FREMONT, CA: Federation of Indo-Americans Association (FIA) on Saturday 25th January celebrated Indian Republic Day at Chabot College, Hayward. Dr Romesh Japra, eminent social activist of Bay Area, explained the significance of freedom and remembered the sacrifice made by our freedom fighters and national leaders, who gave us the whole new world to enjoy and explore.
Although India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947, it did not yet have a permanent Constitution. The Republic Day of India commemorates January 26, 1950 as the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India. It is one of the most important days in Indian history. Dr. Japra said we are fortunate to have been born in largest democracy in the world, India and live in the oldest democracy of the world, United States.
It is apparent that the Indian community in the Bay Area has not forgotten its roots. This weekend, FIA organized an event to celebrate India’s 65th Republic Day in the Bay Area. It is a proud moment for all Indians to celebrate and look at the achievement and growth which India has achieved in this 64 years of freedom.
Padmashri B.S.Chandrasekhar, former Indian cricketer, was the Chief Guest of Republic day celebrations.
Considered among the top echelon of leg spinners, Chandrasekhar played 58 Test matches for India, capturing 242 wickets at an average of 29.74 in a career that spanned over sixteen years. Chandrasekhar was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1972 and won Wisden’s “Best bowling performance of the century” award in 2002, for his six wickets for 38 runs against England at the Oval in 1971.
Shri N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India in San Francisco was the honorable guest for this grand event. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Mysore University. He has worked in South Korea, Senegal. He said the partnership with Consulate, media, elected members and community was a grand success.
The celebrations were attended by eminent dignitaries namely Senator Ellen Corbett, Council member Ash Kalra, Councilmember Raj Salwan, Ro Khanna, San Jose City Council member Kansen Chu, Fremont Vice Mayor Vinnie Bacon and Teresa Cox.
Well-decked up tableaux, and song and dance presentations by children added to the variety of the ceremony. This popular event has grown from 100 to over 280 contest participants, with more than 1000 people attending. The talent contest competition started at 3 pm and featured a variety of talent, including India’s folk dances, Bollywood dancing, singing and drawing competition. The talent contest was open to kids ages 4-11. Towards the end of the event, elected officials and dignitaries including state senators, state assembly members and city council members presented trophies to the winners.
On one level, the entire day’s activities are a way to get children involved in the community, said Yogi Chugh, an Indian American member of the Fremont Planning Commission. “But in the bigger scheme, it is a celebration of democracy,” Chugh said. “India is the world’s largest democracy, and the US is the oldest democracy. This is the day India transformed itself and chose to become a Republic, and we here who live in America, want to celebrate that.
Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of FIA, thanked the dignitaries, performers, sponsors and volunteers for making the evening a memorable one.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
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