Our most-read stories of 2025

These five stories helped shared the lived experiences of New Jersey Desis.

Author

Ambreen Ali
December 30, 2025

Collage by Ifrah Akhtar

Central Desi just marked another successful turn around the sun. We continue to tell meaningful, nuanced stories about the South Asian community in New Jersey and are proud to share that we just received an additional $20,000 to support our efforts. As we build this platform and support writers who are eager to cover our community, I encourage you to help us match this support by becoming a paid member for just $15/month. For the price of a Netflix subscription, you’ll help ensure that this work continues for another year.

If that’s not in the cards for you, then please help us by sharing this newsletter with 5 of your email contacts and asking them to subscribe for free. Expanding our readership is a meaningful way to help us drive success.

And now, here are the five stories that most resonated with our audience this year:

Family and community support are key to ensuring our young people stay safe.

Two people are holding each other with rainbow capes draped off their backs in front of a background of white lotuses on pink and rainbows.

Illustration by Ifrah Akhtar

The NJ festival brings Desi thespians together to share their stories.

ICS Theatre puts on a production of “Final Solutions,” written and directed by Indian dramatist Mahesh Dattani.

ICS Theatre puts on a production of “Final Solutions,” written and directed by Indian dramatist Mahesh Dattani. (Photo courtesy of Kousik Bhowal)

New members on the board of education helped repeal a policy last week that had protected transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

The Edison Board of Education abolished Policy 5756 in a 6-3 vote during a public meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Astha Lakhankar)

The Edison Board of Education abolished Policy 5756 in a 6-3 vote during a public meeting on May 20. (Photo by Astha Lakhankar)

Watch this episode of Beehiiv's Creator Spotlight podcast to learn more about how Central Desi is developing.

#1: From dargahs to coffee shops, how qawwali lives on in the diaspora

Qawwali brings together diverse audiences from the South Asian diaspora and beyond.

Imran Aziz Mian and his ensemble performing in Edison. (Photo courtesy of Astha Lakhankar)

Upcoming events this week

January 1 - 2026 NYC Inauguration Block Party
Doors open at 11 AM
Event starts at 1 PM
City Hall, New York City
Join this historic inauguration block party as Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as Mayor of New York City. Learn more about the event here and RSVP at this link. If you can’t attend in person, a free livestream will be available.

January 4 - Edison Mayor and Council Inauguration
Guests are encouraged to arrive by 10:30 AM
Event starts at 11 AM
370 Central Ave, Edison, NJ 08817
This event celebrates the re-election of Samip Joshi as mayor of Edison and the swearing-in of new council members. RSVP here.

January 3 & 4 - Muslim Heritage Month Festival 2026
12 PM
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837
Jersey Halal Spots is organizing this highly anticipated event, featuring a variety of vendors and entertainment. Tickets are $10. Find all details here.

Have an event you’d like us to share? Complete this form.

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