FIAs Celebrate Independence Day at Artesia, California

Artesia, Aug 31, 2008
Gary Singh/Dilip Butani

Federation of Indian-American Associations of Southern California and Federation of Indian Associations of Los Angeles, jointly celebrated India’s 61st Independence day on August 31, 2008 at The Woodlands Restaurant, Artesia, CA.

The special guests of honor were popular music director Jatin Pandit, City of Cypress Councilman Dr. Prakash Narain and Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Tony Lima.

The program started with National Anthems of India and USA followed by lighting of the lamp by the three guests of honor and Executive Committee Members. Popular singer and Vice President Nauzad Sadry led the audience in singing Indian National Anthem while Palak Pancholi played American National Anthem on viola. Nauzad also sang the popular song ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’.

Master of Ceremonies Raj Walia welcomed the guests and invited FIA SC President Dilip Butani, who introduced Dr. Prakash Narain. Dr. Narain spoke on India’s Independence Day and India’s achievements. He presented plaques to the two Presidents, Dilip Butani and Mohan Sharma, on behalf of their respective Associations. Raj Walia then introduced Jatin Pandit, who in speech mentioned about the progress India has done in recent times. He also sang ‘Hum Us Desh Ke Wasi Hai Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai’. Jatin Pandit also gave the awards to the sponsors Sanjay Dalal of IIG and Venkatesh Hegde of State Bank of India. Next Manu Patel introduced Tony Lima who also spoke high about India’s great achievements. FIA LA President Mohan Sharma was the next speaker who mentioned about the hard work put by the team. He and Raj Walia recognized some of the main gusts in the audience. FIA LA Chairman Amrit Bhandari thanked the sponsors and artists. Both he and FIA SC Chairman Prakash Pancholi also spoke about their respective teams. Darshan Singh and his son Jagjit Singh were given a special award by Dr. Narain.

The speeches were followed by the cultural program which started with ‘Aai Mere watan Ke Logo’ by Prakash Pancholi and Vijaya Bhanu followed by dances and songs by students of Vijaya Bhanu’s school Sri Sakti Sarade Kalaniketan. Next were dances by Vinaini, daughter of Dr. Sinduri, and Sneha Kardikar. Dances were followed by songs by versatile Ram Talsidar and Karan Lakhian. Akshay Khetani did a good job on the sound system and DJ.

Prakash Pancholi then introduced Sponsor Sanjay Dalal who spoke on India’s freedom. Amrit Bhandari introduced the other sponsor H.G. Hegde from State Bank. Some of the VIPs recognized in the audience included Ravji Patel, Ajay Khetani, Kishore Kaul and Dr Jay Shah. Ramesh Bhatt garlanded Dr. Shah.

The other team members who helped in putting the show include Ramesh Bhatt, Payal Pancholi, Prashant Patel and Siddharth Pathak. The program was followed by a sumptuous dinner. It was a show worth attending.

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