Los Angeles, California

FIA-SC Celebrates Independence Day on Sunday, 24th August, 2008

Los Angeles, Aug. 24, 2008
Gary Singh/Swaran Dabgotra

Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA-SC) celebrates Independence Day, today (6pm- 11pm) at Diamond Bar Community Center, 1600 South Grand Ave, Diamond Bar, Calofornia. There were more than 350 NRIs including local leaders attend the function

Sixty one years ago, on Aug. 15, the first Prime Minister of Independent India said, "At the stroke of the mid-night hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance..... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again."

The program was started with National Anthem of the United States of America and India. As part of the celebration, the ceremony began with lighting of the lamp and hoisting the Indian Flag by the Mayor Jack Tanaka, Mr. Inder Singh, the President of FIA and some members of FIA-SC

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Opening speech by the Executive Vice President, Mr. Ajmer Singh welcomed, greeted and congratulated the Mayer of city of Diamond Bar- Mr. Jack Tanaka, distinguished guests, all the members of FIA and all assembled in the hall. He also congratulated all the Indian settled abroad and the people of India. He praised and saluted the freedom fighter and named a few i.e. Chander Shaker Zealand, Shahid-e-Aazam S. Bhagat Singh and Sathies, Subash Chander Bose, and many more. He praised Ghandhi ji and said he played a major role during the independence. He closed with "Bharat Mata ki Jai". Then he introduced the Mr. Surinder Singh Bhogal, Preident of FIA-SC

Mr. Bhogal also welcomed and congratuled all the audience and spoke on the independence day. He talked about the freedom fighter and praised on the progress of India. He spoke very high of the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. He said under his umbrella, India has progressed very well and wished all the best for India. He admired and hounered Mr. Inder Singh who is the founder of FIA. He also appreciated the majors donors who contributed generously for the function.

The top contributor was Mr. Hamiton Brewart of Hamilton Brewart Insurance Agency who was approached by his friend Mr. Swaran Singh Dabgotra, Vice President of Foreign Affairs & Treasurer of FIA. The other major contributors were Mr. Avadhesh & Uma Agarwal, owners of Uma Enterprises and Mr. Gurbaksh Singh Bhasin, Preident of Prego Inc.

Then the cultural program started with Patriotic songs followed by various dances of from different provinces of India by various artists & groups. There was also live music by Harjeet Menhdi and his orchestra.

The food was catered by Mr. Paul Ghotra of Diamond Palace, Cuisine of India of Diamond Bar, CA. It was a great evening and every one enjoyed.

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