Queens, New York – The spirit of Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminated the Hindu Center in Flushing on Thursday, October 16, 2025, as a distinguished group of Indo-Caribbean leaders were honored for their significant contributions to the community. The celebration, presided over by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, highlighted the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Indo-Caribbean diaspora and their deep-rooted traditions connecting them to their ancestral homeland while forging a unique identity in New York.
A Celebration of Light and Service
The event recognized several individuals and organizations for their dedication and service. Among those bestowed with a Citation of Honor were Dr. Sharla Madho-Khargi and Mr. Nagassar Ramgarib, both stalwarts in their respective fields and active members of the Indo-Caribbean community. Their recognition underscored the vital role they, and others like them, play in enriching the cultural and social landscape of Queens.
Dr. Sharla Madho-Khargi, a clinical psychologist of Guyanese origin, was lauded for her extensive work in mental health advocacy. As the Director of Clinical/Community Services for the Indian Diaspora Council (IDC), she has been instrumental in addressing mental health challenges within the diaspora. Her expertise, honed through years of practice and international research, extends to her role as an adjunct faculty member at St. John’s University and the City University of New York, and as a Mental Health Consultant for Guyana’s Ministry of Public Health. Upon receiving her citation, Dr. Madho-Khargi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is such an esteemed honor to be recognized… Serving this community with the mentorship of [various leaders] is a privilege. I hope to continue my work, paving it forward to raise and acknowledge challenges with mental health.”
Mr. Nagassar Ramgarib, hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, was also honored for his long-standing commitment to community service. As the former president of the Queens Village Civic Association and vice president of the Queens Civic Congress, Ramgarib has been a dedicated advocate for numerous community interests. He remarked on the profound meaning of the recognition, stating, “This recognition of my work with the Queens Village Civic Association and Community Board 13Q is deeply meaningful. Serving our community is a source of great fulfillment and one of the cornerstone of my values. This citation reflects not just my efforts, but the dedication of those who advocate for maintaining the quality of life in the neighborhoods we choose raise our families and find our small corners of peace. I will continue in my commitment to be a steadfast champion for my neighbors.”
Other honorees included the Jain Center of America, Ashif Ahmed, Shreeya Tuladhar, Sumi Sarkar, and Dr. Vipul Patel, further demonstrating the breadth of talent and dedication within the community.
The Vibrant Indo-Caribbean Diaspora in Queens
Queens, particularly neighborhoods like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park, often referred to as “Little Guyana” or “Little Trinidad,” serves as a vibrant hub for the Indo-Caribbean community in New York. This diaspora, with roots in countries like Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Jamaica, numbers over 300,000 residents in Queens alone. These communities have not only established strong religious and ethnic ties to their Indian heritage but have also developed a unique cultural identity in their adopted home.
Diwali, a festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, holds profound significance for Indo-Caribbean Hindus. It has become a crucial occasion for sparking cultural belonging among the community’s youth and for preserving unique traditions passed down through generations. The celebrations in New York often feature a captivating fusion of Indian classical influences with Caribbean rhythms, such as the tassa drum, reflecting the dual heritage of the Indo-Caribbean people.
Over the decades, Diwali celebrations have evolved from intimate gatherings to large-scale public events. Since the 1990s, New York has witnessed magnificent celebrations, with events like the Diwali Motorcade and the “Let’s Light Up Liberty Avenue” festival drawing thousands of attendees. These festivities serve as powerful affirmations of cultural pride, allowing individuals to connect with their roots and share their heritage with wider audiences.
Diwali’s Growing Recognition and Community Stories
The increasing visibility and importance of Diwali within New York are reflected in its growing institutional recognition. Notably, New York City Public Schools officially recognized Diwali as a holiday starting in 2023, a move celebrated as a “long overdue” acknowledgment of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. This landmark decision allows students and educators to observe the festival, fostering greater cultural understanding and inclusivity within the education system.
The efforts of various organizations are instrumental in documenting and celebrating these rich narratives. The Indo-Caribbean Alliance (ICA), for instance, has launched initiatives like the “Through Their Eyes: Preserving Indo-Caribbean Histories” exhibit, using photography, video, and audio recordings to capture the life stories of first-generation immigrants. Similarly, events like the Queens Book Fair and cultural festivals focusing on Indo-Caribbean music aim to assert heritage, identity, and to expose audiences to the diverse artistic expressions of the diaspora.
These celebrations and initiatives are more than just festive occasions; they are crucial platforms for sharing stories, strengthening community bonds, and ensuring that the unique cultural heritage of the Indo-Caribbean people in Queens continues to thrive. The recognition of leaders like Dr. Madho-Khargi and Mr. Ramgarib serves as an inspiration, highlighting the profound impact that dedicated individuals have in preserving traditions and building a stronger, more vibrant community.