India Day program presented by children
County Executive Charley Dooley was the Chief Guest of the event, hoisting the American Flag. This was followed by hoisting of India national flag by IAS President Dr Pradip Das. As the flags were raised, American and Indian national anthems were passionately sung by all present at the flag-hoisting ceremony. Charles Dooley officially proclaimed August 13 as India Independence Day in the St. Louis County.
In his keynote address, Charles Dooley drew historical parallel between India and the United States of America, and how the two largest democracies of the world attained freedom from foreign rulers. He also made reference to the great Indian leader and freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi whose ideals and principles had an extraordinary impact on American Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. He also mentioned that America as a nation always welcomed immigrants and was built by key contributions from the immigrant community.
Mr. Dooley then inaugurated a colorful fair (Mela), exhibiting more than 15 stalls where prominent businesses and local families and volunteers displayed a variety of Indian food delicacies, jewelry, sarees, dresses, and arts and crafts from different parts of India. Drawing, essay-writing and math competitions for children, and flower-arrangement competitions for adults were conducted during the Mela. Winners of these competitions were awarded with certificates of merit and gift-cards sponsored by M&I Bank. Ms. Sharon Avila and Anand Sharma of M&I Bank presented the awards.
A colorful and vibrant cultural program was the grand-finale of the Independence Day celebrations. More than a hundred performers ranging from children to adults, professional artists to amateurs participated with patriotic, classical and folk themed cultural dances and presentations. The program was attended by about five hundred members of the community for two hours. Fifteen teams of renowned dance-schools from the region as well as upcoming choreographers contributed to the cultural program. The day ended with a heart-warming rendition of Indian national anthem by all present at the event.
Ashwin Patel
