The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) officially ushered in its next generation of leadership during a massive Holi festival at the Royal Albert Palace. Amidst a showcase of traditional “Fagua geet” and modern Bollywood performances, the organization announced Priti Kashyap as its new President, signaling a strategic shift toward youth empowerment and cultural preservation.
The Royal Albert Palace was transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and communal pride this week as the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted its annual Holi celebration. The event, which serves as a cornerstone of the diaspora’s cultural calendar, functioned as both a spiritual observance of the “Festival of Colors” and a pivotal administrative transition for one of the most influential non-profit cultural organizations in the Northeastern United States.
The proceedings reached a crescendo with the formal introduction of Priti Kashyap as the new President of BJANA. Kashyap, whose roots span from Ranchi, Jharkhand, to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, represents a bridge between the traditional heritage of the Mithila region and the contemporary experience of the Indian-American diaspora. Since her arrival in the United States, Kashyap has been a fixture within the BJANA community, and her ascent to the presidency is seen by many as a natural evolution for an organization looking to balance philanthropic goals with cultural outreach.
Kashyap is joined by a robust newly elected leadership team tasked with navigating the organization’s 501(c)(3) mission over the coming term. The executive board includes Sushant Krishen as Vice President, Priya Ranjan as Secretary, Bishwanath Sharma as Joint Secretary, Rakesh Kumar as Treasurer, and Dipen Banerjee as Joint Treasurer. This core group is supported by a diverse slate of Executive Members, including Sarika Dubey, Anish Anand, Dhananjay Singh, Komal Sharan, Ravindra Kumar, Lata Shree Shanker, Pankaj Pravawi, Mridula Kairab, Dhiraj Singh, Priti Singh, and Dr. Avishek Kumar.
Beyond the administrative formalities, the event was a masterclass in cultural storytelling. The program’s centerpiece was a meticulously choreographed skit detailing the “Story of Prahlad,” the Vedic narrative that explains the theological origins of Holi—the triumph of devotion and good over the arrogance of the demon-king Hiranyakashipu. The performance was designed to educate the younger generation on the “why” behind the “what,” anchoring the festivities in historical and spiritual context.
The stage at the Royal Albert Palace saw a seamless blend of the ancient and the modern. Traditional Fagua geet—the folk songs synonymous with the harvest season in Bihar and Jharkhand—resonated through the hall, followed by high-energy Bollywood dance-offs and classical performances. The inclusion of a glamorous ramp walk and instrumental solos highlighted the multifaceted talents within the community, while several kids’ group dances ensured that the youngest members of the diaspora were front and center.
Perhaps the most significant announcement of the evening was the official launch of the BJANA Next Gen Youth program. This initiative is designed to create a structured networking and empowerment platform for the youth, aiming to foster a sense of identity and community service among second and third-generation immigrants. By connecting young professionals and students, BJANA hopes to ensure that the cultural warmth of the Mithila and Magadh regions survives the geographic distance from the subcontinent.
The spirit of volunteerism was also a major theme of the night. Felicitations were offered to several key contributors who have been instrumental in the organization’s recent successes, including Nandini Singh, Rajeev Singh, Harsha Sinha, and Rajiv Akhaury. The event was hosted by Arvind Prakash, whose leadership during the festivities was noted by several prominent guests in their keynote addresses.
As the evening drew to a close, President Kashyap delivered a heartfelt closing speech that looked toward the future of the organization. “This Holi exemplified BJANA’s joyful legacy,” a spokesperson for the organization later noted, emphasizing that the association remains an open and inclusive space for all those interested in the heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand. The program concluded with the presentation of SAT fellow awards, recognizing academic excellence within the community, followed by a high-stakes lucky draw and a final round of bouquet presentations to the event’s sponsors.
With a new board in place and a renewed focus on youth engagement, BJANA appears well-positioned to expand its philanthropic footprint. The organization, which invites membership through its portal at bjana.org, continues to serve as a vital link for the diaspora, providing not just a sense of “home” through festivals like Holi, but also a professional and social network that spans the North American continent.
