Historical Celebration of India’s Republic Day with NBA & LA Clippers
On January 26th, 2009

Los Angeles, Jan 31, 2009
By Dilip Butani

On January 26th, 2009, the NBA & the Los Angeles Clippers commemorated India's Republic Day with a tribute game between the LA Clippers & the Portland Trailblazers at the Staples Center, Los Angeles.

For the 1st time ever an Indian National Day was celebrated by the NBA with close to 14,000 spectators filled in the magnificent stadium. This celebration and collaboration with the NBA & Clippers was initiated by FOSAAC Entertainment & Media, a venture that specializes in creating high-profile & unforgettable events that bring the South-Asian & American Communities together.

Portions of the gate receipts were distributed to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Discounted ticket specials from $16-$65 were provided by the LA Clippers for the South-Asian community.

On this historic occasion, Nauzad Sadry, Founder & President of FOSAAC Entertainment & Media, said “This type of event considerably raises the profile of our community. The level of positive recognition being given to the contributions of South-Asians in America by the NBA and the Clipper organization, demonstrates real progress.”

The festivities began with the Armed Services Honor Guard during the National Anthem, sung by Rukus Avenue recording artist Sandeep. The players then took the court in a lively Fan Tunnel of children from Dr Jay Amin's Do Right Things organization.

The halftime performances were preceded by an acknowledgment of India Republic Day, to roaring applause. Rukus Avenue's Sandeep kicked off the show with the first single off his debut album, From the Outside, entitled Just Breathe. It was a highly styled performance that blended traditional Indian dance forms with modern hip-hop choreography, choreographed by the team of Janet Roston & Bosco.

Sher Foundation followed with a Bhangra medley of remix tracks that brought the crowd to their feet & dancing in the aisles. This Punjabi element presented a different side of Indian dance culture to the audience in attendance and was well received.

Bollywood choreographer Yogen Bhagat and his vibrant Bollywood Step Dance troupe took center stage as the final act. The audience was in awe of their brilliantly choreographed routine that was accompanied by members of Dhol Nation.

The post-game festivities featured an uproarious vocal performance of "Om Shanti Om" by the sensational brother-sister singing duo of USA - Nauzad & Khushi. The American mainstream audience loved the energetic performance by the duo & gave them a wonderful ovation as they closed the evening's program.

Upstairs on the terrace, representatives from a wide variety of organizations, including: FOSAAC, Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M), Rukus Avenue, Beta Chi Theta, Madhu's Impressions, Desiclub Swimsuit Calendar model Ridhi Patel, Be the Cause, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, Bikram Yoga, Dr Jay Amin's Do Right Things, & the Downtown Independent Theater created a diverse, cultural experience.

This historic celebration of India’s 59th Republic Day at the Staples Center with the NBA & Los Angeles Clippers was presented by FOSAAC Entertainment & Media in association with Rukus Avenue. The presentation was coordinated by Nauzad Sadry, Kevin Kaul, Anchal Chand & Sammy Chand. Photographs courtesy Surendra Prakash.

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