India Association Of Sacramento Celebrates I-Day

India-West Staff Reporter

SACRAMENTO, CA – Over 3,000 Indian Americans from the Greater Sacramento area gathered to celebrate Indian Independence Day, organized by the Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS) on August 24. The event took place at the Hiram Johnson High School Theater, which was adorned with Indian and US flags.

Attendees, many dressed in traditional Indian attire, participated enthusiastically by waving both Indian and American flags and chanting slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Jai Hind.” The celebrations began with the singing of the Indian and American national anthems.

The event featured over seven hours of continuous, vibrant Indian cultural performances that captivated the audience, organizers said, garnering praise from attendees.

Consul Chittireddy Sripal Reddy from the San Francisco Indian Consulate was in attendance, along with several elected officials including Padmashri awardee Nazma Akthar, Congressman Dr. Ami Bera, Roseville Mayor Bruce Houdesheldt, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, and Folsom Councilmember YK Chalamcharla.

IAS also hosted three discussions: “College Seminar,” “Curbing Anti-Bias & Cultivating Safety of the Local Indian Diaspora,” and “Impact of Social Media on Emotional and Physical Health.”

The IAS sports committee conducted various indoor and outdoor sports events, including cricket, chess, badminton, table tennis, carroms, painting, volleyball, and throwball.

For 2024, IAS said that it had allocated funds to two organizations. Weave and to Pardada Pardadi Education Society (PPES). Weave, a Sacramento-based charity, supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. PPES focuses on rural development in India through education, employment, and the empowerment of girls and women.