Indian American Cultural Association (IACA) celebrated 57th Indian Republic day and Gandhi’s death

anniversary at IACA auditorium on 28th January 2007. Speakers at the symposium remembered the sacrifices of the martyrs who died for the country during the course of the freedom movement and the successive wars that were fought for the defense of the sovereignty of their country. The celebration stared with the hoisting of US and Indian Flag and singing of national anthems. Chief Guest Annette Kesting, commissioner of Cobb County hoisted the US flag and IACA president Dr. Gouranga Banik hoisted the Indian Flag.
 

There was a discussion regarding the importance of Republic Day for India and the sacrifice made by Mahatma Gandhi. The county commissioner talked about the contributions of Indian Americans towards Georgia and greater Atlanta. She also paid tribute to Gandhi. Dr. Banik, president of IACA, talked about the significance of Republic Day for the Indian community. He recalled the work of all the leaders who contributed so much during pre- and post independence. He talked about ahimsa- the philosophy of nonviolence promulgated by Gandhi and how other world leaders like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela were inspired by his philosophy. Mr. Surinder Bahl, Chair of IACA board thanked the audience for their presence and asked them to participate in other activities.

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to patriotic and devotional performances

by Bandana Sharma, Novonil Banik, Suparna Chowdhury, Krisnakali Bakshi with her group, Vinit Adit and his family and others. Ms. Richa Sarker presented the program during the afternoon with usual aplomb.
IACA also held a drawing competition for children of various age groups. There was an overwhelming response by the little future heroes of our country. They showed their patriotism by participating in the Drawing competition with various Patriotic themes. Prizes and certificates were awarded by the President Dr. Banik. It was a great event which began and ended with the love of our country in our hearts. Manish Sharma, VP of IACA coordinated the whole program and Bandana Sharma organized the drawing competition.