Federation of Indo-American Associations, (FIAsc) - CELEBRATES
59TH INDIA’s REPUBLIC DAY on Jan 25, 2009
FIA, SC, CELEBRATES
59TH INDIA’s REPUBLIC DAY
on Jan 25, 2009
LONG BEACH, CA
Anju Garg/Swaran Dabgotra
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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