On January 25, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Federation of North America (UPFNA) hosted a celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas in New Jersey. According to organizers, this occasion was historic, as it marked the first-ever celebration of Uttar Pradesh Diwas outside India and in the United States.
The Chief Minister of UP Yogi Adityanath sent his blessings and goodwill by addressing the Pravasi Uttar Pradesh community with, what organizers described as “an inspiring message that filled everyone with pride and enthusiasm.”
The UPFNA also received congratulatory messages and letters from several distinguished dignitaries, including:
• Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister (MSME), Government of India
• Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir
• Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Bihar
• Jayveer Singh, Minister of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh
• J. P. S. Rathore, Minister of Cooperation, Uttar Pradesh
• Daya Shankar Singh, Minister of Transport, Uttar Pradesh
• Dr. Daya Shankar Mishra, Minister of AYUSH, Uttar Pradesh
• Dr. D. P. Singh, Educational Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
• Krishan Pal Panwar, Cabinet Minister (Panchayati Raj, Development, Mines & Geology), Government of Haryana
• Dr. Arvind Sharma, Minister of Tourism, Haryana
• Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. R. B. Singh
• Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher
• Devkinandan Thakur, spiritual leader
• Prabal Pratap Singh, Co-founder, Aaj Tak
The Chief Guests for the program were:
• Piyush Singh, Consulate General of India – Media & Culture Department
• Derek Armstead, Mayor of Linden, New Jersey
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The event received active support from several prominent community organizations. Notable contributors included Srujal Parikh (Joint Secretary, FIA), Priti Patel (Secretary, FIA), Alok Kumar (Board Member, FIA); Sanjay Gupta (President, VHP America – New Jersey); Priti Kashyap (President, BJANA) with Sushant (Vice President); and Archana Sharma (UPAGP).
It was especially noteworthy that despite a state-level emergency and extreme cold temperatures of –14 degrees Celsius, members of the Uttar Pradesh community attended the celebration marking their unity and enthusiasm, organizers noted.
The program was successfully coordinated by Prashant K. S. Dikshit, Founder and Trustee, UPFNA. The event was conducted by Neeta Tyagi.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Amit Gupta, in the presence of Trustees Dr. Shiv Shahi and Amit Kumar. The program also received active support from the following office bearers:
• Vice President: Alpana Singh
• Secretary: Alpana Pathak
• Treasurer: Saurabh Gupta
A special highlight of the program was the collective rendition of “Vande Mataram”, to mark the 150th anniversary of India’s patriotic song. Additionally, organizers distributed prasad from the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya, India, to all devotees present.