Youth join elite at grand R-Day celebrations

Dr Romesh Japra addressing the gathering

FREMONT: The FIA members hosted India's sixty first Republic Day at The Newark Pavilion, CA. on January 31.There were a large number of invitees and dignitaries from all walks of life. The pavilion was packed to capacity, with national pride and patriotism draped all over.

The colorful event began with American national anthem followed by the Indian national anthem. The Consul General of India Susmita Gongulee Thomas gave an address and message from the President of India congratulating the effort and involvement of everyone present to make this event successful.  Thomas is a regular attendee at all the  Indian cultural events and spoke highly of the community being so very actively involved in representing Indian values and spreading its culture to the youth who probably had no chance to visit India.

FIA Chairman Dr. Romesh Japra welcomed all and said "India has the privilege of being the oldest democracy in the world. India and America are the largest democracies and its people have the commitment to fulfill the promise of being great nations." 

Senator Ellen Corbett emphasized on the uniqueness of this event and said  she was proud to be present. She has traveled to India extensively and is amazed at its diversity and deep cultural ties.  The list of dignitaries seemed to be unending.

Among those present were Fremont Mayor Bob Wassermann, Fremont Unified School District board members Lara York and Larry Sweeney, Rev. Mammen, Olhone College Board of trustee Garret Yee and Theresa Cox, San Jose Council person Ash Kalra and Rose Herrera, Fremont Council person Anu Natrajan, Susan Chan, Bill Harrison, Bob Wykoski, Christina Moore, Ms Wong, Mr Chu with his wife Daisy.

Spokesperson Yogi Chugh introduced the guests and acknowledged their gracious presence, thanking them for being a part of Republic Day celebration.

Surprisingly a large number of youth were present on a Sunday evening, very responsive and thoroughly enjoying themselves. This evidently shows a new trend of being 'India-proud' and hope this trickles down to future generation as well. We need to imbibe our youth with the best Indian cultural values and its traditions.

Cultural events began with a 'Jaye-Ho' song dance performance by children as young as 4-5 years! This was followed by a number of dances and classical performances each outdoing the other. Everyone got a standing ovation from the attendees. Colorful dresses and twirling feet got a pride of moms frantically clicking away their cameras making it impossible to view the recital for those seated!

There were many new members added to FIA and talking to India Post they said that "It was a wise decision as feeling of being back home in India is present."  Akash Brahmbhatt and Pramod Patel of Global Trust Bank  were present too to show their support for the cause. The bank is wholly owned by Indian community with 50 million in assets, and actively promotes SBA loans. They are based at Mountainview, CA. 
Roger Bakshi CEO/Broker CalCoast Financial said that his company is helping home owners specially those who are hit by mortgage debacle, and strongly supports the community to help come over their mortgage crisis.

The FIA family was introduced with a change in leadership. Rajesh Verma is now the new President of FIA. An honor well deserved!  An invocation of new FIA Board and members associations was conducted by Rev. Mammen. He gave an oath of duties to the new members who committed themselves to dedicated selfless service to make FIA events a grand success. Many new members were inducted and solemnly took the oath.

Interspersed with all these events was the variety show being presented by youngsters. Later, Dignitaries Award Ceremony was held and awards were presented for excellent work in various social causes. The awardees were Theresa Cox, Trustee, Olhone College; Lara York Fremont Board of Education; Rose Herrara, Council person, City of San Jose; Evan Low, Mayor, City of Campbell; PNG Jewelers and Abode Services. The awardees were humbled by this gesture and promised to keep up their support for the community in Bay Area.

The FIA Northern California is on a path of self building, each step taken reaps immense support from Indian as well as American community, as their efforts to promote harmony and well being is highly appreciated and applauded.

We all eagerly wait for the Independence Day festival and the 18th year of parade to be held on 14th and 15th August in the City of Fremont.

India Post News Service