BY K.B.NAIR

CERRITOS, CA - The Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA-SC), celebrated the 60th Republic Day of India on Jan 30 at the Cerritos Center of the Performing Arts. It was an evening that included speeches and cultural entertainment. 

Chief Guest Dr Parkash Narain, Mayor of the City of Cypress in his speech gave tidbits of history on the circumstances that led to Republic Day. While speaking enthusiastically about India’s achievements he reminded the audience to remember the efforts of the many who paved the way the emergence of current day India. He presented a Certificate of Special Recognition to the President of FIA-SC , Anju Garg.

Mayors of adjoining cities were also present to show their support for the community. Among them was Harry Sidhu, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Anaheim who made an early appearance to hand over a Proclamation from the City to the office bearers of the organization before he rushed off to another engagement. Mayor of Artesia, Tony Lima expressed his happiness in being able to be present at the important occasion and presented the FIA-SC with a Certificate of Recognition.

Joseph Cho, Mayor Pro Tem , City of Cerritos,  pointed out several common features  between India and S Korea, where he hails from, in their struggles through the 19th and 20th centuries to get beyond the dark corner of Imperialism. He said India has recently shown rapid economic growth and predicted a bright future for the country in the 21st century which was met with thunderous applause.

Jay Day from the office of California Assembly Member Tony Mendoza and Ryan Hougardy representing Congressman Ed Royce brought congratulatory messages and Certificates from the administrators.

Earlier, the event opened with welcome remarks by Executive VP Rajinder Dhunna followed by Ex-Chairman and Event Coordinator Kewal Kanda and Ajmer Singh , Chairman who both spoke in some detail about the historical  and politial  events that led to the January 26culmination.  Singh spoke of the contributions of Presidents Clinton and Bush which led to closer ties between the two nations and he hoped under Obama the relationship  would further improve and make the world a more peaceful place for all the peoples of the world.

Anju Garg drawing an analogy to an 18-wheeler rig said the FIA had traveled far in 30 years, yet, there is still a long way ahead. The executive committee, she said, was the wheels which moved the organization and Past Presidents and Advisors function as navigation systems, brakes and accelerators to keep it in control and always available when needed. She paid tribute to the sponsors who she likened to fuel, without whose support the FIA-SC  would have slid to a halt. During the course of the evening she also introduced the members of the Executive Committee and the past Presidents.

The National Anthems of both nations were led by Sampurna Dubey.

The formal segment of the evening ended with a vote of thanks by Executive VP Aparna Hande from which point VP Cultural Smita Bagla and Navin Gupta emceed the cultural segment which was a kaleidoscope of  Indian and American dance and music  items drawn from various regions interspersed with snippets of facts and trivia about the two countries. Youngsters and ladies from the community kept the huge crowd in a festive mood with a variety program with items prepared specially for the occasion portraying the best in culture from the two nations. Dinner was served after the cultural fare and then the floor was thrown open to an invigorating dance session in which everybody joined.

A couple of issues which organizers of such events should perhaps pay attention to is the fact that they should be firm about silence being observed while their guests of honor are making their addresses. Even after  Mayor Parkash Narain made an appeal for quiet, it did not last. Discipline is something the community needs to learn and such disrespect to invitees at such national events should not be accepted. Another unfortunate incident was when a young flautist played the Indian National Anthem as part of the cultural program  none in the audience or for that matter even on  the stage had the courtesy to stand. It would be prudent not to include anthems as a part of the entertainment – they need to be treated with utmost respect.