BY KALYANI VASAN
CANOGA PARK,, CA - India’s Republic Day celebrations hosted by the India Association of Los Angeles on Feb 3, at the Royal Delhi Palace here, showcased India’s global presence. The highlight of the event was the presence of global entities such as the key leaders of the Turkish Airlines, the Los Angeles Unified School District,
CANOGA PARK,, CA - India’s Republic Day celebrations hosted by the India Association of Los Angeles on Feb 3, at the Royal Delhi Palace here, showcased India’s global presence. The highlight of the event was the presence of global entities such as the key leaders of the Turkish Airlines, the Los Angeles Unified School District,
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the Consulate of Israel and the office of local Congressman, Brad Sherman. In the past, celebrations of this nature have been all about celebrating India’s sovereignty and cultural heritage, largely to an Indian American audience and leadership. This year Ersen Engin, the General Manager of Turkish Airlines based in Los Angeles came to thank and support the Indian American community for its outstanding support. “The number of Indian American travelers from Los Angeles to over 300 destinations worldwide has been phenomenal. I am here today to participate in the celebrations as well as to give away one free round trip ticket to India via Turkish Airlines. We want to be a partner with this vibrant community whose global travel and presence has become a force to reckon with.”
Scott Schmerelson, Board Member District 3 of the Los Angeles Unified School District shared that the Indian American students of the district bring to school the strong family values, respect for elders, and most importantly the dedication to education that has been inculcated in them by their parents. “Customer service is important even in the field of education and I truly enjoy providing great customer service to Indian American parents while I appreciate how they have guided their offspring!” He went on to compliment Indian-American teachers of LAUSD , describing them as being very knowledgeable and well prepared, “Additionally, they are so soft spoken, and polite that we sometimes have to train them to become tough!”
Eitan Weiss, Deputy Chief of Mission-Consulate of Israel extended Israel’s hand in friendship as he cut a cake in the honor of Indo-Israeli collaboration. The office of Congressman Brad Sherman, representing the 30th District of California presented a US flag to IALA President Manmohan Chopra in a gesture of friendship. Chopra, in his welcome speech said that this is the 18th year of celebration for the organization and judging from the overwhelming support of the community, it is a success.
IALA founder and board member Inder Singh presented his newly released book, `Indian Americans in Greater Los Angeles.’ Singh went on to track the immigration patterns of the community. He stressed the humble beginnings and the hard work of pioneers such as Dalip Singh Saund which paved the way for other elected officials such as Bobby Jindal, Nikki Haley, and five others who got elected to the U.S. Congress in 2016. With a population of 4 million the Indian American community has made amazing inroads in all walks of life, contributing handsomely to their adopted county. Guests in the packed banquet hall enjoyed the cultural program presented by the young and talented of the community which included classical Indian dancers from the well-known Nasha group from UCLA, local talent in the form of Bollywood songs performed by singer Girish and his daughter that had the audience toe tapping and applauding. The entertainment segment also had a global twist with Samba dancers from Brazil; an indication once again of the Indian- American community’s outreach into the world community. The three lovely Samba dancers heightened the upbeat mood of the audience with some even joining the dancers. As the evening came to a close, the highlight was the drawing of raffle tickets sponsored by guests of honor and community members. IALA officials were recognized for their contributions and all those who helped in making the evening memorable were thanked.
Scott Schmerelson, Board Member District 3 of the Los Angeles Unified School District shared that the Indian American students of the district bring to school the strong family values, respect for elders, and most importantly the dedication to education that has been inculcated in them by their parents. “Customer service is important even in the field of education and I truly enjoy providing great customer service to Indian American parents while I appreciate how they have guided their offspring!” He went on to compliment Indian-American teachers of LAUSD , describing them as being very knowledgeable and well prepared, “Additionally, they are so soft spoken, and polite that we sometimes have to train them to become tough!”
Eitan Weiss, Deputy Chief of Mission-Consulate of Israel extended Israel’s hand in friendship as he cut a cake in the honor of Indo-Israeli collaboration. The office of Congressman Brad Sherman, representing the 30th District of California presented a US flag to IALA President Manmohan Chopra in a gesture of friendship. Chopra, in his welcome speech said that this is the 18th year of celebration for the organization and judging from the overwhelming support of the community, it is a success.
IALA founder and board member Inder Singh presented his newly released book, `Indian Americans in Greater Los Angeles.’ Singh went on to track the immigration patterns of the community. He stressed the humble beginnings and the hard work of pioneers such as Dalip Singh Saund which paved the way for other elected officials such as Bobby Jindal, Nikki Haley, and five others who got elected to the U.S. Congress in 2016. With a population of 4 million the Indian American community has made amazing inroads in all walks of life, contributing handsomely to their adopted county. Guests in the packed banquet hall enjoyed the cultural program presented by the young and talented of the community which included classical Indian dancers from the well-known Nasha group from UCLA, local talent in the form of Bollywood songs performed by singer Girish and his daughter that had the audience toe tapping and applauding. The entertainment segment also had a global twist with Samba dancers from Brazil; an indication once again of the Indian- American community’s outreach into the world community. The three lovely Samba dancers heightened the upbeat mood of the audience with some even joining the dancers. As the evening came to a close, the highlight was the drawing of raffle tickets sponsored by guests of honor and community members. IALA officials were recognized for their contributions and all those who helped in making the evening memorable were thanked.
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