BY SONAM MIRPURI
ORANGE, CA- The Federation of Indian American Community of Southern California in association with Savithri Arts Academy, Lions Club of Little India, and GOPIO of Orange County celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day at the Tandoor Restaurant here on August 19. It was an evening of- singing, dancing, speeches enjoyed...
ORANGE, CA- The Federation of Indian American Community of Southern California in association with Savithri Arts Academy, Lions Club of Little India, and GOPIO of Orange County celebrated India’s 71st Independence Day at the Tandoor Restaurant here on August 19. It was an evening of- singing, dancing, speeches enjoyed...
by the guests. After a time of mingling over appetizers, the program began with Tony Mendoza, California State Senator; Ali Sajjad Taj, Mayor for the City of Artesia; as well as committee members coming on stage to perform the lamp lighting ceremony.
Emcee for the evening Smita Das, requested all to rise for the singing of the American and Indian National Anthems. Henna Noor sang the American national anthem whereas Das led all in attendance to sing the Indian national anthem along with her.
Dilip Butani, Chairman, giving the welcome address, welcomed the prominent guests who graced the event and all the audience members for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend.
Amrit Bhandari, President, then introduced the committee members.
No Indian Independence Day event is complete without “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo,” a patriotic track originally sang by Lata Mangeshkar which commemorates the sacrifice of Indian soldiers was presented to the audience by Veena Singh .This was followed by an opening Bharatanatyam performance. The program was interspersed with dance and music performances throughout the evening. Guests were then treated to a brief fashion show depicting designs by renowned couture designer Kimmi Tej to “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2. Senator Mendoza then addressing the gathering said,“Thank you for always inviting and welcoming me.”Additionally, he reminded the audience of the history of the US and how we should welcome it. “Immigrants are the backbone of this country, we should not fear them, they contribute to society,” said Mendoza. Mendoza then presented plaques to all of the board members as well as those who facilitated the event. Ali Taj addressing the gathering said,“We want to bring unity among individuals, organizations, and the city.,” Additionally he commended the fact that multiple organizations had come together to hold the event, saying that coming together as one is important. Ali Taj then recognized Bhandari, Butani, and other board members with certificates. Raj Walia, Executive VP then introduced Former Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu. “We are halfway around the world and celebrating India’s independence,” said Sidhu, leaving the audience with a proud and triumphant feeling. Others who addressed the gathering with brief remarks included K. V. Kumar, Former Cypress Mayor Prakash Narain and Dr. Krishna Reddy.Prakash Pancholi, Secretary, thanked all who made the event a success including the audience. The finale dance number was a Bhangra performance after which dinner was served with Rram Tasildar singing a few hit songs to entertain the audience.
Emcee for the evening Smita Das, requested all to rise for the singing of the American and Indian National Anthems. Henna Noor sang the American national anthem whereas Das led all in attendance to sing the Indian national anthem along with her.
Dilip Butani, Chairman, giving the welcome address, welcomed the prominent guests who graced the event and all the audience members for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend.
Amrit Bhandari, President, then introduced the committee members.
No Indian Independence Day event is complete without “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo,” a patriotic track originally sang by Lata Mangeshkar which commemorates the sacrifice of Indian soldiers was presented to the audience by Veena Singh .This was followed by an opening Bharatanatyam performance. The program was interspersed with dance and music performances throughout the evening. Guests were then treated to a brief fashion show depicting designs by renowned couture designer Kimmi Tej to “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2. Senator Mendoza then addressing the gathering said,“Thank you for always inviting and welcoming me.”Additionally, he reminded the audience of the history of the US and how we should welcome it. “Immigrants are the backbone of this country, we should not fear them, they contribute to society,” said Mendoza. Mendoza then presented plaques to all of the board members as well as those who facilitated the event. Ali Taj addressing the gathering said,“We want to bring unity among individuals, organizations, and the city.,” Additionally he commended the fact that multiple organizations had come together to hold the event, saying that coming together as one is important. Ali Taj then recognized Bhandari, Butani, and other board members with certificates. Raj Walia, Executive VP then introduced Former Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu. “We are halfway around the world and celebrating India’s independence,” said Sidhu, leaving the audience with a proud and triumphant feeling. Others who addressed the gathering with brief remarks included K. V. Kumar, Former Cypress Mayor Prakash Narain and Dr. Krishna Reddy.Prakash Pancholi, Secretary, thanked all who made the event a success including the audience. The finale dance number was a Bhangra performance after which dinner was served with Rram Tasildar singing a few hit songs to entertain the audience.