BY SONAM MIRPURI
ARTESIA, CA - The India Association of Southern California celebrated India’s Republic Day on January 22 at Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine Restaurant here. To appropriately observe and honor the day the Constitution of India came into effect the IA SC hosts this annual event with a parade, flag hoisting, and a cultural program.
ARTESIA, CA - The India Association of Southern California celebrated India’s Republic Day on January 22 at Tara’s Himalayan Cuisine Restaurant here. To appropriately observe and honor the day the Constitution of India came into effect the IA SC hosts this annual event with a parade, flag hoisting, and a cultural program.
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Come rain or shine, Indian- Americans will not make an excuse to demonstrate the love and pride they have for their native country. Despite the intense storm which almost brought life to a halt in Southern California, this did not put a hindrance on the festivities.
Atul Makwan, IA SC President, as well as Nila Parikh, Chairwoman of the event, came on stage to begin the festivities.
“Happy Republic Day and thank you all for coming and showing your support despite the rain,” said Makwan.
Starting off the event came the parade. Sarumathi Shivakumar and other committee members gathered the performers and artists as well as other guests for the parade which took place indoors due to the rain, rather than outside as is the tradition.
Continuing the program, Kamini Khare, IASC Founder, invited on stage Dr. Krishna Reddy, Suru Manek, Pravin Patel, and Suresh Bhatti, the Guests of Honor; and other committee members, sponsors, and volunteers for the singing of the American and Indian national anthems and flag hoisting ceremony.
The American national anthem was played by the deejay following which the flag hoisting ceremony was performed. Keeping things interesting and a little different this year an ‘aarti’ was also performed near the flag. A National Sloka was narrated by Pandit Ramesh Bhatt for the nation’s well-being. The Indian national anthem was then sung.
The Guests of Honor then spoke about the importance of the holiday being celebrated.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to celebrate Republic Day with you,” said Dr. Reddy.
After which came another new and distinct aspect to the Republic Day celebration.
“We wanted to surprise you all with something different, we are going to cut a cake,” said Khare.
This led into the cultural segment , keeping the guests entertained by showcasing the talent of the youth. First came a Bharatanatyam performance by students of the Savitri Art Academy of Dr. Sinduri. This dance was an invocation to the Gods and a welcome to the guests.
Continuing the program was singer Sabari Girish, who sang a few patriotic songs followed by a some Bollywood hits. He also had six of his students come on stage to sing along with him.
Keeping variety in the program brought another classical performance to the stage. This time the piece was performed by students of Sudipt Ghosh Dance School. Then came a singing duo Kavita and Amol who sang Bollywood hits from different eras. Kavita sang “Kehna Hi Kya” from Bombay and “Sawaar Loon” from Lootera among others, while Amol sang oldies like “Chookar Mere Maan Ko” from Yaarana which made the audience feel nostalgic. Sarumathi Shivakumar then took the stage to thank everyone who participated and the guests who came despite the rain. A sumptuous lunch was then served. While the audience was eating, a documentary played in the background. “Swaraj Mumkin Hai,” directed by Maya Vishwakarma. The documentary was about Baghuvar, a small village in India, in which the people and the government have worked together for the betterment of the village.
Atul Makwan, IA SC President, as well as Nila Parikh, Chairwoman of the event, came on stage to begin the festivities.
“Happy Republic Day and thank you all for coming and showing your support despite the rain,” said Makwan.
Starting off the event came the parade. Sarumathi Shivakumar and other committee members gathered the performers and artists as well as other guests for the parade which took place indoors due to the rain, rather than outside as is the tradition.
Continuing the program, Kamini Khare, IASC Founder, invited on stage Dr. Krishna Reddy, Suru Manek, Pravin Patel, and Suresh Bhatti, the Guests of Honor; and other committee members, sponsors, and volunteers for the singing of the American and Indian national anthems and flag hoisting ceremony.
The American national anthem was played by the deejay following which the flag hoisting ceremony was performed. Keeping things interesting and a little different this year an ‘aarti’ was also performed near the flag. A National Sloka was narrated by Pandit Ramesh Bhatt for the nation’s well-being. The Indian national anthem was then sung.
The Guests of Honor then spoke about the importance of the holiday being celebrated.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to celebrate Republic Day with you,” said Dr. Reddy.
After which came another new and distinct aspect to the Republic Day celebration.
“We wanted to surprise you all with something different, we are going to cut a cake,” said Khare.
This led into the cultural segment , keeping the guests entertained by showcasing the talent of the youth. First came a Bharatanatyam performance by students of the Savitri Art Academy of Dr. Sinduri. This dance was an invocation to the Gods and a welcome to the guests.
Continuing the program was singer Sabari Girish, who sang a few patriotic songs followed by a some Bollywood hits. He also had six of his students come on stage to sing along with him.
Keeping variety in the program brought another classical performance to the stage. This time the piece was performed by students of Sudipt Ghosh Dance School. Then came a singing duo Kavita and Amol who sang Bollywood hits from different eras. Kavita sang “Kehna Hi Kya” from Bombay and “Sawaar Loon” from Lootera among others, while Amol sang oldies like “Chookar Mere Maan Ko” from Yaarana which made the audience feel nostalgic. Sarumathi Shivakumar then took the stage to thank everyone who participated and the guests who came despite the rain. A sumptuous lunch was then served. While the audience was eating, a documentary played in the background. “Swaraj Mumkin Hai,” directed by Maya Vishwakarma. The documentary was about Baghuvar, a small village in India, in which the people and the government have worked together for the betterment of the village.
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