Tag: India Day

The Kerala Center celebrates India Independence Day

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

Elmont, New York: India’s 70th Independence Day celebrations at the Kerala Center started in the afternoon of Sunday, August 14 and was celebrated with fun games and barbecue dinner. The Indian National Flag was hoisted on the center’s flagpole by Dr. Madhu Bhaskaran, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kerala Center with the singing of the Jana Gana Mana by Ms. Lauren Vattakalam. Then the goodly crowd of the Center’s members and friends withdrew from the hot and humid sun to the cool of the auditorium. Mr. Thambi Thalappillil, Center President welcomed the gathering to the celebration and introduced Board Member Abraham Thomas as Event Coordinator. Thomas stated that the festivities were youth-oriented and put together by the Center’s Youth Club Committee: Jake Thottam, Joel Thomas, Amrita Pulianapallil, Noel Kuzhiparambil, Melvin Manumkal, Anil Paradiyil, Jasmin Uralil, Niel Chaco, Maryann Philip and Lauren Vattakalam.

CMC, famous story teller and beloved member of Sargavedi, delivered a poignant and brief message. Dr. Bhaskaran, inaugurated the youngster’s games with a few great words of patriotic fervor, and Dilip Varghese, a Founder Grand Patron of the Center, played a few of those games, at a dollar for a try. The floor was arranged not with rows and rows of chairs as for a formal meeting, but with various play stations. Soon the adults left the children to their laughter and clatter and re-paired upstairs for card game competitions. There were 36 participants, at $10 per head, for Game 28 and Game 56. The competition progressed through Elimination, Semi Finals and Finals. Card Game Tournament Winners received medals and cash awards. The winners for he card games are as follows: Game 56: Somanathan Nair, Jose Madathilkunnel and Mathew Chacko, Second : Jose Thottam, Thomas Thottam and James Pattiyalil; Game 28: Binchu John, Abraham Abraham, and Anthony Kunjeria, Second: Raju Thomas, Dr. Nandakumar Chanayil and Sani Ambookan. Besides, a fund-raising raffle put some green bills into one lucky pocket.

Meanwhile, barbecue grills had been fired up in the yard. Finally it was time to eat. To eat at leisure. All of Nature’s bounty into the tummy. To be washed down with soda or beer. The eating went on till 8:00 pm, with song, dance and play. The whole event was fun, relaxed and truly celebratory.

FIA, Chicago leaders unite to bring dignity during India’s Independence Day celebrations in Chicago region

Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

By Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Associations (est. 1980) hosted its annual Indian Independence Day Parade and Banquet on August 20-21, 2016 in Chicago Il.   Despite the rain, the annual parade took place as scheduled in Devon Avenue in the heart of Indian community in Gandhi Marg.  Chief guests included 9th District Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, MLA Govt of NCT Delhi Parliamentary Secretary Adarsh Shashtri, Redberri Chairman and CEO Deepak Kant Vyas, Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, Illinois 8th District Democratic Candidate Raja Krishnamoorthy, former FIA Trustee and community leader from Indiana Dr. Bharat Bharai, and Smita Shah, Parade Chair of Chicago Sister Cities and Co-Chair Syed Hussaini from Wintrust.

Despite the recent decreasing participation in the event by the community due to last minute changes in the program; the entire leadership of FIA (est. 1980) gathered to celebrate the event with great enthusiasm and verve. The 2-hour event, started with a marching band and flag hoisting ceremony led by   representative from Indian Consulate General Office Consul D.B. Bhatti and President of FIA (est. 1980) Minhaj Akhtar and all dignitaries; followed by procession of floats from local community groups including Air India a and new entry the Indian Motorcycle club who represented the 70thIndependence Day celebration.

Despite the turn out, Chief guests Adarsh Shashtri and Patt Quinn both were impressed with leadership. “I think it’s very special for everyone who believes in democracy, the United States the first democracy and India the largest democracy. 69 years ago at midnight the democracy of India began and it is very important that we honor that and also honor the friendship of the people of India and the people of America. I have been a part of this parade when it started and its been a long time, it’s a great parade,” commented Patt Quinn. FIA, Chicago president Minhaj Akhtar thanked the audience, dignitaries and sponsors.

“It is phenomenal to see the enthusiasm from the community leaders.  Indian Americans in the US are a part of the greatest county and democracy of the world and they have come from a country, which is largest democracy. They fact that these 2 democracies can work together not just as countries but as people is the biggest message that we can carry forward,” said Adarsh Shashtri.

The next day FIA held its annual Independence Day banquet at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Ill, which featured Chief Guest Indian Consulate General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed.  The event began with the rendition of patriotic songs by Jitendra Bulsara who infused the atmosphere with patriotism.

FIA Treasurer Ajeet Singh who invite and give brief introduction. In opening remarks were given by, Adarsh Shastri, who offered his best wishes to the FIA.  “ I would like to thank FIA and Minhajbhai to provide me the opportunity to participate and speak to the community.  Today even more than15,000 KM away from our motherland I am proud and congratulate you on celebrating our nation’s Independence with such enthusiasm and love it is so endearing. “

Adding the progress of Indian as nation has been supplemented greatly by the Indian Diaspora, “ I think a quote by John F Kennedy once remarked people see things which there and ask why, I see things which never were and ask why not? I think that clearly demonstrates the sentiment of Indian people where we have made great strides in development in various aspects of social life, community and country. Over that last few years India has seen a lot a changes politically and economically. I bring a message here that we may have or political differences but when it comes to nation we are united. I hope that in the future we will continue to build a better nation together.”

FIA Founder and Trustee Bhailal Patel introduced Philanthropist, Chairman and CEO Of Redberri Deepak Kant Vyas and thanked him for his whole hearted participation in both the parade and banquet.  Patel announced that through the leadership of the FIA (1980) Vyas will donate funds for a bust or statue of Mahatma Gandhi on Gandhi Marg and in one of the City of Chicago parks.

Vyas talked about the importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to world in his address, “As we celebrate 70 years of India’s independence 100 years back “pravasi” like us come back to India with one mission to unite and lead us to Independence and his teachings are more relevant than ever today, and become of the greatest brands India has, which was Mahatma Gandhi.  He gave to us not only Independence but also the vision for “Swaraj” and has become the core basis for peace, inspired not only our freedom but freedom across the world.”

Tim Choi representative from the Office of Leslie Munger Chief Financial Officer of State of Illinois shared her message stating, “My heartiest congratulations to FIA of Chicago, in the State of Illinois Indian Americans represent great pride and a limitless potential.”

FIA honored Dr. Deepak Kant Vyas Chairman and CEO of Redberri Group for his support to the Indian American community. The FIA honored Midwest Bureau Chief Vandana Jhingan for her work in the community. The award was presented by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed on behalf of the FIA in recognition of Jhingan’s “fearless journalism” and community service that she has been rendering to Chicago land for more than 20 years.  FIA also honored Khan Lateef Khan the chief editor of India largest Urdu newspaper Munsif also businessmen from Chicago. Also for his Urdu Munsif TV worldwide establishment.

The highlight of the event was a patriotic skit and dance performed by Shalini Saxena, which commemorated the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives to achieve Indian independence 70 years ago.  The patriotic performance received a standing ovation from the entire audience.

Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, in his address, said, “\I would like to congratulate the FIA (1980) for carrying out the Indian Independence and Republic Day events with due dignity and solemnity. It is very important that when we celebrate any national events, they are celebratory in nature but at the same they are very solemn.  There have been enormous sacrifices made by thousands of people who have made these days possible by shedding their blood and their lives, and these events serve as a tribute to them. I was very moved and emotional by the performance of Shalini Saxena.” Vote of thanks was delivered by FIA Chicago Trustee Satish Gabhawala and Banquet MC Sanhita Agnihotri.

India Day Celebrated on Long Island, NY

Ajay GhoshCulture/Religion 0

By Indu Jaiswal

On a beautiful Monday morning of August 15th, at the ceremonial chambers of Nassau County Executive building on Long Island, NY was decorated with white , orange and green colors. Sounds of Dhol and music was playing and enthralled the guests. Occasion was Celebration of 70th anniversary of Independence Day of India hosted by Nassau County Executive Honorable Edward P Mangano , Indian American Forum, IDPUSA and India Association of Long island. Program started with Independence Day March led by Dr Urmilesh Arya, Board of trustees of IAF and Nanga, member of Indian Veterans Association. And several other dignitaries, honorees  and members joined in., Patriotic songs and Dhol reminded everyone of Independence Day in India.

Honorable County Executive and members of Indian Veterans Association unfurled the flag and saluted the Indian Flag.  Program started with American National anthem sung by Eesha Butani and Indian National anthem by Christy Narine. Welcome remarks were given by Indu Jaiswal IAF Chair and Beena Kothari President IALI and IDPUSA.

Bobby Kumar Kalotee, introduced NASSAU County Executive Honorable Edward P Mangano. Dr Parveen Chopra, trustee of IAF and well known Community Leader spoke about Indo American relations and thanked Mr Mangano for his continued support towards Indian American Community.

On this occasion India Independence Day Awards were presented to the following by Honorable Edward P Mangano. Dr Dattatreryudu Nori, is professor and Chairman of the radiation Oncology Department and Director of the Cancer Center at New York Presbyterian/Queens and professor and Executive vice Chairman of the Radiation Oncology department at New York Presbyterian Hospital=Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr Nori has an international reputation as a pioneer and authority in the cancer field, Dr Vijay Shah is Vice Chairman of Friends for good health whose mission is to serve preventive health care to our sisters and brothers all over the world. An Oncologist by profession and good Humanitarian

Penny K Sandhu, has been in journalism for over three decades. Founder of Jus Punjabi and several other channels providing community support, world class broadcasting  and services through several TV Channels

Dr Manjul Bhargava is the Brandon Fradd Professor of Mathematics at Princeton university, an also hold Adjunct Professor positions at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. Professor Bhargava is widely acclaimed for his teaching and his efforts to  disseminate mathematics and improve mathematics education

Dr Dipali Pandya, Pediatrician by profession, providing unconditional services to the senor programs in long Island. Bina Sabapathy, known in the tristate area for her community services and social contributions. Member of several prominent associations in New York, Vimal Goyal, Treasurer of India Association of Long Island and well known business man, known for his community services and philanthropy. Program ended with patriotic  medley presented by Sangeet forum of IALI, organized by Jyoti Gupta. Also presented was Shila Shah Gavnoudis, commissioner of Nassau County Department of Public Works, Sunita Manjrekar, Director of Employment Programs at Nassau county, and several distinguished members of Indian American Community. Guests enjoyed traditional Indian Breakfast and sweets provided by Rajbho

Star-studded 35th Annual India Day Parade at the Heart of New York

Ajay GhoshCommunity, Social Media 0

Sounds of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vandemataram” and “Jai Ho,” reverberated through midtown Manhattan as tens of thousands lined up to attend the 35th annual India Day Parade on Sunday, August 16th  as the colors of the Indian flag washed over Madison Avenue to mark India’s 69th Independence Day. Organized annually by the FIA-tristate, the parade aims to highlight the progress, contributions and achievements of India and the Indian-American community here. The parade was broadcast in over 40 countries and reached over three million Asian-Indians in America.

Billed as the biggest Indian parade outside India to celebrate India’s Freedom, the event kicked off with a Scottish-style bagpipe band in kilts, flying an Indian flag. The India Day Parade took place along a 13-block stretch of Madison Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. Thousands of Indian Americans, Bollywood celebrities, Cricket stars, and Indian politicians participated in the spectacular 35th annual India Day Parade in New York, in addition to celebrations around the country.

Bollywood star Arjun Rampal was the Grand Marshal at the parade while Parineeti Chopra was the guest of honor at the event attended by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, India’s Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay and former union minister Shashi Tharoor, among others. Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag was the guest star cricketer in the parade. Music composer Shankar Mahadevan, TV actors Aamir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheikh and Indian-origin American singer Jeffrey Iqbal were also seen in the parade.

The parade ran through 20 streets in Madison Avenue and featured tableaux by various Indian-American organisations, marching bands, police contingents and cultural performances by young children. The New York Police Department (NYPD) Band and the India Temple organisation’s band played the national anthems of India and the US. The kilted band goes back to an Indian spiritual leader who visited London in 1970 and admired the Scottish tradition. He formed the first such group with Indian businessmen in Kenya. The band Sunday was from Secaucus, New Jersey.

In his brief remarks, Khattar, accompanied by consul general Mulay, congratulated the huge gathering of Indians and lauded the achievements of the diaspora. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar became the first Chief Minister from any Indian state to participate in the annual India Independence Day parade in New York ever since its inception.

“Indians have the perfect balance between modern and traditional and have great cultural values,” said Parineeti. Chopra, 26, also rang the opening Bell at Nasdaq apart from other key event appearances. “I believe India’s story should be celebrated everywhere, and the journey of NRI citizenry is nothing short of incredible. The most successful community of expatriates anywhere, I treasure this opportunity to celebrate our independence in such a festive manner in New York,” she said in a statement.

Sehwag expressed his elation and honor by saying that it was a “great privilege and honor” for him to celebrate the Independence Day with companions form his country in a foreign land. As many people from countries of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are well settled in United States, Sehwag hopes that people will come across and form a US cricket team. “I hope in the coming years there will be a US cricket team that plays international cricket soon,” Sehwag said.

The parade ended in a colorful Indian fair which featured cuisine from India, and stalls showcasing Indian handicrafts and textiles. The parade has been organized here since 1981 by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). The FIA of the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut is one of the largest umbrella organisations in the Indian community and represents over 500,000 Indians.

“This year’s parade saw unprecedented crowds, and was a huge success,” FIA President Ankur Vaidya told the media. More than 40 floats and 25 walking groups and bands participated in the the parade, held between 38th and 23rd streets on Madison Avenue. Waving the Indian tricolor, spectators cheered as floats, marching groups and passed by; as onlookers danced to popular Bollywood songs, while some took photos of the floats and the celebrities that graced it.

A gala ceremony replete with patriotic fervor, marked by cultural events, songs and speeches, tributes to the martyrs and the contribution made by the Indian-American community were major highlights of the parade that started at the 38th Street and Madison Avenue. The parade was a phenomenal exhibition of India’s culture outside India. Indian community members also joined flag hoisting ceremonies at the Indian mission at the U.N. and Indian Consulates in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta.

AAPI Leaders Spread Message of Health & Wellbeing At India Day Parade in New York

Ajay GhoshCommunity 0

New York, NY:  In their efforts to spread the message of health and wellbeing for all, leaders of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI) joined the India Day Parade in New York City on Sunday August 16th, 2015. Applause from the crowds reached a crescendo as the colorfully decorated Float bearing AAPI’s name, symbol, and message of health and wellbeing to all rolled on in New York City. Led by its energetic leaders led by Dr. Seema Jain, president of AAPI, the float marched along with dozens of others, saluting India and the over a billion people of Indian origin around the globe.

A record number of people, both Indian Americans and mainstream Americans thronged the sidewalks, filling Madison Avenue from 38th to 27th Streets, cheering jubilantly as the floats portraying the rich heritage of India and the rise of India as a world power, meandered through the Big Apple. The gods seemed to smile as the clouds lifted and the bright sun shone forth. The crowds acknowledged the contributions and achievements of the Indian Diaspora and their motherland, India.

A host of AAPI leaders, including AAPI’s President, Dr. Seema Jain, President-Elect, Dr. Ajay Lodha, YPS President  Dr. Rupak Parikh, YPS President-Elect, Dr Aditya Desai,

Board of Trustee member, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Sanjay Jain, and Dr. Amy Shah, along with several young Physicians and MSRF members  had come into New York from different parts of the country to be part of the largest India Day Parade around the world, organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA).

“We are extremely happy to be part of this great event,” said Dr. Seema Jain, after leading the parade in New York City on Sunday. “On behalf of the over 80,000 physicians of Indian Origin in the United States, I want to convey our greetings to all the people of Indian origin, especially to over two million Indian Americans across the United States, who continue to make India proud and make India stand tall among  peoples of the whole world. On this very special day of celebrating our freedom, we take special pride in saluting our beloved tricolor. Let us recall with pride the great sacrifice of our freedom fighters, whose undying love for India secured us our freedom,” he added.

Dr. Ajay Lodha, President-Elect of AAPI, who was on the AAPI float in New York, said, “On this happy occasion join me and all members of AAPI in saluting the hard work of all our citizens who have, over these 69 years, helped build a new India. Let us bow our head in memory of all those brave Jawans and all our brave citizens who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of our unity, integrity and progress.”

According to Dr.Amy Shah, “AAPI is very proud to salute India that is united despite its many diversities. An India that is not divided by caste, creed or gender. An India, in which the creativity and enterprise of every citizen can find its full and free expression.” Dr. Krishan Kumar, while greeting the people of India said, “As we celebrate India and its several achievements on this very special day, AAPI is very proud to join in and salute this great nation and its 1.2 billion people.”

Members of AAPI are not only known for their exceptional quality of care they provide to their patients, but also have established an unprecedented professional exchange program between the physicians and researchers in the US and India, augmented medical education curricula and established medical specialties, and emergency services in India, sponsored free medical care in the US and India through free clinics, participated in legislative days in DC, led with exemplary leadership and devotion the AMA – IMG Section and many committees with AAPI.

AAPI is a forum that facilitates and enables over 100,000 Indian American Physicians and Fellows to excel in patient care, teaching and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs. Founded with the objective to promote professional solidarity in the pursuit of excellence in patient care, teaching and research, AAPI brings American medicine the distinctive contributions from India, and advance the American creed of one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. For more details, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Long Island Celebrates India Day With Parade

Ajay GhoshIndia, Social Media 0

Hundreds of Indian-Americans came together from Long Island and Queens in the state of New York on August 9th to celebrate India’s 69th Independence Day. The parade held in Hicksville, Long Island, turned the “little Indian town” in a blaze of orange, green and white, the colors of the Indian flag. They marched down South Broadway playing drums and shouting “Long Live India,” media reports stated.

The two-mile parade ended at the Asamai Hindu Temple on East Barclay Street led by Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra as grand marshal. Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra was grand marshal, and the parade boasted a number of celebrities and elected officials including Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri, Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, Republican State Senator from Mineola Jack Martins, and representatives of various Indian-American community organizations, Newsday reported.

This year’s theme was “Women Empowerment & the Next Generation,” an issue addressed by Davuluri in her speech. Organizers Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Beena Kothari and Indu Jaiswal presided over the program. They said they chose Hicksville because it houses a Little India and local businesses supported the parade. This is the fifth parade to be held in Hicksville. Nassau County’s has witnessed a doubling of the population of Indians – from 20,000 in 2010 to 40,000 today, according to the Newsday report.

India Day Parade In Edison Draws Record Crowds

Ajay GhoshSocial Media 0

For yet another year, Oak Tree Road in Edison, New Jersey was filled with the tri-color as nearly 40,000 people from the region came together to celebrate India’s 69th Independence Day August 9th.  The 1th annual New Jersey India Day Parade organized by the Indian Business Association was estimated to have attracted a record number of people celebrating the rich culture and traditions of India, while thanking the freedom fighters for the sacrifice they had made to win freedom from the colonial rulers.

Ignoring heat and sunlight people started lining up on both sides of the one-mile parade route since early noon. Some held umbrellas to get some respite from the blazing Sun while others splashed their head and face with water. Vendors were at hand to provide free water bottles. By the time the parade started from in Edison before concluding on India Square in Iselin many, especially the youth, had seemingly forgotten about the Sun and heat. They just walked the path in a frenetic show of patriotism.

As the parade marched past the crowd, people from both the end of the street, shouted slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai,’ and ‘Jai Hind.’ The excitement was feverish, even among the senior citizens, who with their feeble and tired hands tried to hold aloft the flags of India and the United States.

Someone at the viewing stand at India Square, where local VIPs stand to watch the parade and greet and encourage people, said through microphone: “We also celebrate India’s Independence Day in India, but I don’t think I have ever seen such enthusiasm even back home,” the young woman, described by standers as a starlet from India, said.

That cheered the crowd even more. Noise decibels went up as people standing on the street responded with ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ with greater gusto. Children clutched to balloons, buntings and small banners egged on by their parents. Overall, the entire atmosphere was electrified.

The festivities at the largest parade to date, as claimed by the organizers, included marching bands, over 20 floats and dozens of walking groups. There were six Bollywood starlets on the viewing stand as well. They were joined by an assortment of state wide elected officials, including Congressman Frank Pallone, State Senators Ray Lesniak and Sam Thompson, Assemblypersons Craig Coughlin, Patrick Diegnan, and Nancy Pinkin, Middlesex County Freeholder Ken Armwood, and Newark councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield-Jenkins.

Leading the political delegation were Edison Mayor Tom Lankey and Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac. “The success of today’s parade is due to the efforts of many, including our sponsors and volunteers” said Dhiren Amin, president of IBA.

Another unique feature of the parade was the Young Entrepreneurial Society, a new subchapter of IBA. “They are our future, we are building for tomorrow” said Chandrakant Patel, Chairman for IBA. A cultural program featuring local artists followed the parade. “We need to promote our local talent. New Jersey is filled with young talented artists” added Manher Shah, IBA trustee.

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