BY SONAM MIRPURI
UPLAND, CA - The Indo American Social Association held its inaugural event on March 31 at Aroma Indian Grill and Banquet here . Individuals with a mutual interest of joining hands to become a force to reckon with came together to launch this organization. The guest of honor for the launch was Harry Sidhu, Mayor of Anaheim.
UPLAND, CA - The Indo American Social Association held its inaugural event on March 31 at Aroma Indian Grill and Banquet here . Individuals with a mutual interest of joining hands to become a force to reckon with came together to launch this organization. The guest of honor for the launch was Harry Sidhu, Mayor of Anaheim.

Aman Kamboj, Chairman of the Youth Committee, one of two masters of ceremonies for the evening welcomed everyone. His co-master of ceremonies, Shane Sagar, President of the Youth Committee, took a moment to thank everyone for their interest and their attendance.
Kamboj then requested the audience to observe a moment of silence to honor the Indian soldiers who died in Pulwama; Christchurch, New Zealand victims; as well as the Lion Air and Ethiopian Air Flights victims. Sagar then introduced and welcomed Venkat Peddi, IASA Secretary. Mahima Karia then sang the American National Anthem.Anju Multani, Dr. Asmath Noor, and Shobha Vaswani then sang the Indian National Anthem.
Vanket introduced and welcomed Founder and President of IASA, Rajbir Husson.
“Give yourself a round of applause because without you all there would be no organization,” said Husson.
Continuing to elaborate on IASA, Sagar spoke about the Main Body, Youth Group, and the Women’s Group. The Main Body of the organization is where likeminded individuals can come together to have one voice and be united.
Youth Group is a place for the next generation to make a difference. There will be mixers for networking opportunities and chances for the future to work together along with the Main Body. Sagar then invited Anju Multani, Chairwoman of Women’s Group, to give more information.
The Women’s Group is a place where a variety of services will be provided. These will assist domestic violence victims, individuals who are in prison, and many more.
Tollywood star, Laya Gorty, was acknowledged as Special Women’s Group Chief Guest. Shalani Vadhera, entrepreneur and CEO of Passport Beauty, was recognized e as well.
Husson then introduced the committee members. “I am the one receiving all the credit but I would not have been able to do anything without all of you,” said Husson. Chief Guest Harry Sidhu speaking to the gathering focussed on the importance of empowering women, and youth groups.
``If it was not for the women in society, boys who become men would not have been born. Women are the force that encourages and inspires.I am standing here with the support of my wife,” said Sidhu.
Additionally he said, ``it is time we all realize we are from one India. Individuals should stop distinguishing themselves as being from different parts of India and stand together as Indians.’’
“We need to recognize that we are all Indian, not North Indian or South Indian. We are all united and we must stand together,” said Sidhu.
Addressing parents , Sidhu urged them to motivate their children to become whatever their hearts desire. “Let the kids live their dreams, do not push them to become doctors or engineers,” he said.
Husson thanked Sidhu for his moving speech, and then spoke about the Youth Group and its significance.
Councilmember of Artesia, Ali Sajjad Taj addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of women and youth in society. “Women can change generations and with that more women will come into leadership roles,” said Taj. Certificates, plaques, and bouquets were presented to various individuals.
Sidhu presented Husson with a certificate for launching IASA. Sidhu was presented with a plaque by Suren Nankani on behalf of IASA Dr. Atul Karia presented a plaque to Councilmember Taj.
United Sikh Mission Founder Rashpal Singh Dhindsa was presented with a Humanitarian award plaque on behalf of IASA by Sidhu for founding the Mission as well as for helping many in India. Dhindsa has also been credited with starting the Sikh float in the Rose Parade in addition to many other aspects.
Suresh Malkani, Treasurer of IASA, presented a plaque to Sister Diane Tillman, Head of Brama Kumari Foundation for teaching meditation, family values, and spiritualism.
Rajpal Sangha was presented with a bouquet as he was elected as Planning Commissioner for the City of Fontana and for being the Youth Ambassador of IASA.
Peddi presented a bouquet to Ken Bijork, Chief Information Officer of Los Angeles Superior Court.
Multani, Rekha Tandon, and Seema Sagar of the Women’s Group as well presented bouquets to Gorty and Vadhera for their contributions to IASA. Both Gorty and Vadhera were honored for being Our Women Club Ambassadors. Siddha Samadhi Yoga members were recognized for teaching yoga and meditation methods, having a highly scientific modern day version of yoga which is better suited for busy individuals.
The evening came to a close with guests hitting the dance floor and enjoying a delicious dinner.
Kamboj then requested the audience to observe a moment of silence to honor the Indian soldiers who died in Pulwama; Christchurch, New Zealand victims; as well as the Lion Air and Ethiopian Air Flights victims. Sagar then introduced and welcomed Venkat Peddi, IASA Secretary. Mahima Karia then sang the American National Anthem.Anju Multani, Dr. Asmath Noor, and Shobha Vaswani then sang the Indian National Anthem.
Vanket introduced and welcomed Founder and President of IASA, Rajbir Husson.
“Give yourself a round of applause because without you all there would be no organization,” said Husson.
Continuing to elaborate on IASA, Sagar spoke about the Main Body, Youth Group, and the Women’s Group. The Main Body of the organization is where likeminded individuals can come together to have one voice and be united.
Youth Group is a place for the next generation to make a difference. There will be mixers for networking opportunities and chances for the future to work together along with the Main Body. Sagar then invited Anju Multani, Chairwoman of Women’s Group, to give more information.
The Women’s Group is a place where a variety of services will be provided. These will assist domestic violence victims, individuals who are in prison, and many more.
Tollywood star, Laya Gorty, was acknowledged as Special Women’s Group Chief Guest. Shalani Vadhera, entrepreneur and CEO of Passport Beauty, was recognized e as well.
Husson then introduced the committee members. “I am the one receiving all the credit but I would not have been able to do anything without all of you,” said Husson. Chief Guest Harry Sidhu speaking to the gathering focussed on the importance of empowering women, and youth groups.
``If it was not for the women in society, boys who become men would not have been born. Women are the force that encourages and inspires.I am standing here with the support of my wife,” said Sidhu.
Additionally he said, ``it is time we all realize we are from one India. Individuals should stop distinguishing themselves as being from different parts of India and stand together as Indians.’’
“We need to recognize that we are all Indian, not North Indian or South Indian. We are all united and we must stand together,” said Sidhu.
Addressing parents , Sidhu urged them to motivate their children to become whatever their hearts desire. “Let the kids live their dreams, do not push them to become doctors or engineers,” he said.
Husson thanked Sidhu for his moving speech, and then spoke about the Youth Group and its significance.
Councilmember of Artesia, Ali Sajjad Taj addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of women and youth in society. “Women can change generations and with that more women will come into leadership roles,” said Taj. Certificates, plaques, and bouquets were presented to various individuals.
Sidhu presented Husson with a certificate for launching IASA. Sidhu was presented with a plaque by Suren Nankani on behalf of IASA Dr. Atul Karia presented a plaque to Councilmember Taj.
United Sikh Mission Founder Rashpal Singh Dhindsa was presented with a Humanitarian award plaque on behalf of IASA by Sidhu for founding the Mission as well as for helping many in India. Dhindsa has also been credited with starting the Sikh float in the Rose Parade in addition to many other aspects.
Suresh Malkani, Treasurer of IASA, presented a plaque to Sister Diane Tillman, Head of Brama Kumari Foundation for teaching meditation, family values, and spiritualism.
Rajpal Sangha was presented with a bouquet as he was elected as Planning Commissioner for the City of Fontana and for being the Youth Ambassador of IASA.
Peddi presented a bouquet to Ken Bijork, Chief Information Officer of Los Angeles Superior Court.
Multani, Rekha Tandon, and Seema Sagar of the Women’s Group as well presented bouquets to Gorty and Vadhera for their contributions to IASA. Both Gorty and Vadhera were honored for being Our Women Club Ambassadors. Siddha Samadhi Yoga members were recognized for teaching yoga and meditation methods, having a highly scientific modern day version of yoga which is better suited for busy individuals.
The evening came to a close with guests hitting the dance floor and enjoying a delicious dinner.