ORANGE, Calif.: Youth leadership and literary achievement took center stage as more than 150 guests gathered for the Youth Civics Think Tank (YCTT) and SMAP-LA book launch at Tandoor Cuisine of India on September 23, 2026.
Former Indian Ambassador and former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri presented her novel, Swallowing the Sun. YCTT President Eshan Patil led a youth question-and-answer session with Omkar Siddeswaran and Aditya Komaragirei, encouraging intergenerational dialogue and student participation in civic life.
Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Consul General of India in Los Angeles, introduced Puri. La Palma Mayor and YCTT Adviser Nitesh Patel and Artesia Councilmember Zeel Ahir honored her.
SMAP-LA President Aparna Hande welcomed guests, while SMAP Founder and Global President Vijay Patil outlined the organization’s mission, and Dr. Pradip Shukla served as emcee.
The program also recognized seven authors: Kamlesh Chauhan Gauri, Dr. Sukrit Mukherjee, Dr. Pradip Shukla, Anand Satsangi, Geeta Bhatt, Harshi Syal Gill, and Dr. Parvin D. Syal.
Organizers acknowledged Ashok Madan, Chair of SMAP-LA; Vilas Jadhav, Past President of SMAP-LA; Smita and Kumar Shah; Anila, Sunila and Bharat Shah; Nila Parekh; and Aishwary Pawar for their contributions to the event’s success. They also thanked youth participants, volunteers, Tandoor staff, partner organizations, media supporters and all attendees who braved heavy weekday traffic to attend.
The gathering brought local authors, public officials, community leaders and members, and young leaders together, reflecting SMAP’s mission of community unity while giving youth a prominent role in the evening’s dialogue.
Also Read: SMAP Hosts Grand Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Celebration in Southern California
