IACF Marks America’s 250th In Fremont With Focus On Civil Leadership

India-West News Desk

FREMONT, CA – The Indo-American Community Federation brought together elected officials, community leaders and a slew of guests at Paradise Ballrooms here, on July 12 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

A highlight of the program was a panel discussion, “USA 250 Years: Past, Present and Future,” moderated by community leader Yogi Chugh. The discussion featured Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, BART Board President Melissa Hernandez and VTA Chief Government Affairs Officer Beverley Greene, who reflected on the nation’s future through the lens of diversity, immigration and civic leadership.

Salwan highlighted the contributions of immigrant communities to innovation and called for preparing for future technological and social challenges. Montano emphasized inclusive policies and education to support immigrant and working families. Hernandez spoke about creating equitable opportunities in increasingly diverse communities, while Greene stressed the importance of unity, equity and long-term community resilience.

Several elected officials and community leaders also addressed the gathering, including Union City Mayor Gary Singh, Sunnyvale Council Member Murali Srinivasan, Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, Major General Garrett S. Yee, former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, Bay Area Community Health CEO Harsha Ramchandani, UPMA leader Ritesh Tandon, Khanderao Kand of the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies, community leaders Deepak Chhabra, Tasawar and Tinny Arora Juneja, award-winning radio host Namrita Yuhanna, BART Chief Operating Officer Derek Calhoun, BJP leaders Gaurav and Nidhi Patwardhan, Shaista Ali, founder of We Are One, community leader Raj Bhanot, and Dr. Harmesh Kumar, founder of SABH and an IACF director.

The event was organized by IACF directors Dr. Subhash Garg, Neeshil Shah, Amit Goel, Dr. Deepak Sachdev and Bimal Bhagvat, along with the organization’s founder, Jeevan Zutshi.

Co-hosted by CEO Makhan Singh Bains’s Paradise Ballrooms and Raja Sweets, the event earlier opened with the U.S. national anthem sung by Tanya Gupta. Dr. Subhash Garg, an IACF director, welcomed guests and presented the organization’s mission along with a presentation titled “America at 250.”

At the event, Bains was honored for philanthropy and community service. Filmmaker Rashmi Rustagi received recognition for producing films focused on social causes.

The event concluded with a musical performance led by BATA Karaoke leader Prasad Mangina.