Grand and Historic Celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas by UPFNA in New Jersey

The Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America (UPFNA) proudly organized a grand, dignified, and historic celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas in New Jersey on January 24, 2026. This landmark occasion holds special significance as it marked the first-ever celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas outside India, and notably, in the United States of America. On this auspicious occasion, UPFNA was honored to receive the blessings and goodwill of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji. His inspiring address to the Pravasi Uttar Pradesh community filled everyone with immense pride, motivation, and renewed enthusiasm.

UPFNA also received congratulatory messages and letters from several eminent dignitaries, including:

-Hon’ble Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi Ji, Union Minister (MSME), Government of India

-Hon’ble Shri Manoj Sinha Ji, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir 

-Hon’ble Shri Arif Mohammad Khan Ji, Governor of Bihar 

 -Shri Jayveer Singh Ji, Minister of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh 

 -Shri J. P. S. Rathore Ji, Minister of Cooperation, Uttar Pradesh 

 -Shri Daya Shankar Singh Ji, Minister of Transport, Uttar Pradesh 

 -Dr. Daya Shankar Mishra Ji, Minister of AYUSH, Uttar Pradesh

 -Dr. D. P. Ji, Educational Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh 

-Shri Krishan Pal Panwar Ji, Cabinet Minister (Panchayati Raj, Development, Mines & Geology), Government of Haryana 

- Dr. Arvind Sharma Ji, Minister of Tourism, Haryana 

-Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. R. B. Singh Ji 

-Padma Shri awardee Shri Kailash Kher Ji 

-Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji, renowned spiritual leader 

-Shri Prabal Pratap Singh Ji, Co-founder, Aaj Tak

The Chief Guests for the program were:

-Shri Piyush Singh Ji, Consulate General of India – Media & Culture Department 

-Mr. Derek Armstead, Hon’ble Mayor of Linden, New Jersey

The event received strong and enthusiastic support from several prominent community organizations and leaders. Notable contributors included Mr. Surjal Parikh (Joint Secretary, FIA), Ms. Priti Patel (Secretary, FIA), Mr. Alok Kumar (Board Member, FIA); Mr. Sanjay Gupta (President, VHP America – New Jersey); Ms. Priti Kashyap (President, Bajana) along with Mr. Sushant (Vice President); and Ms. Archana Sharma (UPAGP).

Despite a state-level emergency and extreme cold conditions, with temperatures plunging to 14°C, members of the Uttar Pradesh community came together in large numbers to celebrate Uttar Pradesh Diwas with remarkable enthusiasm, devotion, and unity—a true testament to their cultural pride and resilience.

The program was successfully coordinated by Shri Prashant K. S. Dikshit, Founder and Trustee, UPFNA, and was conducted with grace and excellence by Smt. Neeta Tyagi Ji.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Amit Gupta Ji, President UPFNA, in the esteemed presence of Trustees Dr. Shiv Shahi Ji and Shri Amit Kumar Ji. The event was further supported by UPFNA office bearers:

-Vice President: Ms. Alpana Singh 

-Secretary: Ms. Alpana Pathak 

-Treasurer: Mr. Saurabh Gupta

A special highlight of the program was the collective rendition of “Vande Mataram”, commemorating its 150th anniversary, which created a deeply emotional and patriotic atmosphere. Additionally, sacred Prasad from Shri Ram Lalla Temple, Ayodhya, was distributed among devotees, adding a spiritually uplifting and devotional dimension to the celebration.

The Uttar Pradesh Diwas celebration in New Jersey emerged as a powerful symbol of cultural pride, unity, devotion, and the enduring global bond of people from Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the community across borders.