Desi talk

www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 14 NATIONAL AFFAIRS January 23, 2026 W ith the support of the advoca- cy organization Hindu Ameri- can Foundation, Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, D-Mon- mouth, have sponsored joint Senate and Assembly resolutions to declare Sanskrit as one of the world languages. The resolutions, (SJR167) and (AJR230), recognize that Sanskrit is a language with a unique origin. Sanskrit is considered to be one of the most systematic, technical, and innovative languages. It has one of the largest vocabularies, approximately 102,000 words, making it highly versatile. Sanskrit has influenced nearly 97 percent of world languages, demonstrating its far reaching and profound impact on lan- guage and culture. Sanskrit has been widely recognized for its sophisticated structure, efficiency in developing algorithms, and its ability to express subtle philosophical teach- ings. Sanskrit has 2,500 years of literature including poetry, philosophical writings, and Hindu traditions. This resolution acknowledges not just Sanskrit’s cultural and spiritual impor- tance, but also New Jersey’s vibrant Hindu community. In the last decade, New Jersey has seen tremendous growth of Hindu residents who now share a greater per- centage of our population than any other state. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, in Robbinsville, which was de- signed in accordance with ancient Hindu scriptures, is the largest Hindu Temple in the United States and the second largest in the world. As the foundational language, Sanskrit holds deep importance to Hindu traditions and spiritual framework. ### Senator Vin Gopal serves as Senate MajorityWhip and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, in addition to serv- ing on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He previously served as Democratic Con- ference Chair (2022-2025) and Majority Conference Leader (2018-2021). Elected in 2018, a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Senator Gopal represents resi- dents of Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Bradley Beach, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Freehold, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbor, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Shrews- bury Township, and Tinton Falls. PHOTO:Facebook @SenatorVin Gopal PHOTO: Jayanti Oza NJ State Senator Gopal, Assemblywoman Donlon Sponsor Resolutions To Declare Sanskrit A World Language From Press Release New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal, the first Indian American to be elected to the upper house in the state. Program was started with the ceremony of Deep Pragatya and Acharya Rohitbhai Joshi (Vice President of USPC) with musical group. A n international online pageant systemMiss Regal World (based in the UK) has officially an- nounced Dr. Roopa Modha as the reigning Ms. Regal World 2025-2026. Modha was selected “by a panel of industry professionals for her lifelong dedication to global service and her ex- ceptional achievements across the fields of law, media, and the arts,” a press release fromModha said. Modha represented the USA in the international pageant. Dr. Roopa Modha is an intellectual property law attorney holding a Doctorate in Jurisprudence (JD) from University of Connecticut: School of Law with certifi- cates in Intellectual Property Law and Tax Law. “Beyond the courtroom, she is a cel- ebrated TV host, author, lyricist, illustra- tor, journalist, and international pageant queen with many titles and awards to her name,” the press release said, describing Dr. Modha as “An accomplished dancer and dance teacher,” who excels in a range of dance genres including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, semi-classical, ballet, tap, jazz, and Bollywood (trained under Smt. Saroj Khan). “To date, Roopa has 38 successful world records in dance, including 3 Guinness World Records and has earned titles and recognition around the world for her artis- tic performances and dancing prowess,” the press release said. Modha has advocated for women’s empowerment and education and was recognized by President Barack Obama and theWhite House as a “Changemaker,” the press release says. She was named one of the “40Women Leaders toWatch” by CWEALF and received the “Anokhi Advocate” award from Canada—an honor previously bestowed upon global icons like Priyanka Chopra and Malala Yousafzai. Connecticut’s Malta House recognized her as a “WonderWoman,” a title officially bestowed upon her by the Connecticut Senate. She was the youngest recipient and only South Asian, the press release noted. PHOTO:CourtesyDr.Modha Dr. Roopa Modha Crowned Ms. Regal World 2025-2026 By a StaffWriter Dr. Roopa Modha. M ore than 350 members and volunteers of the United Senior Pariwar of Chicago (USPC) came together to celebrate Christmas and welcome the NewYear 2026 in a grand and joyful manner. The festive program reflected unity, culture, and the vibrant spirit of senior citizens. The event began with the traditional Deep Pragatya (lamp-lighting) cer- emony, performed according to Hindu rituals by Acharya Rohitbhai Joshi, Vice President of USPC, accompanied by prayers and live music. This auspicious start set a devotional and celebratory tone for the evening. Rameshbhai Chokshi, President of USPC, delivered a warm welcome speech, expressing gratitude to mem- bers, volunteers, and artists for their continued support and participation throughout the year. The cultural program featured performances by well-known local and versatile artists Naliniben Parikh, Ishan, United Senior Pariwar Of Chicago Celebrates Christmas And Welcomes New Year 2026 By Jyanti Oza CITY VIEWS - Continued On Page 15