Bay Area Event Draws Huge Crowd For India’s Republic Day Celebrations
India-West Staff Reporter
MILPITAS, CA – The Association of Indo Americans marked the 77th Republic Day of India on January 25 with a large community celebration at the India Community Center, here.
Organizers said the event drew more than 1,500 attendees and included participation from over a dozen elected officials and representatives, reflecting the scale and visibility of the Indian American community in the Bay Area.
The program commemorated the adoption of India’s Constitution and focused on themes of democracy, civic responsibility, and cultural heritage. The venue was decorated in colors reflecting the Indian national flag, while vendors offered food, clothing, and other items associated with Indian culture, contributing to a festival like setting throughout the day.
Cultural performances were a central feature of the event. Singing competitions under the banner of AIA Idol and dance performances set to patriotic music took place before and after the formal Republic Day ceremony.
Before the formal program began, representatives of AIA’s supporting organizations addressed the audience with Republic Day greetings. Their remarks emphasized unity and collaboration among Indian American organizations across the Bay Area. AIA is supported by more than 50 nonprofit groups, and leaders said the event highlighted the role these organizations play in civic and cultural engagement.
The official ceremony included remarks from a wide range of dignitaries and public officials. Among those present were Consul General of India Dr Srikar Reddy, representatives for members of Congress Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo, and a recorded message from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. State and local officials in attendance included Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, and several mayors and vice mayors from cities across Santa Clara and Alameda counties.
Speakers focused their remarks on India’s democratic system and its continued relevance more than seven decades after independence. Several noted that Republic Day serves as a reminder of both rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. Others drew parallels between India’s constitutional journey and the broader global struggle for self governance, encouraging younger generations to study and preserve these democratic traditions.
India-West Staff Reporter
MILPITAS, CA – The Association of Indo Americans marked the 77th Republic Day of India on January 25 with a large community celebration at the India Community Center, here.
Organizers said the event drew more than 1,500 attendees and included participation from over a dozen elected officials and representatives, reflecting the scale and visibility of the Indian American community in the Bay Area.
The program commemorated the adoption of India’s Constitution and focused on themes of democracy, civic responsibility, and cultural heritage. The venue was decorated in colors reflecting the Indian national flag, while vendors offered food, clothing, and other items associated with Indian culture, contributing to a festival like setting throughout the day.
Cultural performances were a central feature of the event. Singing competitions under the banner of AIA Idol and dance performances set to patriotic music took place before and after the formal Republic Day ceremony.
Before the formal program began, representatives of AIA’s supporting organizations addressed the audience with Republic Day greetings. Their remarks emphasized unity and collaboration among Indian American organizations across the Bay Area. AIA is supported by more than 50 nonprofit groups, and leaders said the event highlighted the role these organizations play in civic and cultural engagement.
The official ceremony included remarks from a wide range of dignitaries and public officials. Among those present were Consul General of India Dr Srikar Reddy, representatives for members of Congress Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo, and a recorded message from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren. State and local officials in attendance included Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee, and several mayors and vice mayors from cities across Santa Clara and Alameda counties.
Speakers focused their remarks on India’s democratic system and its continued relevance more than seven decades after independence. Several noted that Republic Day serves as a reminder of both rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. Others drew parallels between India’s constitutional journey and the broader global struggle for self governance, encouraging younger generations to study and preserve these democratic traditions.
