FREMONT, CA: The Federation of Indian Associations is a Fremont based Non-Profit organization, working on various community based initiatives. The FIA has also proudly hosted the annual Festival of India and Parade for the last twenty years.
This event has continued to garner participants from all over Northern California, and has attracted luminaries and dignitaries from all over the world. The festival organizers have continued to organize this Festival which is intended to give our communities an opportunity to work together and present this Festival year after year.
Every year, the attendance has grown manifold and has allowed our communities to get a better understanding of the culture, the arts, the music and foods of the Indian American community and allow our communities to further strengthen their bonds with each other.
The 21ST Festival of India celebrations are to be held on August 17 and 18 at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave. The 21st anniversary celebrations are coupled with Gadar Centennial, 150th Swami Vivekananda anniversary celebrations and 100 years of Bollywood.
The festival kickoff party was organized by FIA on July 13 at San Jose Garden Airport Hotel. The glittering event was attended by over 230 Bay area residents from all facets of life. The evening was an ultimate platform to socialize, and allowed the Bay area resident to interact and share their opinion on our community.
The entertainment quotient of the evening was provided by fashion show by Nalli Silks, Mountain View and scintillating performance by Alka Bhatnagar.
Alka Bhatnagar was born in a family with a long tradition in music, in Meerut, India. Gifted with a melodious and baritone voice, she pursued her Master’s in music and went on to become an acclaimed singer. The guests of festival’s kickoff party enjoyed the performance of Alkaji and her team which was a perfect blend of evergreen and latest melodies.
Nalli Silks, a household name in South India presented contemporary designs from their house. The fashion show was a fusion of poise and dignity. Sonya Wadhwa, Executive VP at Nalli Silks thanked FIA for the opportunity and remembered their grand opening in Bay area around 20 years back in FIA mela.
Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of FIA, says the annual festival is to promote diversity and democracy and build bridges between various communities and business. “Every year we showcase Indian culture and heritage through mela, booths, dances and floats to mainstream Americans and the next generation. Through Health Fair, over 100 physicians and other health professionals give free testing and medical advice,” he says.
Dr Japra said the kickoff party is the best start for the grand event. He thanked the attendees of the evening and looking forward to make the 21st festival a grand success.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
