ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis (IAS) had its historic event at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Saturday November 4 with a grand celebration that marked 50 years of its existence along with its annual Diwali function.
The anniversary event saw the presence of more than 175 participants and 600 plus attendees. The highlight was that Chief guest St. Louis County Executive Steven Stenger declared Diwali as India day and Indian culture recognition day in the county. He applauded IAS on its Golden Jubilee and presented Mrs. Varanasi with a proclamation.
He also released the Golden Jubilee souvenir “Varadhi” (meaning bridge) along with the editorial board including Vijakumar Buddhiraju, Vijaylakshmi Buddhiraju and Sendil Ratinasabapathy. Earlier, IAS President Shailee Saran Varanasi welcomed the gathering and congratulated everyone present at the momentous event. She mentioned that IAS was founded with the intent of bringing together the Indian community and build a legacy for the generations to come and how it has grown into a cohesive community body with an eminent stature today.
Anil Suri, Vice Consul, Consulate General of India was the Special Guest and he read out a message by Indian CG, Chicago Mrs. Neeta Bhushan to the gathering. He congratulated IAS for playing a major role in bringing the Indian community together and in promoting and preserving Indian culture and heritage through various activities and programs. This was followed by recognition of all IAS past presidents present at the event by Suri for their service to the community. President-elect Krishna Rao thanked the special guests for their presence.
On this grand occasion IAS honored twelve eminent Gurus based in St. Louis in the field of dance, music-vocal and instrumental with a commemorative plaque and special gift.
Cultural program coordinated by directors Meera Jain and Vijaylakshmi Buddhiraju commenced with an upcoming band and children’s orchestra energizing the audience. Following this, twenty four performances by children and adults brought a flavor of every state of India to the platform.
All participants were awarded with a special certificate for the event. Enchanting stage décor, flawless music and vibrant performances made this an event to remember. The event was lauded for its meticulous planning and execution by the community. The night ended with a sumptuous Indian feast and fireworks.
IAS Board 2017: Shailee Saran Varanasi (president), Krishna Rao (president-elect), Sendil Rathinasabapathy (secretary), Vijayalakshmi Buddhiraju (treasurer), Meera Jain, Vijay Kumar Buddhiraju, Sharath Rao, Venkat Pulumati, and Sanjeev Rao Chintakunta.
Ashwin Patel
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