BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
CHATSWORTH, Ca - Fun, gaiety and patriotism came together at one place on August 26 when thousands flocked to the grounds of Chatsworth High School in the San Fernando Valley to celebrate India’s 71st Independence Day. The grand event, that has been part of the Valley since 1999, was organized by the India Association of...
CHATSWORTH, Ca - Fun, gaiety and patriotism came together at one place on August 26 when thousands flocked to the grounds of Chatsworth High School in the San Fernando Valley to celebrate India’s 71st Independence Day. The grand event, that has been part of the Valley since 1999, was organized by the India Association of...
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Los Angeles and was attended by Congressman Brad Sherman who specifically flew in from Washington D.C. for the event.
Among the others who attended the 18th annual I-Day celebrations included Deputy Consulate General of India Rohit Rathish; Councilman Mitch Englander; a representative from Assemblyman Matt Dababneh’s office; Captain Kathleen Burns, and many other community leaders. The evening ceremony kicked off with the national anthems of the US and India. Gregory Martayan, Chief Deputy of Public Safety for Council District office presented a Certificate of Recognition to IALA president Vineet Puri and praised the immense hard work put in by the team to organize such a spectacular event.
Next, IALA’s founder Inder Singh welcomed the audience and touched upon the subject of growing friendship between the two great democracies of the world. Addressing the crowd, Puri said, “India’s Independence Day Celebration is a showcase of the real India as different regions and states present their rich culture, traditions and heritage”. Praising the Indian-American community’s contributions in his address, Guest of Honor Congressman Sherman emphasized that India is the most important strategic and geopolitical partner of the US and he is proud to work towards strengthening this relationship. Later, he presented plaques to the sponsors.
LA District Attorney Jackie Lacey also sent in a congratulatory message.
As per Executive VP Sunil Agrawal, “The event offered a family gathering where the next generation of Indians learn, see, express, and feel their culture and tradition.” The celebrations were a culmination of Indian patriotic songs, dance and other forms of art by little ones, grownups and talented artists that mesmerized the audience. Various groups stole the hearts of audience by performing Kathak, Bharatnatyam, folk dances, Chaap-yoga, and Bollywood numbers. The night turned colorful with amazing sound and light effects created by famous DJ Scorpio Sanjay Syal. At the end of the ceremony, it was ‘Radha Teri Chunari’ by ‘Dance Bollywood Dance’ that drove the crowd to madness with tiny tots performing on the stage in colorful dresses. Around 65 booths with lots of variety consisting of fashion, food, non-profit among others, also attracted thousands of visitors who indulged in both shopping and eating the variety of foods offered. There was also a large play area for children, featuring inflatable climbs and slides. The event’s major attraction was the free health fair camp put up by VP health Deepi Singh and Dr. Bama Sridhar where hundreds of Valley residents were checked on their health parameters and got guidance on diet and nutrition. Free eye checks from Lion’s Club were also available. In his vote of thanks, Puri thanked all the dignitaries for their valuable time, sponsors for their support and contribution, and the IALA executive team, Board of Directors and volunteers for their hard work for making the event memorable and successful.
Among the others who attended the 18th annual I-Day celebrations included Deputy Consulate General of India Rohit Rathish; Councilman Mitch Englander; a representative from Assemblyman Matt Dababneh’s office; Captain Kathleen Burns, and many other community leaders. The evening ceremony kicked off with the national anthems of the US and India. Gregory Martayan, Chief Deputy of Public Safety for Council District office presented a Certificate of Recognition to IALA president Vineet Puri and praised the immense hard work put in by the team to organize such a spectacular event.
Next, IALA’s founder Inder Singh welcomed the audience and touched upon the subject of growing friendship between the two great democracies of the world. Addressing the crowd, Puri said, “India’s Independence Day Celebration is a showcase of the real India as different regions and states present their rich culture, traditions and heritage”. Praising the Indian-American community’s contributions in his address, Guest of Honor Congressman Sherman emphasized that India is the most important strategic and geopolitical partner of the US and he is proud to work towards strengthening this relationship. Later, he presented plaques to the sponsors.
LA District Attorney Jackie Lacey also sent in a congratulatory message.
As per Executive VP Sunil Agrawal, “The event offered a family gathering where the next generation of Indians learn, see, express, and feel their culture and tradition.” The celebrations were a culmination of Indian patriotic songs, dance and other forms of art by little ones, grownups and talented artists that mesmerized the audience. Various groups stole the hearts of audience by performing Kathak, Bharatnatyam, folk dances, Chaap-yoga, and Bollywood numbers. The night turned colorful with amazing sound and light effects created by famous DJ Scorpio Sanjay Syal. At the end of the ceremony, it was ‘Radha Teri Chunari’ by ‘Dance Bollywood Dance’ that drove the crowd to madness with tiny tots performing on the stage in colorful dresses. Around 65 booths with lots of variety consisting of fashion, food, non-profit among others, also attracted thousands of visitors who indulged in both shopping and eating the variety of foods offered. There was also a large play area for children, featuring inflatable climbs and slides. The event’s major attraction was the free health fair camp put up by VP health Deepi Singh and Dr. Bama Sridhar where hundreds of Valley residents were checked on their health parameters and got guidance on diet and nutrition. Free eye checks from Lion’s Club were also available. In his vote of thanks, Puri thanked all the dignitaries for their valuable time, sponsors for their support and contribution, and the IALA executive team, Board of Directors and volunteers for their hard work for making the event memorable and successful.
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