FREMONT, CA: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit nears, the excitement is rampant across the community, from the performers during the event to the academicians prior to the event. All are coming together to celebrate the arrival of Prime Minister Modi to the Silicon Valley and to welcome the initiatives of his that promise to transform India into an economic super power.
At the Community Reception on September 27, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm, a series of amazing performances from across California are being planned.
The first of which is a beautiful dance performance by the dancers of the Nrityodaya Kathak Academy of Los Angeles. Bhairavi Kumar, the founder of the school, said “It is a great honor and privilege to be a part of this occasion to honor Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership extends beyond just economic initiatives; it strives to revive and build upon our rich cultural heritage. It’s a true honor and we look forward to an exciting event.”
Following the Southern California performance, the Northern California dance company the Mona Khan Company, which has performed with Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and at events like the Indiaspora Inaugural Gala in Washington D.C. in honor of President Obama’s second term in office, will also be performing at the event.
“We at the Mona Khan Company are thrilled and humbled to have the opportunity to perform in the presence of the esteemed Prime Minister of India. We are so thankful to be able to showcase our love for dance and the beauty and diversity of our culture at this incredibly momentous event.” said Shobana Shankar from the Mona Khan Company.
While these dance troupes rehearse repeatedly in order to put on the perfect show for the Prime Minister, various groups are showing their excitement in other pre-event ways.
A coalition of American academicians from reputed universities across the United States put together a statement extending a welcome to Prime Minister Modi in advance of his trip to Silicon Valley.
The statement which discusses Digital India and other such issues is signed by over 150 academicians from some of the country’s most prominent colleges and universities.
Notably, within the list, there is a very strong representation from faculty in engineering disciplines, who are some of the most knowledgeable individuals about the various technological initiatives being undertaken by Prime Minister Modi’s government. Beyond the technical disciplines, the statement also drew signatories from the liberal arts schools, the business schools and the medical schools.
In part, the statement read “We welcome…Prime Minister Modi’s support for the Digital India initiative that heralds a new age of participatory democracy and enhances transparency in governance in India, leveling the playing field for vast numbers of India’s citizens.
We recognize the indigenous talents of Indian scientists to develop the infrastructure to effectuate Digital India and other initiatives predicated on technological advancements, even as we express our hope that Prime Minister Modi will seek partnership with American academic and business leaders with the expertise and experience to ensure that Digital India realizes its potential without imperiling India’s privacy laws and individual liberties.”
Ashvini Bhave as emcee
Actress Ashvini Bhave, journalist Raj Mathai, and comedian Rajiv Satyal will share the stage as emcees for the Community Reception.
Ashvini Bhavé, a well-known Bollywood actress and longtime resident of the Bay Area, has mesmerized audiences with her theater, television, and cinema performances.
Her acting career has spanned over 40 films with several critically-acclaimed performances in films such as Kalat Nakalat, Ahuti, Ashi Hi Banwa Banvi, Bhairavi, Purush, and, the blockbuster film, Heena.
Her more recent projects have focused on social causes, and she has played the role of Executive Producer and Director on such projects. In addition to receiving a degree in Motion Picture and Television from the Academy of Arts University, San Francisco, CA, she also has a degree in Philosophy from the University of Mumbai.
When asked about the upcoming reception, Bhave states, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a transformational force that India has been waiting for! I’m honored and privileged to be the emcee at the reception to welcome PM Modi to Silicon Valley, and I’m eager to play my part to make the entire event a grand success! I’m looking forward to have him inspire us with his vision for the New India.”
Raj Mathai
Six-time Emmy award winner Raj Mathai is the weeknight news anchor for NBC Bay Area and is among the Bay Area’s most well-known TV personality. He also hosts a series titled “The Interview.” In 1995, Mathai became the country’s first Indian sportscaster. Prior to his career in television, he served as a public relations assistant for the San Diego Chargers for five seasons. Mathai was born in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He lived in Mumbai until age 7 when he moved Palo Alto, California.
Rajiv Satyal
No stranger to the stage himself, Rajiv Satyal, represents the second generation of Indian Americans. Satyal is a standup comedian and writer originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. He hosts his own weekly show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood and has been featured on numerous media outlets. In August 2014, Rajiv released a video, I Am Indian, that went massively viral. He co-created the world-touring Make Chai Not War, a Hindu/Muslim stand-up show that was sponsored by the U.S. State Department and traversed seven Indian cities. He recorded 127 episodes of his podcast, The TanGent Show.
Rajiv produces sketches, improvises, and writes TV ads. This LA-based funny man challenges people to see a new point-of-view. Regarding Prime Minister Modi and the Community Reception, Satyal says, “As an Indian American comedian/host, this is the ultimate job – playing Master of Ceremonies for the Indian Prime Minister in America. As a product of the two greatest democracies in history, I’m free speech squared…When I left Ohio to be a standup comedian in California, [my parents] simply wanted the best for me. Well, Mom & Dad, I didn’t open and lead a billion-dollar startup. But I am opening for Prime Minister Modi, who is the leader of a billion-person startup.”
For more information on the September 27th event, please visit www.pmmodiinca.org or follow us on twitter @pmmodiincalifornia.
India Post News Service
