ARTESIA: If there was a grand Republic Day Celebration here in Southland, then this was it. The So Cal FIA led by Dilip Butani (President) and Prakash Pancholi (Chairman) along with FIA (Los Angeles) led by Mohan Sharma (President) and Amrit Bhandari (Chairman), Harpal Singh, Raj Walia, and the lovely Neeru Seth to mention a few, held a joint Republic Day banquet at the Woodlands Banquet Hall. The hall was filled to its capacity as over 200 showed up to attend.

The evening began after the social hour with the lighting of the lamp. Chief Guest Tony Mendoza along with Harry Sidhu, Dr Prakash Narain and the FIA leadership lit the lamp. Khushi Sadry sang both the American National anthem and the Indian National Anthem.Amrit Bhandari introduced Mohan Sharma. Mohan in turn introduced the FIA committee to the guests.Tony Mendoza spoke on various community issues including the status on the freeway sign and the legislation on threading. Harry Sidhu also spoke on contemporary issues and presented campaign T-shirts to members of the FIA executive committee.

Cypress City Councilman Dr Prakash Narain also addressed the gathering. Harry Sidhu presented a proclamation to the FIA. In return plaques and flags were presented to the dignitaries.The media too was honored with plaques. Shashi Trivedi received a plaque on behalf of India Post whilst FIA President Dilip Butani received one on behalf of Indian Express. Likewise other newspapers too were honored. There was an audiovisual presentation on India's freedom struggle and freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

It was Bhagat Singh who laid the foundation of the beginning of the end of the British rule. People need to understand that non-violence and satyagraha alone did not get India her independence. At the time when Gandhi was picking salt or doing satyagraha, Bhagat Singh was facing British bullets. It was not Gandhi alone who got India her independence. Shaheed Bhagat Singh deserves more credit than what is given to him.Pushpa Chandra recited a poem on India's freedom movement.Harry Sidhu presented a proclamation to the FIA.

In return plaques and flags were presented to the dignitaries.The cultural program was a collage of multifaceted talent. Students of Varsha Parekh's Noopur Dance Academy presented a patriotic number. Miss Teen South Asia Davneet Kaur Wadhwa enthralled the audience with her dance performance. Another very talented young lady Jessica Kaur Talwar presented a Bollywood dance. There was also a Bhangra performance.

The highlight of the evening was the sibling duo Khushi and Nauzad Sadry who enthralled the guests with a collage of popular Bollywood songs. There was good food and drink and the party went on till late.It was a grand event and the FIA deserves full credit and praise for such a magnificent evening.