PARSIPPANY — An ex-Marine, a Navy veteran, and a Gen-Z law student are now part of a historic new administration in Parsippany-Troy Hills, marking a series of milestones at the township’s installation ceremony held Saturday afternoon, January 3, at the Parsippany Municipal Building. The ceremony also signaled the anticipated return of a Democratic majority on the Township Council for the first time since 1984.
Among the most significant moments of the afternoon was the swearing-in of two officials who represent the first elected leaders of Indian descent in Parsippany’s history—an important milestone in a municipality where Asian Americans now comprise the largest ethnic group. The installation formally ushered in a new chapter for Morris County’s largest town.
Residents, family members, friends, and local officials filled the council chamber for the proceedings, which were called to order by Municipal Clerk Khaled Madin. Attendance was so strong that many guests stood throughout the afternoon, with overflow crowds lining the hallways of Town Hall. Following Madin’s opening remarks, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill addressed the audience, offering remarks as the township prepared to welcome its new governing leadership.
Pulkit Desai was formally sworn in as mayor, with the oath administered by Raj Mukherji. In his inaugural address, Desai outlined priorities that included restoring trust in local government, strengthening transparency, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and advancing economic opportunity for residents and businesses.
The ceremony continued with the swearing-in of Township Council members. Matthew Kavanagh took the oath of office administered by Municipal Clerk Madin, followed by Diya Patel, whose oath was administered by Superior Court Judge Lori Grifa. Each council member thanked voters, family members, and supporters, emphasizing collaboration and a commitment to serving all Parsippany-Troy Hills residents.
Several elected officials attended as special guests, including Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Members Judy Hernandez, Matt McGrath, and Paul Carifi Jr.; State Senator Joe Pennacchio; Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way; Passaic County Commissioner John Barlett; and numerous officials from neighboring municipalities such as Boonton, Dover, and Rockaway, underscoring a strong sense of continuity and shared purpose within township government.
Throughout the program, speakers emphasized unity, civic engagement, and open dialogue as Parsippany moves forward under new leadership. The installation ceremony balanced the formality of the occasion with optimism for the term ahead.
Patel, a 24-year-old law school student and Parsippany Hills High School graduate, thanked her parents for immigrating to the United States from India two decades ago to provide better opportunities for their large extended family. She also reflected on the significance of her election “in a moment like this, when immigrants are so often dehumanized, dismissed, or reduced to talking points.”
“I think it’s important that we pause, take a look around, and tell the truth,” she said. “Diversity and immigrants are not our weakness. They are our strength.”
“As installation ceremonies go, this is always a meaningful moment for our township,” said Municipal Clerk Khaled Madin. “They represent continuity, democracy in action, and the responsibility we share to serve the residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills with integrity and professionalism. This afternoon’s ceremony reflects both our community’s history and its evolving future.”
The event concluded with closing remarks from Madin, followed by congratulations from colleagues and community members. As the new term begins, township officials expressed confidence that cooperation and a shared vision will guide the council’s work in the year ahead.
The Township Council will hold its annual reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Special thanks to Rohan Mruthik, an 11th-grade student at Parsippany High School, for videotaping the installation ceremony.
