BY SONAM MIRPURI
BUENA PARK, CA - Indian Americans with great pomp and pride joined the United Federation of Indo-Americans in California (UFICA) at the Amaya Restaurant here on Jan 28 to celebrate India’s 68th Republic Day. Patriotic and Bollywood songs were brought to life for those who attended by Varshini Muralikrishnan prior to the start...
BUENA PARK, CA - Indian Americans with great pomp and pride joined the United Federation of Indo-Americans in California (UFICA) at the Amaya Restaurant here on Jan 28 to celebrate India’s 68th Republic Day. Patriotic and Bollywood songs were brought to life for those who attended by Varshini Muralikrishnan prior to the start...
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of the main program to entertain the audience as they ate appetizers. Upon the arrival of Chief Guest Congressman Ed Royce, the program kicked off. Vinita Vineet, master of ceremonies, started by welcoming the guests.
“Thank you everyone for coming and celebrating Republic Day with us,” said VIneet.
Ajit “A.J.” Dudheker came on stage to introduce Ed Royce.
Addressing the gathering, Royce said, “We should celebrate because it gives us a sense of hope.” Not only did Royce mention the importance of commemorating such days in history but he also added that the US strives to maintain its relationship with India.
“We go forward to continue to deepen those ties and to strengthen our democracies and live up to the ideals of the Constitution,” said Royce. Royce ended by thanking UFICA for inviting him to celebrate with them. Charu Miglani, President of UFICA, presented Royce with a shawl of appreciation and Royce reciprocating the gesture presented Miglani with a ‘Certificate of Recognition.’
Vineet then invited on stage, Dr. Rangesh Gadasalli to speak to the audience about the significance of Republic Day.
“Our Constitution is a mix of all the Constitutions around the world to create the best Constitution,” said Gadasalli.
Continuing the program, Ashok Patnaik introduced all of the UFICA members and invited them on stage for the lamp lighting ceremony. Miss Artesia, Jyotika Agnihotri, as well as Muralikrishnan were also invited on stage for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the national anthems, respectively.
Miglani then addressing the gathering thanked Royce, UFICA committee members, and those who made this event possible. She went on by speaking about her experience in the US and how everyone should be given that chance in this land of opportunity.
“As we celebrate India’s Republic Day on American soil, this country opened their hearts to welcome us and now it is our turn to welcome others who want the opportunity to become American,” said Miglani. Alka Patel then took the stage to commence the cultural segment. Dance performances filled the evening. The performances were a mix of popular Bollywood tracks and Classical numbers. At the end of the cultural segment, Miglani took time to thank the sponsors for all of their help. She along with other members gave a shawl to each of the sponsors as a token of appreciation for their hard work. The program came to a close with an announcement that dinner was served and the dance floor opened for those who would like to dance the night away.
“Thank you everyone for coming and celebrating Republic Day with us,” said VIneet.
Ajit “A.J.” Dudheker came on stage to introduce Ed Royce.
Addressing the gathering, Royce said, “We should celebrate because it gives us a sense of hope.” Not only did Royce mention the importance of commemorating such days in history but he also added that the US strives to maintain its relationship with India.
“We go forward to continue to deepen those ties and to strengthen our democracies and live up to the ideals of the Constitution,” said Royce. Royce ended by thanking UFICA for inviting him to celebrate with them. Charu Miglani, President of UFICA, presented Royce with a shawl of appreciation and Royce reciprocating the gesture presented Miglani with a ‘Certificate of Recognition.’
Vineet then invited on stage, Dr. Rangesh Gadasalli to speak to the audience about the significance of Republic Day.
“Our Constitution is a mix of all the Constitutions around the world to create the best Constitution,” said Gadasalli.
Continuing the program, Ashok Patnaik introduced all of the UFICA members and invited them on stage for the lamp lighting ceremony. Miss Artesia, Jyotika Agnihotri, as well as Muralikrishnan were also invited on stage for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the national anthems, respectively.
Miglani then addressing the gathering thanked Royce, UFICA committee members, and those who made this event possible. She went on by speaking about her experience in the US and how everyone should be given that chance in this land of opportunity.
“As we celebrate India’s Republic Day on American soil, this country opened their hearts to welcome us and now it is our turn to welcome others who want the opportunity to become American,” said Miglani. Alka Patel then took the stage to commence the cultural segment. Dance performances filled the evening. The performances were a mix of popular Bollywood tracks and Classical numbers. At the end of the cultural segment, Miglani took time to thank the sponsors for all of their help. She along with other members gave a shawl to each of the sponsors as a token of appreciation for their hard work. The program came to a close with an announcement that dinner was served and the dance floor opened for those who would like to dance the night away.
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