BY IJ NEWS SERVICE
SAN DIEGO, CA - Thousands of people congregated at the historic Balboa Park here on Oct 20 to celebrate Navaratri and Diwali hosted by the San Diego Indian American Society for the eleventh year in succession remembering these joyous occasions in India and sharing the festive spirit with friends.
SAN DIEGO, CA - Thousands of people congregated at the historic Balboa Park here on Oct 20 to celebrate Navaratri and Diwali hosted by the San Diego Indian American Society for the eleventh year in succession remembering these joyous occasions in India and sharing the festive spirit with friends.
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What was unique about the event was the exhibition of 54 large lamps in varying sizes from 3 feet to 8 feet donated by members, representing many faiths and eras, curated by Neelu Bhardwaj and traditional display of exquisite Navartri Dolls in extended 9 steps, coordinated by Dr. Latha Sundar. Cultural stations representing various Indiab states offered opportunities for visitors to sample food specific to the state, learn about its history, society, economy and art.
Perhaps Organ Pavilion Stage is one of the very few in the US where one can hear and enjoy all major languages of India and see Rainbow dances specific to that society. This was directed by Hamid Daudani with the support of over 300 artists from various regions of India and assisted by Jonathan Bosco and Jitu. This was capped with 1008 light procession by 64 ladies from different parts of India wearing sarees unique to their regions. In his introductory address, Professor M.C. “Madhu” Madhavan, founder and executive director of SDIAS reviewed the Society’s growth during the last 35 years, emphasizing its role in supporting education projects.
The Society awarded this year scholarships of over $100,000 to 38 high school and community college students. ``It is our goal to maintain this level in future years following the advice of our forefathers to share what little we have with others,’’ he said.
Madhavan brought to attention two such opportunities in San Diego: supporting Promise Program in Community College District and Food Pantry programs in educational institutions. Since all of us are beneficiaries of higher education in this country it should give us immense satisfaction to see others able to do as well as we have done with hard work and determination. The Society hopes to support 20 to 25 community college students in the Promise Program during 2019-2020 as a salute to Gandhiji’s 150th Birth anniversary over and above 25 high school graduates supported every year.
Over the 35 years, SDIAS has recognized over 600 students with Mahatma Gandhi scholarships and AVID scholarships granting over $750,000. Dr. Radhika Seshan, who recently joined San Diego State University as Dean of College of Extended Studies, was welcomed by Madhavan. Dr. Ramesh Rao, Director of Qualcomm Institute in UCSD will be coordinating efforts in supporting University student run pantries. SDIAS has made Diwali and Navaratri celebrations a city-wide event. It is the pride of every person of Indian heritage and it is one of the longest running unique programs in the park to share Indian culture.
Manish Parikh, treasurer, thanked all those who made this a memorable event and announced the establishment of an endowment for $200,000 by a member to support scholarship programs in the future. Alka Rao, Master of Ceremonies, concluded the program and opened the stage for participatory Bangra which went on well into the night.
Perhaps Organ Pavilion Stage is one of the very few in the US where one can hear and enjoy all major languages of India and see Rainbow dances specific to that society. This was directed by Hamid Daudani with the support of over 300 artists from various regions of India and assisted by Jonathan Bosco and Jitu. This was capped with 1008 light procession by 64 ladies from different parts of India wearing sarees unique to their regions. In his introductory address, Professor M.C. “Madhu” Madhavan, founder and executive director of SDIAS reviewed the Society’s growth during the last 35 years, emphasizing its role in supporting education projects.
The Society awarded this year scholarships of over $100,000 to 38 high school and community college students. ``It is our goal to maintain this level in future years following the advice of our forefathers to share what little we have with others,’’ he said.
Madhavan brought to attention two such opportunities in San Diego: supporting Promise Program in Community College District and Food Pantry programs in educational institutions. Since all of us are beneficiaries of higher education in this country it should give us immense satisfaction to see others able to do as well as we have done with hard work and determination. The Society hopes to support 20 to 25 community college students in the Promise Program during 2019-2020 as a salute to Gandhiji’s 150th Birth anniversary over and above 25 high school graduates supported every year.
Over the 35 years, SDIAS has recognized over 600 students with Mahatma Gandhi scholarships and AVID scholarships granting over $750,000. Dr. Radhika Seshan, who recently joined San Diego State University as Dean of College of Extended Studies, was welcomed by Madhavan. Dr. Ramesh Rao, Director of Qualcomm Institute in UCSD will be coordinating efforts in supporting University student run pantries. SDIAS has made Diwali and Navaratri celebrations a city-wide event. It is the pride of every person of Indian heritage and it is one of the longest running unique programs in the park to share Indian culture.
Manish Parikh, treasurer, thanked all those who made this a memorable event and announced the establishment of an endowment for $200,000 by a member to support scholarship programs in the future. Alka Rao, Master of Ceremonies, concluded the program and opened the stage for participatory Bangra which went on well into the night.
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