Los Angeles IALA Republic Day, attracts Large Crowd
Los Angeles, Feb. 04, 2012
NRIpress.com staff
A record number of people, over 500 attended India’s 63rd Republic Day celebration at Ararat Home Banquet Hall in Mission Hills. This was the eleventh annual celebration of Republic Day in the San Fernando Valley. Ambassador Parthasarthi, Consul General of India was the chief guest. Congressman Howard Berman, Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch Englander and representatives of several elected officials attended the event.
Before introducing the chief guest Ambassador Parthasarathi, who started serving as the Consul General of India in San Francisco from October 13, 2011, Inder Singh, GOPIO Chairman and Co-founder of IALA, reminded the audience that the House has overwhelmingly passed “The Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act” which (1) eliminates the per country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, and (2) increases the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants. As and when the bill is passed by the Senate and signed by the president, relatives sponsored for immigration to the USA, can get their immigration visa much faster.
Ambassador Parthasarthi complimented the organization for the gala celebration of Republic Day function. He informed the attendees that his office is making all-out efforts to provide speedy consular services. In next few weeks, the Consulate website well be revamped, making it easy to obtain information for consulate services.
From Consul General's speach, one thing is very clear to us that his goal is basically to reach out to the NRI community and try to do the best that is possible so that NRIs feel that consulate general is belong to them and ready to serve the community 24 x 7. He further said:
- He believes that there must be change implemented in the consulate services that are provided for the people.
- People don't like the excessive waiting time and lack of service at the consulate office.
- Through our website and we are trying to give the information that you need.
- For the past three months, all emails were answered in time
He also reminded the attendees that next year will be the 100th anniversary of the Gadar Movement and he would urge all Indian associations to organize the centennial celebration of Gadar Movement paying tribute to the patriots and Gadar heroes.
The children enthusiastically participated in various contests such as dance was the highlight of the event, with participants dressed in traditional attires showcasing winning the hearts of the audience. That is the true patriotism even though being away from mother land. This will inspire patriotism in children who are citizens of tomorrow. Really commendable.
This is the first time that IALA has attracted such a large no of participants in the Republic Day celebration and credit goes to managemnt of IALA. The celebration concluded with a buffet of Indian traditional delicacies.
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