Brahmrishi Kumar Swami honored at AWB Food Bank reception
New York: Judges of the New York Supreme Court, members of the New York State Assembly and Senate and public officials from all over Nassau County on April 29, gathered at the prestigious Chamber of the Nassau County Legislature on Long Island to honor His Holiness Brahmrishi Kumar Swami, a renowned spiritual leader of India. United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Con-gressman Joseph Crowley were also represented at the public reception.The event was organized by AWB Food Bank, a charitable hunger relief organization, and emceed by Riti Sunshine Bhalla, a television host, whose programs are telecast by Sahara One across the United States, Canada and 21 other countries.
The dignitaries welcomed Kumar Swami with garlands and commended his humanitarian services and spiritual leadership. Honor citations and proclamations were issued on behalf of the local, state and federal governments.
Assemblyman Tom McKevitt joined Senator Jack Martins in presenting a Senate Pro-clamation declaring April 29 as “Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day” in the state of New York. Senator Kisten Gillibrand commended the efforts of the Swami to improve the welfare of others through humanitarian assistance. Congressman Crowley issued a Proclamation citing the Brahmrishi as “one of the most scholarly figures of the world religions” and bestowed Congressional recognition upon him.
County Executive Edward Mangano recognized the “distinguished and outstanding record of excellence in community services” rendered by the honoree and delivered a citation through his Deputy County Executive, Dr. Phillip Elliott. Mangano also issued a citation to AWB Food Bank for 20 years of selfless commitment and dedicated efforts for hunger relief and recognized its founders, Ratna Bhalla and Varinder Bhalla, upon distributing eight million meals to the needy since 1991.
The humanitarian work of Kumar Swami also received recognitions from several leaders of New York State and Nassau County. New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued an Honor Citation applauding “Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami for his leadership in promoting human welfare.” Assistant Comptro-ller Joe Galante, representing DiNapoli, commended the humanitarian efforts of both the Swami and the AWB Food Bank and said: “The AWB Food Bank has been providing physical nourishment for the last 20 years while Kumar Swami Ji has been providing the spiritual nourishment all his life. Therefore, it is very appropriate for the two to come together for this event.”
Charles Lavine and Michelle Schimell also presented Honor Citations on behalf of the New York State Assembly and recognized “His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji worthy of the esteem of both community and the Great State of New York.”
The Town of Hempstead was represented by Mark Bonilla and Don Clavin, who welcomed the Swami with garlands. The spiritual leader was also garlanded by Supreme Court Judge Frank Gulotta, Supreme Court Judge Thomas Adams, Town Clerk Leslie Gross and Receiver Charles Berman of the Town of Hempstead.
