RAJASTHAN ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA (RANA)

RANA came into existence many years ago by a group of Rajasthanis living in New York. Six Rajasthanis who are the founding members of the association are Mr. Arvind Bhandari, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Mr. K. K. Mehta, Mr. Naveen C. Shah, Mr. Rajesh Shah and Mr. Sunil Shah. While having a get-together, they came up with an idea of formation of RANA and it all started at Mr. Naveen C. Shah’s residence.

Today RANA is reality and Chief Minister of Rajasthan along with many Maharaja’s and honorable businessmen are patron members of RANA.

It was formed for the purpose of bringing all Rajasthanis on a single platform, preserving the Rajasthani Culture and Heritage and instilling Rajasthani values amongst the younger generation. RANA’s objectives include performing charitable activities in the areas of education, healthcare and social welfare; contributing to the home state by promoting economic and industrial development; creating a bond between Rajasthan (the state) and Rajasthanis living in North America.

In a short span, RANA membership has increased multifold. RANA has been greatly instrumental in uniting the community in North America. RANA every year organizes many cultural and social events like Holi, Deepawali and Summer Picnic. These functions are attended by hundreds of Rajasthanis.

Apart from organizing the above events, RANA is greatly dedicated toward the various philanthropic causes. It has donated generously toward earthquake relief in India and also the recent drought in Rajasthan. RANA has set up an education fund that gives out scholarships to the deserving students. RANA has set up free health clinics where people can consult the physicians free of cost throughout the New York metropolitan area. RANA has also set up free consultations in areas of tax, accounting, immigration and other legal matters.

RANA has also been instrumental in creating a liaison with the Rajasthan Government. In the past, RANA has organized Rajasthan International Convention and it was a grand success. Chief Minister with a high level delegation was present on this occasion. The Rajasthan Government was co-sponsor and participated in this important event. It is being termed as the Second Rajasthani Convention (the first being held in Jaipur on the occasion of Rajasthan’s Golden Jubilee).

RANA future goals include making it a nationwide wide organization with Chapters or Regional offices in every state where Rajasthanis reside. RANA also wants to build a Rajasthani Community Center – a place which the Rajasthanis can call it their own and together celebrate the various festival and cultural activities.

All the above has been possible due to work done by the support and cooperation of all RANA members.