Freedom
torch lit
at
East Cobb Park

               Jai Ho participants . Janvi Chwla,Shivani Baisiwalla,Pooja Mayur, Honey Chawla

The Festival of India (FOI)" Flame of Independence Torch" passed through the East Cobb Park, in Marietta on Sunday,the 18th of July. About 200 East Cobbers had assembled at 9am to welcome the chief guest Cobb County Commissioner, Samuel Olens. He was greeted at the entrance ,in the traditional Indian style by the Cobb event co-ordinator Sangeeta Mayur. Mr Olens lit the freedom torch which was followed by the flag hoisting and the singing of both national anthems.

 

Commissioner Sam Olens being given a traditional Indian welcome by Event coordinator Sangeeta Mayur with Padma Rallapali on right

Chief guest Sam Olens being handed a bouquet of flowers by Pooja Mayur

The theme of this year's FOI annual celebration is to bring together the spirit and heritage of USA , the adopted land with the country of origin - India. In the spirit of this theme, 4 teenagers, dressed in the colors of the Indian flag and performed a dance to the Oscar winning "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire.

The FOI 2009 celebrations are organized by IACA with support from VIBHA.