Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
33rd FOG India Day Parade was held with zeal, enthusiasm and patriotism. This year’s theme of the parade was unity and liberty. Over 50 community organizations, dozens of elected officials with representation from congressmen, assembly members, mayors and other elected officials participated in 40 beautiful open top cars showcasing Indian community’s influence and voice. This year FOG India Day Parade scaled new heights with over 95 parade entries with community groups outdoing each other in building floats that conveyed the colorful, culture rich messages and show cases unique glimpses of their group and states to thousands watching the Parade.
Several non Indian groups participated to show case Chinese, Buddhist, Burmese, Filipino and Jewish heritage and culture in solidarity with vibrant Indian community. A large group of 50 plus motorcyclists, adorned with US and Indian flags participated in the parade to add to its glamour. One of the special participants this year was Bay Area Jewish community that built a float along with Kashmiri Hindu Foundation to give message against terrorism and showcase shared values.
Bollywood star Bhagyashree was this year’s Grand Marshal. She participated in the Parade by leading the Parade in the horse drawn buggy and spent a lot of time encouraging the floats as they passed by. She also made it a point to dance along with Rajasthan float and play Lezim along with Rudranaad representing the unique Maharashtra’s Dhol Tasha.
FOG Chair Parade KP Maheshwari said “this year’s FOG India Day Parade surpassed the expectations with over 50 community groups spending months to design, build and showcase the most colorful, culture rich and value filled messages in their floats and walking groups. This shows the unity in diversity that community brings”
Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG (Festival of Globe), said, “Over the past 33 years, FOG has made great strides in including all parts of community and carrying out its mission to help communities better integrate. This represents the grass root initiative to show unity and strength our community has to be able to influence policy and decision making in USA”
Noteworthy walking groups and floats participating this year were:
Chenda: It is a majestic instrument widely used in Kerala. There is an ancient saying that Chenda tops all the 18 vadyas. It is an important percussion instrument used in ‘Kathakali’, ‘Koodiyattam’.
National integrity – unity in diversity.
Americans4Hindus: It is the only Super Political Action committee that is aligned with supporting Hindu and Pro-Hindu candidates from federal, state, county to local government. Formed by Dr. Romesh Japra to unite the community and give it a say in policy making circles, it aims to represent all Hindu and Pro-Hindu voices to protect Sanatani values. It has over 18 chapters nationwide and has coalitions with Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Jewish, Black and Hispanic communities. It was also the force behind formation of first ever Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain caucus at the congress.
Falun Gong (Falun Dafa): It is a traditional Chinese meditation practice for mind and body based on Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. It is a Buddha school meditation. Falun Dafa is taught free of charge and is open to all. We have free meditation class in Fremont. If you wish to learn please contact 510-453-0311. Also you can follow our local Facebook for more information: Falun Dafa Meditation – SF Bay Area
There are 5 sets of slow-moving exercises including a sitting meditation. Practitioners live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.
Dragon Dance: This group represents beautiful Dragon dance that is world famous and is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese culture.
FOG Idol: FOG Idol is a unique FOG initiative to connect our community through music. FOG Idol gives a platform to hundreds of music lovers from ages 5 upwards, to participate in the program and connect with other music lovers globally.
Fremont Bagpipes: Fremont Bagpipes is a talented local team playing Bagpipes. They are famous for their performances through the region. They are the Dunvagen Bagpipe and Drums Band. They were established in the 1950s.
Irvington Athletics: Irvington Athletics group of energetic and mesmerizing cheerleaders performance is a sight to behold. Part of FUSD, Irvington Athletics is a strong local team supporting athletics program.
NANC: North American Nepalese Association is a long standing FOG partner and represents the beauty of their culture, clothing, music and dance.
AHS Band: AHS band is our own Fremont based band from American High School. AHS band provides an exciting avenue for students to learn, hone and perform their skills.
Filipino Group: Filipino group represents the strong thriving Filipino community in the Bay Area.
AC Transit: It is our partner in helping people reach Parade and also promote the diversity it brings to Bay Area.
Rudranaad Dhol: Rudranaad Dhol is the latest and most energetic Dhol Tasha group in the Bay Area. Closely aligned with Indian values, Rundranaad represents a beautiful bend of culture, traditions and energy.
United Hindu Council: Youth Hindu Yuva group
HSS Walking group: “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a voluntary, non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma. HSS conducts regular values-based education programs for children, youth and adults through more than 220 branches nationwide. They also organize service activities and community outreach projects.
Through their regular educational programs based on Dharma, we instill and promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selfless service. Through service activities and outreach projects, we foster a sense of civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism. HSS USA endeavors to instill pride in Hindu heritage among its members and to enhance appreciation of Hindus around the world, their traditions, and civilization by the broader community in the United States.”
BTS: “Bharati Tamil Sangam created a float to represent: V.O.C who strategically fought for freedom against British. O. Chidambaram Pillai, also called Kappalottiya Thamizhan, was a brave freedom fighter from Tamil Nadu. He started India’s first shipping company to fight against British ships. He also helped poor workers and spoke strongly for India’s freedom.
The British punished him with jail and hard labor, but he never gave up.
He lost his wealth but not his courage or love for the country. His life teaches us to be brave, stand for truth, and love our nation.”
Goa: Goa is a well known go to destination for tourists from all over the world to visit, relax and enjoy extended stays. Goa is replete with rich history, culture, heritage and beaches that beat the best in the world. This year Goa state government was represented by its Tourist minister and tourist secretary. The float represents the rich and beautiful history and sights form Goa.
BATM: Bay Area Tamil Manaram float represents rich Tamil traditions and history.
Shruti Swaralaya: “Shruthi Swara Laya, USA, is a fine arts institution dedicated to Performing Arts in Indian Music and Dance in Fremont. Shruthi Swara Laya celebrated 25 years of service in Fremont in 2022. In April of 2023 Shruthi Swara Laya conducted Carnatic music competitions and concerts in Fremont as part of California’s Arts, Culture and Creativity (ACCM) month.
Shruthi Swara Laya was founded by Smt. Anuradha Suresh, an acclaimed musician and is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the ‘Outstanding Service Award’ by Lotus Silicon Valley in 2017, the ‘Professor T. R. Subramanyam Memorial Award’ by Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, the ‘2019 Community Heroes Award’ from Assembly-member Kansen Chu of District 25, and the ‘2020 Arts Leadership Award’ by Alameda County Arts Commission to name a few.
Manasa Suresh, a Fulbright Scholar in Carnatic Music is the Lead Faculty of Shruthi Swara Laya, and trains next gen students in Carnatic music along with her husband Arun Mahadevan. Manasa and Arun are performing artists in Carnatic music.”
FOG Telugu: FOG Telugu represent the Telugu speaking people of India. This is the new initiative from FOG to unite the community and promote its culture and traditions.
B.A.P.S.: B.A.P.S. is known for the largest and most beautiful temples world over. Their beautiful float represents their structure and values. The theme of this year’s float by B.A.P.S. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is Unity – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”).
True harmony in the world begins with unity at home, within our own families. The B.A.P.S. float beautifully conveys this message of unity, inspired by the words of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who often said: “A family that eats together, prays together, and plays together, stays together.” Over the past six weeks, dedicated B.A.P.S. volunteers have lovingly built and decorated this float with devotion and teamwork. Let us embrace these values, strengthen unity in our families, and together foster peace and harmony in our communities and the world.”
FOG Odisha: FOG Odisha has made this impressive and large float depicting one of the first freedom fighters from the state.
FOG Rajasthan: “Step into a world of vibrant culture, history, and landscapes as we unveil our Rajasthan Float! Inspired by enchanting Rajasthan, our float captures the essence of this state, from lively markets to intricately designed palaces. Amidst festivities, the float honored Gangaur, celebrating love. Adorned with decorations reminiscent of this event, our presentation captures Rajasthan’s heritage. Journey to Rajasthan’s majestic forts. Iconic landmarks like Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal and Jaisalmer’s golden fort stand tall, inviting you to explore their history. It was immersive experience, complete with festivals, music, dance, and more. Embark on this captivating float, where the Thar Desert stretches and Ranthambore’s sanctuary offers glimpses of tigers. Rajasthan float represented a tapestry of traditions, treasures, and forts waiting to be explored.
FOG Gujarat: FOG Gujarat float this year depicted beautiful colors of Gujarat along with the dances, traditions and dresses that enthrall everyone.
KKNC: KKNC is a non-profit organization that provides a platform for Kannadigas to celebrate and promote Kannada culture. Their float honored the Hoysala dynasty, which ruled Karnataka from the 11th to the 14th centuries. Renowned for their architectural genius, they built over 1,500 temples, including the spectacular temples of Belur and Halebeedu. This float proudly displaying the intricate and exquisite details of Hoysala temple architecture, traditional animal motifs and scrolling patterns with entrance crowned with the figures of Vishnu and Lakshmi, and the side walls adorned with various Avatars of Vishnu. At the front, the Hoysala emblem was flanked by the graceful Madanikas, or Shilabalikas, on the side pillars.
Earth Cleanse: Earth Cleanse, a proud sponsor that focuses on conserving and protecting earth with innovative products.
O2B2: Overseas Organization for Better Bihar this year again brought a fascinating aspect of Bihar history. It depicted the Mandar Mountain that was used to churn the oceans that produced many things including the nectar of life ‘Amrit’.
Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand float this year was made painstakingly and beautifully represents the famous Kedarnath temple. Team worked for weeks to hand made all the props and designed the close replica of the temple.
FOG Kerala: FOG Kerala this year represents beautiful natural richness and culture form Kerala
Shasta Foods: Shasta Foods a proud sponsor made making South Indian dishes at home painless and easy for today’s hectic lifestyle
FOG Bengal: FOG Bengal promoted rich Bengali traditions in art, music, literature, cultures, performing arts, food, and spiritual and religious practices to raise awareness of Bengali cultures and heritage to the rest of India and the world. Bengal float represented vibrant culture and people of Bengal.
Kashmiri Hindu Foundation: This year KHF joined Jewish Coalition to showcase their common values and stand against hatred and persecution.
FOG Himachal: FOG Himachal showcases rich traditions of beautiful state Himachal.
FOG Madhya Pradesh: FOG MP this year brings us the focus on cleanliness, regenerative energy and protecting the earth.
FOG Punjab: The float represented Punjab, the India state known for its valor, agriculture, enterprising people and warm hearted hospitality. Punjab is a state at the forefront of contributing to India’s economy, and sports. It is also the place where one of the most revered Sikh temples – Golden Temple located in Amritsar.
FOG Uttar Pradesh: FOG UP group this year brought Parade watchers beautiful depiction of Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mathura. It evokes the rich imageries of lord Krishna and the life in Mathura.
NACHA: Nacha brings to us beautiful images form Chhattisgarh culture and traditions
Haryanvi Bay Area: Haryannvi Bay Area Association this year beautifully blended the traditional agriculture, farm life that revolves around agri equipments such a tractor with the high technology represented by electronic devices.
AC Transit: AC Transit a proud sponsor was represented by the bus.
FUSD: Fremont Unified School District bus proudly represents the top rated school life in Fremont. Represented by Superintendent and Board trustees, FUSD is a strong partner with our community and FOG
Jharkhand: It represented rich culture and tradition from Jharkhand.
PG&E: PG&E is a proud sponsor this year. We are all beneficiaries of their hardwork by enjoying electricity that drives the modern life.
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