ARTESIA, CA Indian Community of Southern California celebrated India’s Republic Day in a grand way on January 26, 2013 at the Haveli Restaurant, Artesia, CA. The guests of honor included Mayor Dr Prakash Narain, Mayor Sally Flowers, Mayor-pro-tem Tony Lima, former assemblyman Tony Mendoza, popular music director Jatin Pandit and business tycoon Sunil Tolani.
The program started with Ganesh Vandana by students of Savitri Arts Academy. Thereafter emcee Payal Pancholi spoke about Republic day and invited Chairman Dilip Butani, who welcomed the gathering and invited the guests and committee members for lamp lighting. This was followed by national anthems of USA and India and patriotic song ‘ai mere watan ke logo’ sung by Veena Singh.
Dr Prakash Narain spoke on significance of Republic Day and presented plaques to Dilip Butani and Amrit Bhandari. Ex VP Ramesh Ramnani introduced Sally Flowers, who complimented the ICSC on the wonderful program. VP Manu Patel introduced Tony Lima who spoke on the success of Indian Community in USA. Ex VP Mohan Sharma introduced Tony Mendoza who spoke about the Assembly’s recognition of India’s Republic Day. Ex VPs Prakash Pancholi, Ramesh Bhatt & Vijay Patil then introduced Jatin Pandit who sang a couple of popular numbers.
President Amrit Bhandari introduced Sunil who also complimented the team on the extraordinary program and spoke about unity among Indian associations. Sunil was presented with Philanthropy and Outstanding Humanitarian Award. In introduction it was mentioned that Sunil Tolani was one of top vote winner of Holiday Spirit award in Orange County where the judges mentioned that owner’s focus is people, not money.
The recognition is for those who are kind, generous and full of good will all year long. Sunil is well known for supporting not only the Indian community but many communities worldwide. He is a highly respected and outstanding Indian American Social & humanitarian entrepreneur. He is founder and CEO of Prince Organization; a Los Angeles based luxury, hospitality and real estate development company which includes hotels and restaurants.
He is instrumental in bringing talent and inspiration to newcomers and young students. Community leader Ravji Patel was also given plaque for his community services.
Next were dance items that included Bharat Darshan by students of Savitri Arts Academy, Bollywood dance by Karishma Ramnanai, Prerna Chhugani and Gehna Chhugani and Bhangra by Ramneet and Navneet. These were followed by item India Meri Jaan by Hitesh Keshwala.
After dance numbers was a lively music session by top singers Bhavna Chawla, Dr Dhiren Bush, Sunny Singh. Rahim Khan and Dr Kailash Dhamija.
The former Ms California and recently crowned Ms California runner-up & finalists and organizer Dr Shekhar Rahate were also recognized.
Dilip Butani
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