FIA Creates History, Enters Congressional Records

All photos by Jay Mandal

India-West Staff Reporter 

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federation of Indian Associations commemorated 75 years of Indian Independence and honored the Asia Heritage Month on May 12 on Capitol Hill here. FIA was recognized for the event in Congressional Record Vol.168, No. 81.

The event saw unprecedented participation from the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the region of New England.

Influential and prominent lawmakers graced the occasion. Among the attendees were Congressional Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthy, Frank Pallone, Tom Malinowski, Vicente González, Hakeem Jefferies, Adriano Espaillat, Matthew Cartwright, David Cicilline, Jim McGovern, Mikie Sherrill, Sheila Jackson Lee, Abigail Spanberger, Susie Lee, Grace Meng, Deborah K. Ross

The theme for the Celebrations for the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav- celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence was unveiled by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy. The theme for the attempt at the Guinness Book of World Records for Largest Number of flags flown and the highest number of Flags Flown and the Largest Drum Assemble was also unveiled by the Congressman and Congresswomen present at the event.

Krishnamoorthy in his speech emphasized the need for Indian Americans to stand for elections and other various elected bodies.

From FIA in attendance were  President Kenny Desai, Chairman Ankur Vaidya, President New England Abhishek Singh, Past President & Board of Trustee Srujal Parikh, Ex-Vice President and Event Chair Himanshu Bhatia, Vice President Saurin Parikh, Vice Presidents NE Shova Sharma & Sanjay Gokhale, Secretary Praveen Bansal, Jt Secretary Smita Patel, Treasurer Amit Ringasiya, Jt. Secretary Mahesh Dubal and Past President and Chairman of Bihar Foundation Alok Kumar.

Also in attendance were FISANA president Deepak Shah, BAJANA president Anurag Kumar, Parsippany Senior Association President Bharat Rana, and Republican Coalition Chair Hemant Bhatt.

Desai in his speech said ‘Today we pay tribute to generations of Asians who have contributed to our homeland the United States of America and we continue their good work’ he said speaking about the Asian Heritage World. FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya said that the event was a precursor to the major events being planned in New York city around the Independence Day and also about the India Day parade. the largest outside India, which continues to instill pride and honor in the hearts of the millions of the Indian Diaspora

FIA New England President Abhishek Singh, FIA President & Event Chair Himanshu Bhatia, FIA’s past president and Board of Trustee Srujal Parikh and FIA past president and Chairman of Bihar Foundation Alok Kumar also spoke at the event.

The event featured cultural performances from India and Nepal. Famed Indian Choreographer Kush Banker enthralled the audience with his dance steps and Life Coach and Motivational speaker Himani from Happiness Hub kept them engrossed.