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FIA, SC, CELEBRATES
59TH INDIA’s REPUBLIC DAY LONG BEACH, CA The evening started with full enthusiasm. Before the program all the members and the guests enjoyed the delicious snacks and drinks. Several politicians and others took the stage to congratulate the community on the 59th anniversary of the Indian Republic at an event arranged by the Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California at the Golden Sails Resort Hotel here on the evening of January 25.
Congressman Ed Royce once again reiterated that the Indo-US economic relationship is heading in a dynamic new direction. He pointed out that the trade between the countries exceeds the $20 billion mark. He traced the hand of LET in training terrorists for the tragic attacks of 9/11, the London Subway, and the latest attacks on the Taj in Mumbai. He proclaimed Pakistan should confront reality and help bring to justice the individuals who planned these horrific deeds in an international court and made to pay for their crimes against humanity. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez said she had not been seen for a while at such functions because she had been busy in her official capacities in several committees dealing with conflicts, terrorism and the deficit. Referring once again to the brutal attacks on the Taj, she said that it was found that there had not been enough information and what was needed to counter such a daring raid. The aftermath of the event she revealed was that the US is working with the Indian government to ensure that the forces who would respond to such attacks in the future. Before presenting a Certificate of Special Recognition to the organization, Cypress City Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Parkash Narain appealed to the members of the audience to participate in local level politics to make the changes they desired and to give back to the community. Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu remarked that all the remarkable progress and the spectacular improvement in the standard of living in India was on account of the opportunities that the country provides by protecting the freedom and liberty it accords to its citizens. He also had proclamations for FIA members from the City of Anaheim. Earlier the event commenced with Executive VP Anju Garg welcoming the audience followed by the lamp lighting ceremony. The US national anthem was sung by Aarti Garg and then ‘Jana Gana Mana’ by everybody present. In the opening speech by President FIA, Mr.Ajmer Singh, walked through the independence movement and saluted the many who had sacrificed their lives protecting the country including during terrorist attacks and wanted the authorities to usher in stricter laws to prevent such crimes. Special guest Avdesh Agarwal of Uma Enterprises told the gathering to continue its good work towards the greater success of the Indian community. The event also included a special video presentation on India themed “Peace on Earth”, created by Anju Garg. The entertainment for the evening contained several cultural items by youngsters from the community, coordinated by VP Cultural Harjit Bhogal. It started with a Bharata Natyam piece by a group from the Nighya Shetra Bharata natyam Dance Academy. Angali Gandhi and Nandini Gaggenapalli did Bollywood dances. Thushara Poozhikala and Medha Rao did a Bharata Natyam duet followed by a traditional Marathi folk dance by Preeti Tilve. The stage was then set ablaze by a fiery Bhangra number by the UC San Diego troupe People’s Bhangra. It ended with the tiny Mansukh Bhogal showing his own interpretation of Bhangra moves. Gunjan Nanda, Miss South Asia 2008 and Divneet Wadhwa, Miss Teen South Asia 2008 were also presented to the audience during the celebrations. Delicious dinner arrangements for the function were made by Ashoka the Great Restaurant.
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Federation
of Indo-American Associations, (FIAsc)