Lavish celebration by SF Consulate

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Indian Consulate General in San Francisco organized a lavish and patriotic event to celebrate India’s 64th Republic Day. In this by invitation only event, key leaders from the community participated. The function was attended by many leaders including Congressman Mike Honda, San Jose Council member Ash Kalra, FIA chairman Dr Romesh Japra and Regional Director at the Office of Foreign Missions Patricia Hayes.
Both American and Indian flags gracing the stage, national anthem of both the countries were sung to signify strong connections Indian origin community here has with both the world’s largest and biggest democracies.
In his address Consul General of India N. Parthasarthy said that after 65 years, California State Assembly and the Senate have passed resolution recognizing Indian Independence Day. He urged all Californians to celebrate it themselves. He added that recently Governor Brown has passed two bills to protect minority rights in the work place and education after the shooting happened in Wisconsin.
Mr Parthasarthy also talked about the Gadar Movement. He said that it is one of our major movements, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the liberation of India. On August 15th 2012 a seminar was held with all community leaders to take this movement forward and celebrate the Gadar Centenary Year.
The Gadar Memorial in San Francisco will be converted into a museum and library this year. He said that FIA chairman Dr Romesh Japra holds a massive Independence Day function every year in San Francisco Bay area and this year Dr Japra is organizing the annual Indian Independence Fair in Fremont along the lines of Gadar. This promises to be another excellent event for the community. After that Mr Parthasarathy read out an address from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.
Congressman Mike Honda said that as a policy maker he has learned that India is a very diverse nation of many religions, ethnicities, and languages. Like America, India is an experimental democracy and we must accept each other for the perfection.
Patricia Hayes, representing US Department of State, congratulated all. She said that US and India have strong partnership and friendship. She commended the contribution of Indo Americans.
A beautiful cultural program was held with patriotic songs and classical dances. After that a delicious dinner was served.

Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service