The India Association of Los Angeles celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day with a vibrant gala, honoring the nation’s Constitution and showcasing cultural pride through music, dance, and community spirit.
BURBANK, CA – The India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) recently celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day with an extravagant gala at the Arbat Banquet Hall. This festive evening paid tribute to the Constitution of India and highlighted the nation’s enduring journey of unity, resilience, and hope.
More than 500 attendees gathered for the January 31 event, which blended cultural pride with joyous festivities. The program embraced the spirit of modern India through an array of music, dance, and community engagement.
The gala featured speeches from notable guests, including the Consul General of India in Los Angeles, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, who served as the chief guest. Other distinguished attendees included Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman, Los Angeles City Councilmembers John Lee and Nithya Raman, District 3 LAUSD Director Scott Schmerelson, and Bakersfield Deputy Mayor Manpreet Kaur, along with representatives from various local and regional offices.
The formal program commenced with the national anthems of both the United States and India. In his address, Consul Srinivasa emphasized the consulate’s mission to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural ties, while encouraging attendees to reflect on India’s remarkable progress over the years.
Congressman Sherman shared his long-standing association with IALA and reiterated his support for the Indian American community. Councilmember Nithya Raman spoke about the strength of community and shared her personal experiences as an Indian American.
IALA President Falguniba Zala and IALA Chairman Pramesh Shah introduced the organization’s officials and highlighted the work undertaken by IALA to uplift the community.
During the gala, IALA honored several outstanding community leaders with Awards of Excellence. The recipients included Ravi Marwah, Dr. Abhijeet Singh, Dev Barad, Jigar Barot, and Aanand Desai, all recognized for their philanthropy, service, and unwavering commitment to the community.
The audience was treated to a rich lineup of performances throughout the evening. The Sonali Vasa Group presented a graceful fusion of classical Indian dance styles, including Kathak, Odissi, and Mohiniyattam, ushering in the spirit of spring. Students from the Kathak Kala Academy showcased a patriotic Kathak piece, while the Rhythm School of Dance entertained with contemporary Bollywood and Indian folk routines. The Bollywood Beats Dance Studio energized the crowd with their dynamic performances.
Adding to the evening’s allure, a curated fashion show coordinated by Shagun Gupta featured a modern collection infused with an Indian aesthetic, further celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India.
The event was a resounding success, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the Indian community in Los Angeles and reinforcing the importance of cultural celebration and unity.
According to India West, the gala exemplified the commitment of IALA to foster community ties and celebrate the achievements of Indian Americans.