India Ambassador/ Consulate General SFO/ NISHA BISWAL/ Pb. Speaker/U.S. Representartive Ed Royace Join in on Indian Independence Day Celebrations
Los Angeles, Aug 24, 2014
NRIpress-Club/Gary Singh/Karen
In the Month of August, Patriotic fervour gripped NRIs (non-resident Indians) across the globe as they celebrated India's 68th Independence Day, unfurling the tricolour and organising cultural festivities to mark the occasion.
In Los Angeles area, four different organizations including IALA,FIA-Mahajan, UFICA and FICSC celebrated Indian Independence on different weekends.
Former Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu and his wife Gin Sidhu hosted a very special India Independence Day Celebratory Event honoring Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar, Asst. Sec. of State for South Asia Nisha Desai Biswal, and U.S. Representative Ed Royce, on Sunday, August 24, 2014, at their home in Anaheim, California.
Among the nearly 200 attending the celebratory occasion were prominent members of the Southern California Indian American community, Mrs. Marie Royce, and the following well-respected local elected officials: California State Assemblyman Don Wagner – who gave the Invocation; Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Pat Bates and Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen – who jointly led the gathering in the U.S. Flag Salute.
The Anaheim Police Department Color Guard led the “Presentation of the Colors” (U.S. & California State Flags) immediately followed by retired Indian Veterans entering for the India Flag Hosting. Erika Miller, of The Chance Theater, Anaheim, performed the U.S. National Anthem, and members of the Pande Family led those in attendance in singing the National Anthem of India.
Addressing those in attendance, Ambassador Dr.Jaishankar emphasized the important relationship India has with the United States in advancing common goals of global peace and cooperative development. He also expressed his thanks to Former Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu and his wife Gin Sidhu for hosting such a significant event.
(L-R)U.S. Representative Ed Royce, Mrs. Marie Royce, Harry Sidhu and his wife Gin Sidhu, Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar, Nisha Desai Biswal -Asst. Sec. of State for South Asia
Ed Royce, Representative, a key congressional leader in the field of foreign policy, who is a dedicated supporter of India and India-U.S. relations as an active member and leading voice of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, commended the Southern California Indian American community for their ongoing efforts in building a closer India-U.S. partnership with their talent and determination. Read More:
Nisha Desai Biswal :Asst. Sec. of State for South Asia highlighted her recent economic development efforts with the Indian government, and she expressed how pleased she was to be celebrating India Independence Day in Representative Royce’s congressional district. Read More:
- November 23, 2013: Nisha Desai Biswal becomes first Indian-American point person for South Asia
- Obama nominates Indian-American as pointperson for South Asia
“Ambassador Jaishankar is an intellectual and scholarly type of pragmatic diplomat and I was very impressed with him. Counsel General Parthasarathy is a very impressive diplomat as well,” said KV.Kumar who has served all Presidents from President Reagan to President Obama and he was the First Indian American to be appointed by the President to the Executive Committee of the SBA’s National Advisory Council on Small Business. “ I was equally impressed with assistant secretary Nisha Desai Biswal, also for her simplicity and eloquent diplomat Congressman Ed Royce is an unsung hero of support for India’s relationship with United States. India has come a long way in terms of relationship with USA.”
KV Kumar further said, “I remember the days when Dr. Manmohan Singh when he was Finance Minister had difficulty getting an appointment with Treasury Secretary and whenever a senior Central Minster visited people like me assisted them with appointments withUS officials. Today, It’s a different story altogether. US is equally anzious to have a better relationship with India. This is the India I dreamt of when I first came to United States in 1968! This is the India I am proud of today. Electing the Prime Minister Mody with a solid majority, India has show to the world that it’s not only an economic power, but also free of political corruption. I Am Proud To Be An Indian American”
Cultural entertainment was provided by prominent vocalist and stage performer, Nauzad Sadry, with dance numbers organized by Dr. Sinduri Jayasinghe – Founder & Director of Savithri Arts Academy, and a performance by world-renowned, danseuse Sonali Acharya, of Hailakandi, Assam - who is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having danced 25 hours and 25 minutes non-stop. The event emcee was Orange County businessman Deepak Krishan.
In closing the program, Former Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Harry Sidhu thanked everyone for attending such an important occasion in celebration of liberty, freedom, and cultural understanding. He gave his great appreciation to all who made the event possible, including his family members - especially wife Gin for coordinating the festivities, and the many dedicated friends and volunteers for all of their wonderful efforts.
(L to R) Gurdishpal Singh, Harry Sidhu, Punjab Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, Dr harvinder Singh Sahota, Harbhajan Samra-okra King and Mrs Gurdishpal Singh
 Punjab Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal (Former Lok Sabha deputy speaker) : Even of his tight schedule, Mr. Atwal came to meet NRIs on this event of Independence Day Celebration. NRIs thanks Gurdishpal Singh, entrepreneur/politician and Dr. Sahota who took the initiative to introduce Atwal ji to NRI community.
Punjab Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal met claremont Lincoln university’s Director of sikh studies Ms. Brittney Brown to discuss student/ visiting professors exchanges and other academic activities between Guru Nanak Dev university and claremont Lincoln university.....Read More
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