Chapman University Mirrors ‘Kartavya Path,’ Celebrates India’s R-Day
Photo: Indian Army vets Capt.Aparna Hande, Major Gurjeet Singh and Capt. R.D. Singh
By Sonal Ladva
ORANGE, CA – On January 25 here, on the campus of Southern California’s Chapman University, a marching band parade, men in uniform, flags flowing on a sunny morning mimicked a mini-Kartavya Path parade in Delhi.
The brainchild of Professor Pradip Shukla in the business school and his wife Yatri Shukla also an adjunct professor at the university, the event saw the flag hoisting done by three veterans of the Indian Army: Captain Aparna Pande who eloped from her parental home to serve at the Jammu Kashmir border, Captain R.D. Singh who came prepared with a speech to say how proud he was to have served his country and Major Gurjit Singh who drove for two and a half hours to not miss the honor of hoisting the Indian tricolor.
Shukla explained to the audience the names and significance of one of the three Indian National holidays celebrated on Chapman Campus- the Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the constitution in the year 1950, Diwali or the Festival of Lights & Holi, the festival of colors.
Dean Henrik Cronqvist graced the occasion & spoke highly of the diverse international student population of the University & the dynamic Indian students all of whom make the University such a coveted institution.
The flag hoisting was preceded by a panel discussion on India’s growth story and its relationship with the US in Prof. Shukla’s Management Class. A video by Eric Garcetti, the United States Ambassador to India was played. He spoke on the glory of the partnership between the two countries and looked forward to synergy in various sectors between the two nations.
The questions raised by the students reflected their curiosity about the subject and their interest in India. Panelist Anshuman Sinha passionately spoke about how the current leadership in India had surged ahead in reducing red tape and increased various incentives for businesses across the globe to invest in India.
The 75th India Republic Day celebrations which organizers said was the only one held on campus, concluded with everyone mingling and sharing stories over chai and pakoras.
