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IACA celebrates India’s 62 Republic Day
with pride! The Republic Day of India is a national holiday of India to mark the transition of India from a British Dominion to a Republic on January 26, 1950 and the adoption of the Constitution of India. Though India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947; India became a sovereign nation and the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. This day reflects the journey of India from a colonized country to an independent republic as India became formally independent from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947; however, the country remained a Commonwealth realm. The Monarch of India was represented by the Governor-General of India, who was a Britisher, appointed by the Monarch of the  United Kingdom upon
the advice of the Prime Minister of India. The Governor-General
ruled India till the Indian Parliament worked through the
creation of its own constitution which was passed by the
Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 and then formally
adopted on January 26,1950.Republic Day, January 26, is celebrated most grandly in New Delhi, where symbols of the great nation's military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what must be the world's most impressive parade. The beginning of this day is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for India in the Freedom Movement and in the succeeding wars defending the sovereignty of India. At the start of the parade the Prime Minster of India, the Chiefs of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force salute these brave souls at India Gate (Amir Jyoti), a memorial arch honoring members of the Indian armies. While the best known celebrations take place on January 26th in Rajpath, New Delhi, India, the Indian American Cultural Association (IACA) in Smyrna did not want to be left out in their expression of this proud moment. IACA celebrated the Republic Day at their own Indian Cultural and Religious Center, in Smyrna, on the evening of the 26th of January 2011, commemorating the dedication and the commitment of IACA in service to the Indian American  and mainstream community in
Georgia. IACA has grown from a local, grass-roots nonprofit
founded in 1972, to a premiere organization serving Georgia’s
Indian community with a flair for celebrating the rich cultural
heritage of India with continued emphasis on children, adults
and families residing in the USA. IACA has strived hard through
its socio-cultural projects to bring the Indian camaraderie and
culture increasingly into the mainstream of the harmonious and
ethnically diverse population of the USA.IACA’s Republic Day celebration saw it’s President Sneha Mehta and her Executive Committee all dressed in traditional attire, welcome the gathering with fanfare and hospitality. President Sneha Mehta introduced the new executive body for the year 2011 and they were given a warm welcome by the attendees. This year IACA will be celebrating its 40 years of serving Indian community and all present were happy to be part of IACA. The program started with hoisting of the Indian flag by the Keynote speaker Dr. Lawrence Schall (President of the Oglethorpe University) setting the tone for the rest of the evening. After the Indian flag hoisting, the Indian and American national anthems were recited by Suma Yellamraju and Sonakshi Mishra followed by presentation of patriotic songs by Anusha Goda, Siddharth Satuluru, Supraja Satuluru, Apurva Kasam, and Anuhya Kasam. Kamalkanth Satuluru presented a bouquet of flowers to the Keynote Speaker Dr Schall. Dr. Schall congratulated all for the celebration and took the  opportunity to present a short video
clip about Oglethorpe University’s IDEX program, sending
students to India to work with schools in rural areas. He also
talked about his fond memories from his own visit to India and
his optimism about working with India to bring about stronger
ties and understanding between the USA and India. Dr. Schall
also shared information about their upcoming Indian Art
Exhibition in March. Honorable Greg Pridgeon, former Council member and former Chief of Staff for the City of Atlanta brought special remarks at the celebration. Mr. Pridgeon talked about the great friendship that has existed between Indian community and City of Atlanta and said that Indian community has now become a part of his extended family. Vote of thanks was provided by Nevedita Garabadu, acknowledging representatives from Sanatan Mandir, TAMA, GATS, Kannada Koota, NRI Pulse, VHP of America, Vibha, NASSTA, Gandhi Foundation, India Muslim Council, and Compassionate Care Hospice. All present enjoyed the delicious snacks provided by Swapna restaurant, Shivam with hot Chai prepared by IACA volunteers Jashbhai Modi and Kanubhai Patel to whet the appetite of a large gathering. This annual event of IACA also provided a chance for the Executive Committee to showcase the caliber of their plans for the year to come. The event was well-attended by many members of the Indian American community. The presence of number of well-known community leaders, especially the youth who took part in cultural performance, made the occasion suitably festive and memorable! Anyone interested to know more about IACA can contact, contact Vasav Mehta@770-365-6126 or visit their website www.iacaatl.org Reported by President of IACA, Sneha Mehta. |