FIAs Celebrate India Independence Day

Los Angeles, Aug. 19, 2009
By Dilip Butani

Federations of Indian American Associations of Southern California and Los Angeles jointly celebrated India’s Independence Day, on August 14, 2009, at The Tandoor Restaurant, CA. The Lions Club of Little India, Artesia and Rotary Club of Cerritos & Artesia also joined in the celebrations. The restaurant, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, was overcrowded with Indian Americans.

The program started at 7:00 PM. FIA –SC President Dilip Butani welcomed everyone and invited the guests and committee members to the dais. Everyone then joined in the lamp lighting ceremony. Pandit Siddharth Pathak chanted Ganesh Shlokas. This was followed by National Anthems of United States and India. Next, FIA-LA Chairman Amrit Bhandari introduced the team members.
On behalf of Tony Mendoza, Omar Garcia gave away the certificates of appreciation to the executive committee members. Those recognized included Dilip Butani, Amrit Bhandari, Mohan Sharma, Manu Patel, Ravji Patel, Prakash Pancholi, Hemant Shah, Nauzad Sadry, Raj Walia, Ajay Khetani, Dr. Sinduri, Atul Ghadiali, Sunil Kansara, Siddharth Pathak, Kiki Purohit, Devna Shah and Payal Pancholi.

Thereafter, Rotary Club President Manu Patel introduced Artesia Mayor Tony Lima and invited him to speak. Tony Lima spoke about the Indo-American relations and presented certificates of appreciation to community leaders. He also presented certificates on behalf of Cypress Mayor Pro Tem, Dr Prakash Narain to Dilip Butani, Mohan Sharma and Amrit Bhandari. Senior officials from Rotary and Lions Club including Dr Steven Sherman, Suresh Bhatti and Chet Swart also spoke. Mohan Sharma FIA-LA President proposed a vote of thanks.

Many community leaders were also honored and recognized on the occasion; these included Dr Hansa Patel, Larry Dicus, Bruce, Balbir Singh, Venkatesh Hegde, Govind Vaghashia and Darshan Singh. Swami Sahjananda from Nithyananda Ashram also graced the occasion.

The reception was followed by a wonderful cultural program put together by the versatile singers Nauzad Sadry & Preetysha and students from Noopur dance Academy & Savithri Arts Academy. Nauzad sang Aisa Desh Hai Mera, Hotho Pe Sachaii, Mere Desh Ki Dharati & Aai Mere Pyare Vatan; while Preetysha sang Aai Mere Vatan Ke Logo & Vande Matram. Sneha Krish from Noopur Dance Academy performed on a Rajasthani song directed by Varsha Parekh; while Vinaini Jayasinghe sang Lord Ganesha song in Sanskrit and gave a dance performance directed by Kalaimamani Dr. Sinduri.

The program was followed by a sumptuous dinner. The program ended around 11:30 PM. It was indeed an event to remember.

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