ST LOUIS: The India Association of St. Louis (IAS) celebrated Republic Day of India on Saturday, January 24 at Mahatma Gandhi Center in St Louis.
Both American and Indian flags were hoisted by children who participated in the event by singing the respective national anthems.
Sarath Rao, president of the association, elucidated the chronology of the development of the Indian Constitution and its significance. He said that it paved the way for parliamentary system of government.
Besides many interesting anecdotes, Rao reminded the audience that the Constitution in fact came into existence on November 25, 1949. The adoption of this lengthy document took place on January 26, 1950 and became the governing text of multicultural India.
Dr Sharad Parikh, who is a life member and served as the chair of the Hindu temple of St. Louis Board, delivered the keynote speech. In his address, Dr Parikh brought forth many interesting facts about the Indian Constitution and the reactions from the legislature in response to Indian court decisions. He compared the constitutions of the two great democracies, America and Indian. He said the Indian Constitution is considerably bulky with over 448 articles, while the American Constitution has seven.
There are as many as 99 to 102 amendments to the Indian Constitution in 67 years while American Constitution was amended only 17 (first 10 of bill of rights is considered as just one) in over 200 years.
Dr Parikh stressed the power of political establishment to make the amendments in order to sustain the pressure of a single or multiple groups. He has also drawn various similarities in the two Constitutions. Vote of thanks was given by the Secretary, Mrs Shailee Saran Varanasi.
India Association of St. Louis has nine Board members who strive to organize cultural events and celebrations on the Republic and Independence days. Despite many efforts, the association has been unsuccessful in bringing any consulate officer or a member of Indian embassy. There are over 10,000 Indians in St. Louis metropolitan and surrounding areas, who have questions, doubts about their visa and passport needs, which the board members strive to meet, often unsuccessfully.
The Board of India association consists of President (Sharat Rao) president Elect (Mrs Meera Jain), Secretary (Shailee Saran Varanasi), treasurer (Vijaya Lakshmi Buddhiraju), Cultural secretary (Mrs Gayatri Chintakunta and Dr Smita Parikh), Sendil Rathina Sabhapati (immediate past president), Vijaya Kumar Buddhiraju (one of the oldest members of IA for over 35 years), Krishna Rao Moharir (newest and the youngest Board member in charge of publications and website).
Ashwin Patel
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