Republic day in India is celebrated every year with great pride on 26th of January to honour the Constitution of India as it came into force on the same day in the year 1950. It had replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 into the governing document of India.Republic day 2018 in India was celebrated on 26th of January, at Friday. In 2018, India has celebrated its 69th Republic Day. First Republic Day of India was celebrated in 1950.

President Chopra, Chairman Manchhani and Executive VP Sunil Agrawal along with IALA Team members

San Fernando Valley, CA - India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) celebrated India’s Republic Day on February 3rd at Royal Delhi Palace, Canoga Park with great enthusiasm and pride. The celebration attended by more than 300 people from all walks of life. 

The show started with American National Anthem and followed by Indian National Anthem.  President Manmohan Chopra, Chairman Vinod Manchhani, and IALA founder Inder Singh welcomed all in their opening speeches.

Various dignitaries graced the occasion and enjoyed the cultural program. Eitan Weiss, Deputy Chief of Mission-Consulate of Israel, Los Angeles,  was the chief guest of the program.  He cut the cake on this occasion and praised India-Israel bond of friendship. Chief of Staff from Congressman Brad Sherman's office Mr Scott Abrams, Ersen Engin, the General Manager of Turkish Airlines, and Scott Schmerelson, Board Member District 3 of the Los Angeles Unified School District were among the guest of honors. They were welcomed and honored by the President Chopra, Chairman Manchhani and Executive VP Sunil Agrawal . All the invited dignitaries addressed the audience and thanked IALA for the invitation. They appreciated IALA's community work wholeheartedly.   

Ersen Engin said, “The number of Indian American travelers from Los Angeles to over 300 destinations worldwide has been phenomenal. We want to be a partner with this vibrant community whose global travel and presence has become a force to reckon with.”  Scott Schmerelson lauded that the Indian American students of the district bring to school the strong family values, respect for elders, and most importantly the dedication to education that has been inculcated in them by their parents.  Scott Abrams brought Congressional appreciation certificate and US flag from Congressman Sherman's office and presented to the President Chopra. 

President Chopra introduced IALA's executive committee, and  thanked all the Sponsors and Volunteers who helped the association in putting up the event together. President Chopra also thanked Turkish Airlines for being a grand sponsor, DJ Scorpio for providing extra ordinary sound and colorful lighting, and TV-Asia for providing wide coverage.

IALA provides a platform to the artists to showcase their talent. VP-Cultural Kavita Puri,  put up a magnificent cultural show. The cultural program started with  Bollywood dance.  Hindi songs on karaoke  tracks  were sung by Shabari Girish and Keerthana in mesmerizing voice. People danced and enjoyed on his melodious songs. Highlight of the evening were the various dance numbers performed by the artists from UCLA Nasha Dance group  - Ria Vidhate, Shaina Patel, Shivani Govil, and Chaitanya Pedada; and Andaaz Dance Group Priya Patel, Shruthi Prakash, Sanjana Kerketta, and Piyush Saini. All the performances were special and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

Raffles were organized in very interactive and in fun-filled way by Raman Chadha and Sunil Agrawal and distributed various sponsored raffle prizes. The biggest prize was round trip ticket to India sponsored by Turkish airline, which was won by Dr Suman Prabhakar. Event ended with open dance floor and attendees gyrating to Bollywood Dance Numbers DJ'ed by DJ Scorpio Sanjay Sayal, the best DJ in LA. Event was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and they appreciated the organizers for creating such a unique and memorable events year after year.