Street Naming Honour For Dr. Sukhadia

Last weekend, one of  our lifelong 'Parivar' swayamsevak - Dr. Jitendra Sukhadia - the legendary Philanthropist in NY/NJ area was posthumously honored for his relentless humanitarian work by the 'Borough of Staten Island, N.Y' by permanently naming a city square after him. His home had always been a home-away-from-home for all RSS dignitaries from India . 
On Sunday, March 21 afternoon, in presence of family, friends, colleagues and members of City Council of Staten Island, N.Y, the intersection of “Arden” & "Amboy" Avenues was named “Dr Jitendra Sukhadia Crossing”, as a tribute to his wide ranging exceptional Humanitarian work. Dr. Jitendra Sukhadia was a past president of New York Chapter of "Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America - VHPA" for several years and locally spearheaded all its charitable activities. He was also a board member of H.H. Swami Dayananda Saraswati's "All India Movement "( 'AIM for Sewa' ) for eradication of illiteracy in tribal areas and recipient of several awards & honors in USA & India. Dr Jitendra Sukhadia, who passed away on March 21’ 2008 was a brilliant Pediatrician, conscientious community leader and a legendary Philanthropist who touched countless lives through his generosity of help, spirit and commitment, especially in Staten Island which was his home for more than three decades. This event was graced by Hon. Councilman Mr. Vincent Ignicio, NJ Assembly Member Mr. Upendra Chivukula and scores of Indian dignitaries from various organizations. In the words of Dr Jitendra’s  Sukhadia’s wife, Dr Ila Sukhadia, the street naming ceremony was a fitting homage by the people of Staten Island to immortalize his 'ideals' and she was grateful and feel humbled. This rare honor was first of its kind for an Indian on the East coast for humanitarian work..
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Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Councilman Mr. Vincent Ignicio, said, “Dr Sukhadia was not only an exemplary citizen of our community who lived an American Dream but also an inspiration what we all can be”.  Dr Ryan McMahon, Jitendra’s Colleague and President of Medical Staff at ‘Richmand Hill Med Ctr’, while praising Jitendra’s professionalism informed that,”Jitendra was a guide, a mentor to every one at the Hospital and always resorted to long term solutions for Medical complexities rather than short term.” Dr Dharmi kanuga, a family friend of many decades, emotionally lamented that, ” when life gave Jitendrabhai hundred reasons to cry, he always found thousand reasons to smile and touched people’s hearts like very few could”. The most endearing tribute was paid by one of Dr Sukhadi’s patient, Devon Catugno, who after overcoming numerous medical-physical complications, is now a graduate student. His expressed feelings, which were vocalized by his mother, portrayed Dr Jitendra Sukhadia a lifetime friend rather than a care giver, who as a doctor, not only treated and nurtured him overcoming all the obstacles he faced but also encouraged him to strive for the higher goals. He elaborated that,” Dr Sukhadia was not only the healer of my body and the spirit but truly believed in me lot more than I believed in myself”. In concluding remarks, Dr Jitendra Sukhadi’s daughter, Dr Sajani Raman, who coordinated the entire proceedings of this well attended event, wished that her father was there to witness the community's outpouring love and regards for him. After 9/11 tragedy, Jitendra & Ila Sukhadia had visited all the families of Staten Island firefighters, who had perished to extend personal financial help