Huge Participation For India Association Of Sacramento I-Day Celebrations
India-West Staff Reporter
SACRAMENTO, CA – Some 3,000 people from around here and the state, came to participate in the Indian Independence Day celebrations that were hosted by the Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS), after a 3-year pandemic hiatus.
On August 13, IAS members waved Indian tricolor flags on the lawns of the State Capitol. Earlier, and launched a 30-car parade, each vehicle sporting Indian and US flags and other cultural symbols.
Parade leader Paresh Sinha, and President of IAS Gobi Ramasamy led the car parade, a press release said, adding that patriotic slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, ‘Vande Mataram’, and ‘Jai Hind,’ in praise of India were raised. Indian sweets were distributed, and the crowd erupted in huge cheers and applause as the Indian tricolor flag was raised.
IAS vice president Amitab Shaikh said, “It is indeed a proud moment for all of us, when India turns 77, we should turn the page on partisan communities. Our goal is a unified community,” he said. IAS Secretary Ranju Varma said, “Today is the day to celebrate our outstanding achievements, great successes, our freedom struggle, all the sacrifices done by the leaders and also to chart out our future course of action”.
On August 19, organizers said, thousands from the community in the Greater Sacramento area participated in celebrations at the California State University Union Building in Sacramento. Colorful cultural performances went on for about 6 hours, the press release said. Stalls served food, henna, and face painting; there were indoor and outdoor sports events, and forums for women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness.
The guests of honor included Bruce Houdesheldt – Mayor from City of Roseville, Bobbie Singh-Allen – Mayor & Kevin Spease Vice Mayor from Elk Grove City, YK Chalamcharla Vice Mayor Folsom City, Lisa Kaplan Councilmember, District 1 Sacramento, Sarah Aquino Council member Folsom City, Siri Pulipati Councilmember – Rancho Cordova, and Chris Clark FCUSD Board Member – Folsom.
