIs have excelled in their chosen sports, and this move could enable them to showcase their skills on the international stage while proudly representing their homeland.

By including OCIs, India can access a broader talent pool, potentially leading to improved performance in international competitions. OCIs bring diverse experiences and training methods, which can enhance India’s sporting prowess and competitiveness. Additionally, OCI representation can foster cultural exchange and promote Indian sports globally, encouraging more people to take up sports.

Football and tennis are two sports that could benefit significantly from OCI representation. With a growing global fan base, football is an attractive option for OCI representation. India’s football team could benefit from the skills and expertise of OCIs who have honed their craft abroad. Similarly, tennis is another sport where OCIs could make a significant impact, excelling in international tournaments and bringing glory to India.

However, there are challenges and considerations that need to be addressed. Clear guidelines would need to be established to determine OCI eligibility for representing India in sports. OCIs would require access to quality training facilities, coaching, and support staff to perform at their best. The policy shift could also raise questions about national identity and the role of OCIs in representing India.

The potential inclusion of OCIs in Indian sports represents a significant opportunity for growth and development. By embracing this change, India can tap into the talents of its global diaspora, enhance its sporting reputation, and inspire a new generation of athletes. As the government considers this policy shift, it will be crucial to balance the benefits and challenges to ensure the best outcomes for Indian sports.