FREMONT, CA: The recent FOG Republic Day celebrations in Bay Area were an unprecedented success. Dr. Romesh Japra, FOG Founder and Convener, has congratulated and thanked those who made it an event to remember with their contribution and participation. In a statement issued after the event, he said:
“FOG Republic Day celebrations this year accomplished more than any of our past events – 130 groups with over 1000 youngsters participated in cultural dance competition empowering them culturally. Thanks to Jyotsna B Sharma, Sangeeta and the team, over 100 kids exhibiting regional bridal dresses walked the ramp thus learning about their roots. Big thanks to Ritu Khurana of Guru Education, Anita Karwal chair FOG Idol and the team. Over 50 kids sang Indian and American National Anthems along with Vande Matram coordinated by Madhu Gupta and Rajesh Gupta of Keen Learners Montessori School. Congrats to Nisha N Vaneet Sharma for receiving an Award from Great State of California. Thanks to Hon Assemblyman Kansen Chu and Daisy Chu. Heartiest congratulations to Steven Spinner, chairman Ro Khanna campaign for getting Pride of FOG Award bestowed upon him by Assemblyman Ash Kalra.
“Juvenile Commissioner Kamal Nair was honored with outstanding service Award from FOG for her numerous humanitarian deeds for needy kids given by Mayor of Santa Clara Kathy Carolan Watanabe. Executive director Vidya Sethuraman was declared the Best Volunteer with an Award given by Mayor of Fremont Lily Mei. Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok, Consul General of India in San Francisco, was the Chief Guest and delivered lots of good information on PIOs and CIOs. Councilmen Raj Salwan and David Bonaccorsi along with Mayor City of Fremont honored FOG with special Proclamation. Vice Mayor Newark, Mike Hannon announced FOG Holi on 10th of March at Newpark Mall, Newark city. Champion of Women Empowerment Mayor of Cupertino Savitha Vaidyanathan delivered a fiery speech. Hon Teresa Cox, Ohlone College Trustee brought Republic Day Resolution. Councilman from Saratoga Rishi Kumar and Seema Kumar inspired the youngsters to get engaged in public service.
“Three upcoming candidates Suraj Viswanathan (Milpitas), Tara Sreekrishnan (Cupertino) and Michael Tsai (Milpitas) were also introduced to the gathering. Special thanks to Dhruv and Sonia Manchanda for serving free tea throughout the day from 10 am to 9 pm from Tea India. Thanks to Saba from Royal for free atta and generous sponsorship. Six blind kids from Amrita Netra all the way from India displayed a fantabulous musical concert which moved everyone who donated wholeheartedly for the noble cause of helping blind children in Bangalore.
“Thanks a billion to our proud sponsors Bank of the West, Air India, Astrology Partner Astro Vastu Solutions Vaneet Sharma, Dr Monika Yogesh Chugh , Tea India, Keen Learners, Royal, Gurus Education, Dharminder Dewan and Shalu Dewan of Nurture Kids, Jyotika Mehta and Rohit Mehta of Young Explorers &Think Tank Learning. My heartiest congratulations to all the award winning children, their parents and teachers. See you all at HOLI on 10th of March at Newpark Mall in Newark.”
India Post News Service