“Friends of India” Cultural Secretary Nirmalya Chatterjee Refuses to Recognize the Sole-Surviving Founder of the Organization At Recent Event
During the Friends of India club’s recent celebration of India’s Independence Day, Cultural Secretary Nirmalya Chatterjee invited and acknowledged the club’s former Presidents on stage. However, when the editor of this publication respectfully approached and politely requested that Chatterjee also recognize the sole-surviving founder of the club, PK Bhatnagar, – who was present at the event – he refused, stating that the recognition was not part of the prepared script and that there wasn’t enough time, even though such an acknowledgment would have taken less than 20 seconds.
When news of this dismissal reached attending members of the community, many expressed disappointment and dismay at Chatterjee’s actions, feeling that the founder’s presence and contributions should have been given due respect during such a meaningful celebration. Later, after the program ended, Chatterjee stated “You cannot just come to the stage and tell me what to do.” The individual who brought the issue up wasn’t on the stage at all; he informed Chatterjee about this mistake from the side steps leading to the stage.
This was not an isolated incident. At the previous Holi celebration, Chatterjee similarly failed to acknowledge Bhatnagar, the sole surviving founder of the Friends of India. When questioned, his response was again that there wasn’t enough time to include the recognition.
Following the recent Independence Day event, conversations with numerous attendees revealed strong disapproval of Chatterjee’s repeated disregard of what many believe is a basic issue of etiquette and courtesy. Some community members felt his actions were disrespectful and unacceptable, especially given the founder’s historical significance to the organization.
As a result, several community members and this publication call for Chatterjee to resign from his position, or in the interim, the leadership should stop giving him a microphone. Although the Indian community in Las Vegas has grown significantly over the years, attendance at Friends of India events has been gradually declining. This publication, along with several long-time residents, is deeply familiar with the history of the local Indian-American community, tracing back to the founding of Friends of India when the Indian-American population in Las Vegas was fewer than 50 people.
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My family and I have been long-time contributors to Friends of India. We are also “Lifetime” members; however, we never got any notice (such as emails) about any of the recent events since new leadership has taken over. I was not even approached for any contribution/donation. Oh well. Wish this “non-profit” had more of a social cause than just hosting parties celebrating Holi, Indian Independence Day and Diwali. I respect that promoting culture is important, but hosting parties alone is probably not sufficient. Wish the organization could do something more to give back to the community, such as soup kitchens or something even with Three Square.
Overall it was a good event . lot of energy and efforts were put into it. The venue, the acts , the food , the recognition were all well planned and executed.
My take
1. If due recognition is needed , it must be acknowledged . And recognition was appropriate for performers, providers and past presidents.
2. The executive team decides the inclusions and exclusions for the event.
3. The cultural secretary has no authority to add or remove agreed upon items.
4. As a newcomer , I have relied upon past FOILV Diwali books as the guidelines for past presidents, life members , financial reporting format etc. The first name published in every book I have seen is Dr. Raj Chanderraj . I have at least past ten books with the same name listed as the FOILV past president. I have recognized past presidents on stage and No one asked me to include others as president.
5. Without proper wetting ,individuals can’t be recognized and added or removed from the event agenda.
6. Focus efforts are needed for a successful event and distractions does not help.
7. Your publication is well respected , well received and read in the community. Spreading positivity encourages involvement. This message does not encourage individuals to engage. Small number of individuals from large Indian communities participated in the event , but a large number did not participate. Inspite of hard work and successful event by the team and performers , non participating readers will take it as a failure. Again discouraging participation. You clearly mention that attendance is declining and we need positive reinforcement to increase the attendance.,
My suggestion…..you are the keeper of history of the community in Las Vegas. You can present the background information of FOILV founders to the current FOILV president , so that they can evaluate the merits of the request. if the team decides that the recognition is due , at next Diwali event proper recognition can happen.
We need constructive dialogue to make FOILV a very successful and influential platform to share, promote culture and philanthropy in vegas .
The Presidential Duo: Where Ego Meets Spotlight!
Some people just can’t get enough of the spotlight, huh? Saroj and Nirmalya seem to be competing for attention wherever they go. The “dual” Mrs. President and Mr. President. Maybe they should focus on serving the community instead of serving their own egos. Unfortunately, respect and courtesy seem to be missing from their playbook. Let’s all try to be kind and humble, right ?
I appreciate the concerns raised, but I feel the article was published without giving the FOILV executive team proper time to review and make a decision. I understand the concern, but during the event there are many things happening at once, and it’s important to stay focused on what truly matters. Cultural secretary is not responsible to make the decision, so I feel that he is not be blamed for not announcing your request. But at the same time, I feel the tone may unintentionally overshadow the hard work, energy, and success FOILV has put in. Recognition is important, but it should come through the right process so it’s fair and consistent. Moving forward, I suggest that such requests be shared with the leadership first, so they have the opportunity to evaluate and decide appropriately. This way we avoid discouragement and keep the focus on the positivity, teamwork, and success of our events.
I strongly feel the article should be taken out immediately so no negative effects occur. I hope the rest of the president expresses their opinion and support to FOILV team.
Great job FOILV TEAM keep it up.
First, I would like to state that “I have no dog in this fight.” I neither dislike nor favor anyone. So my comment is just a response, based on my memory, to the article.
I was one of about a dozen attendees of the meeting in a small room on the UNLV campus when, supposedly FOI was founded. I believe PK Bhatnagar was there, but he is not the the “sol-survivor founder” because many of the people present are still alive. Any request to change proceedings of any public event is at a sole discretion of the people in charge. This incident is much ado about nothing. Sooner we disregard it, better it will be for our community.
Well Said like a diplomat.
Egos get in the way of progress in such events.
I think Swadeep Nigam”s request to recognize a prominent and elderly person in the community has been taken totally out of context. His request seemed to in good faith and intent. He brought this up since this recognition was overlooked by the organizers. There’s no need to make a molehill of the mole with unnecessary discussion and grievance there are a lot more important issues that need to be addressed by the community.
Dear Swadeep,
I am really speechless for about a week since I read this news about my recognition of my services to Friends of India (FOI) more than 35 years ago. I was completely unaware about your efforts in this regard. I wish I had known, I could have simply said No. I know, you watched me very closely for my extreme involvement and love for the growth of FOI at that time.
Definitely in thoughts, I took a very deep dive to the past of more than 40 years ago even before FOI was established, when handful families used to get together on the festival occasions. Ideas for forming an organization also came. With the help of a few serious supporters, Friends of India was established. I recall, Late Dr. Raghavendra Singh (younger brother of well known Saroj Singh) and I met about half dozen persons to seek their expertise and guidance by revising the drafts for Articles of Incorporation of FOI a few times before we could finalize and file papers with Secretary of State of Nevada on July 3,1986. I am pleased to inform you that FOI will celebrate 40th Anniversary of its existence in 2026. I also recall when majority members selected the name of Friends of India suggested by my brother Prof. Satish C. Bhatnagar.
Following names of the office bearers signed the document on August 27, 1989 as Incorporators of FOI:
Dr. Raj Chanderraj, First President after registration with secretary of Nevada State – I have very high admirations for his highly co-operative and
helpful attitude. He was a great boost for Friend of India at that time.
Late Dr. Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Vice President – He was the first President of unregistered Friends of India – very helpful person.
Pramod K Bhatnagar, General Secretary (myself)
Mrs. Rama Yelamanchili, Treasurer
Mr. Himansu Shroff, Member at Large
Mr. Ramesh Khitri, Member at Large
Mr. Tom Thomas, ex-officio Member
Mr. Himansu Shroff, former President of FOI knows very well how many times we used to have Executive Committee meetings at his office closer to Tropicana/Sandhill. We used his office for making copies of news letters during 1986-88, when I was the Editor. I recall some former EC Members who are not in this world like; Prof. Bhagwan Singh (father of Saroj Singh & Davendra Singh), Smt. Indrani Iyengar,
Mr. Ranen Ghatak and Mr. L.M Umeria. I salute to all the past EC Members of FOI for their handwork.
To sum up – I really do not need any recognition. I was very well recognized at each time we had the functions for Friends of India. Definitely I feel to share some of the past major events/news of that time on your website from time to time, if it is ok with you.
EC Members: Very well explained comments
Mahendrabhai – Noted your valid comments
Yatinbhai – Noted your comments
Jagdishbhai – I know you more than 40 years. All I like to say:
To attend a show and be a part of the show – Giant difference
I have been a past Executive Committee member of FOI and was told I could not have my wife in a subcommittee, therefore she was removed. Does rules change with every new incoming EC where Mr and Mrs Chatterjee have been allowed to hold these positions in our organization? Decisions and approvals are going to be always bias with the husband and wife duo teaming up. Dr Singh even handled better during his insane leadership of FOI.
Veer ji
Very interesting story about FOI I remember seeing it all the friends and family when we were get together and celebrate all lovey functions and enjoying a lot
Thanks for sharing
Regard
I would think Diwali is a great opportunity to recognize a founding member (if he/she was the only one present) of that group at the occasion. Hiding behind the excuse of prior approval is just that – an excuse.
There are however many larger issues that are being faced by FOILV. Not belittling anyone’s efforts and contributions (thank you for all who do what they do) but FOILV seems to have an identity crisis. Let us assess the board.
What is the necessity for both husband and wife being on the executive committee with different titles? Are we so short of community members who want to be engaged or would not a spouse want to support a spouse without the need of a position?
Respecting the contribution of the esteemed treasurer in keeping the finances healthy but Ms. Bhavna Jain has been in that capacity now thru 4 presidents. The current Vice President is also on the executive board of the temple and an executive board member of the Gujarati Samaj.
There was more turn out at the Food Festival hosted by the Gurudwara and there is more turn out at the Navratri celebrations annually than a Friends of India event. FOILV needs to get re-engaged with all the different community groups to remain relevant. The Executive team seems to lack focus around a long term strategy and lack representation. The last President who seemed to have some momentum was Mr. Mahendra Mehta. The last two presidents seem to have zero involvement in the organization (Dr. Singh and Dr. Sood) and did little to build up or sustain the organization in their tenure. What qualifications does the current publicity/marketing director have to be in that position? what is she doing to engage everyone and market FOLIV?
How is FOLIV getting the word out and how are they making themselves heard in the Vegas community. In comparison look at the recognition and work done by other ethno-centric organizations that are in Vegas. FOILV has basically become a platform for some specific people perpetuating the same ideas and concepts – there is just that many times you can enjoy the variation of dance and song by the same people.
Mr. Nigam has been one of the strong advocates for FOLIV and everything South Asian in Las Vegas – it is time FOLIV does that