BY DEEPINDER SINGH

CANOGA PARK, CA - The India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) celebrated India’s Republic Day on Jan. 30 at Royal Delhi Palace, here. Nearly 350 people attended the event which saw several city level politicians give speeches and commendations to the community and IALA. Bobby Kumar, President IALA, opened the event with a welcome to all present. Chairman of the organization, Raman Chadda, who was in India, sent a special video message conveying special thanks to Inder Singh and Kumar Jawa for their support.

L.A. City Council Member Greig Smith lauded India and the U.S. for their democratic traditions and presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of L.A. to Bobby Kumar. Mayor Pro-tem, Harry Sidhu of the City of Anaheim gave a rousing talk and also presented a proclamation from his city. Mitchell Englander, Chief of Staff to Smith, who is seeking office in 2011 for a council district in the San Fernando Valley also spoke and praised the Indian community.

The IALA Executive Committee was introduced to the audience and they were invited to the stage with their spouses.

The cultural program was designed by V.P. Cultural Payal Sexana. Students of Kathak Kala Dance Academy presented fusion, incorporating kathak movements to western music. Students of ElectroBattles and ElectroBuddies presented group dance on film tunes. ‘Tarana,’ focusing on the ‘Nritta’ element of Kathak was performed by students of Rachna Upadhyay.  Several individual and group dances followed, including a Rajasthani piece.  The last item was a group dance that imaginatively depicted Holi, the festival of colors.

After this, the stage was opened for all to dance away late into the night.