BY DEVIKA C.MEHTA
ARTESIA, CA - For all those who miss Indian festivities and gaieties, the mela celebrating India’s 71st Independence Day on August 12, was a treat. The event which was organized by the City of Artesia along with the Federation of Indian American Association (FIA), Indian Association of Southern California (IASC) and...
ARTESIA, CA - For all those who miss Indian festivities and gaieties, the mela celebrating India’s 71st Independence Day on August 12, was a treat. The event which was organized by the City of Artesia along with the Federation of Indian American Association (FIA), Indian Association of Southern California (IASC) and...
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United Federation of Indo-Americans of California (UFICA), was a culmination of cultural extravaganza, tradition and joyful merriment.
The evening celebrations kicked off at the Artesia Park with the lamp lighting and invocation ceremony, performed by people of all religions showcasing the true spirit and strength of India. Among the prominent dignitaries who were present to mark the patriotic event were Artesia Mayor Sajjad Ali Taj and California’s State Treasurer John Chiang, who is also in the fray for the 2018 Governor’s race. Commencing the show, FIA president Ishwar Deedwania thanked freedom fighters and recalled the sacrifices they made. Calling for integrity, president Charu Miglani of UFICA and Kamini Khare of IASC added, “India has many reasons to be proud as a country in its 71 years as an independent nation. Such celebrations promote patriotism among our younger generations.”
Speaking to India Journal, Ali Taj elatedly said, “Artesia has been a welcoming destination of Indian- American activity in Southern California. Occasions like these bring the community together. The community is not just confined to Artesia but is spread all over the L.A. metro. It’s very important to have such celebrations bringing the community together at one point and one location.”
Sharing his thoughts on celebrating India’s Independence Day, Chiang also responded to IJ saying, “This is a great community, very vibrant and culturally impacting. The occasion is all about democracy, freedom, and bringing people together. I very much admire this community.” Another prominent segment of the event was the free health care camp which attracted nearly 100 people who underwent live tests for diabetes, haemoglobin, cholesterol among others. Nearly 30 people also received bone density assessments by 15 volunteers. Among the doctors, Niranjan Bhatt, Prakash Deedwania, Dhiren Buch helped coordinate the entire event with pharmacist Lal Thakkar. They also gave important guidelines to patients and laid out benefits of good health.
The celebration also featured about two hours of cultural programming, with a myriad of traditional and modern songs and dances which kept the thousands of onlookers entertained. For all those who came it was an enjoyable evening. Apart from the cultural program, they enjoyed shopping at the various booths and tucking in on scrumptious Indian food. There was also a large play area for children, featuring inflatable climbs, bungee jumping trampoline and slides.
The evening celebrations kicked off at the Artesia Park with the lamp lighting and invocation ceremony, performed by people of all religions showcasing the true spirit and strength of India. Among the prominent dignitaries who were present to mark the patriotic event were Artesia Mayor Sajjad Ali Taj and California’s State Treasurer John Chiang, who is also in the fray for the 2018 Governor’s race. Commencing the show, FIA president Ishwar Deedwania thanked freedom fighters and recalled the sacrifices they made. Calling for integrity, president Charu Miglani of UFICA and Kamini Khare of IASC added, “India has many reasons to be proud as a country in its 71 years as an independent nation. Such celebrations promote patriotism among our younger generations.”
Speaking to India Journal, Ali Taj elatedly said, “Artesia has been a welcoming destination of Indian- American activity in Southern California. Occasions like these bring the community together. The community is not just confined to Artesia but is spread all over the L.A. metro. It’s very important to have such celebrations bringing the community together at one point and one location.”
Sharing his thoughts on celebrating India’s Independence Day, Chiang also responded to IJ saying, “This is a great community, very vibrant and culturally impacting. The occasion is all about democracy, freedom, and bringing people together. I very much admire this community.” Another prominent segment of the event was the free health care camp which attracted nearly 100 people who underwent live tests for diabetes, haemoglobin, cholesterol among others. Nearly 30 people also received bone density assessments by 15 volunteers. Among the doctors, Niranjan Bhatt, Prakash Deedwania, Dhiren Buch helped coordinate the entire event with pharmacist Lal Thakkar. They also gave important guidelines to patients and laid out benefits of good health.
The celebration also featured about two hours of cultural programming, with a myriad of traditional and modern songs and dances which kept the thousands of onlookers entertained. For all those who came it was an enjoyable evening. Apart from the cultural program, they enjoyed shopping at the various booths and tucking in on scrumptious Indian food. There was also a large play area for children, featuring inflatable climbs, bungee jumping trampoline and slides.
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