India Association of the Inland Empire (IAIE) celebrates with pride, the 62nd birthday of India

Riverside, California, Aug. 22, 2009
Ragini Iyer/ Suma Hareesh

Saturday, the 22nd of August saw more than 400 US based Indians with kith and kin in tow gathered at California Baptist University, Riverside to celebrate India’s Independence Day. IAIE was supported by Desi Club of Redlands High School as partner-in-service along with grand sponsors Walter’s Automotive Group, All-Solutions Insurance Agency, Kid’s Land Academy, and Little India Bazaar.

The programme started with a formal assembly with the dignitaries on the dais including IAIE President Suma Hareesh, Past President Pravin Patel, President Elect Manoj Shah, Mr. Nadadur Vardhan, Congressman Joe Baca, Paul Davis from Ward 4, Riverside City, Dr. Dillion and Mike Mallappa. Guests of Honor, Congressman Joe Baca and Paul Davis rendered crisp and stirring speeches to the audience. Paul Davis reminded about PIOs’ right to vote and encouraged to excise their right to franchise. The honorable guests were felicitated with a plaque by Ms. Hareesh and Mr. Patel.

The programme was set off to a flying start with the rendition of US national anthem following which the audience along with the organizers and dignitaries sang the Indian national anthem. The well decked up stage with a backdrop of the Indian tricolor and US flag was welcoming and the emcees Dr. Gurmeet Multani, Jessica Kaushal and Neeraj Patyal added grace to the ambience

Shivali and Sanjita Gowda presented the first item, an aptly chosen bhajan in the name of Lord Ganesha followed by Janki’s mellifluous singing. The seniors of the Indian community dedicated a patriotic song to the American and Indian soldiers who protect our lives and our freedom. The budding artistes of Ragini Iyer’s Nritya Geethanjali Dance Academy, beautifully clad in colorful pavadais (south Indian costume) presented a Bharatanatyam item in the name of Lord Krishna. Their youthful energy and graceful dancing enthralled the audiences.

Reetu Patel’s Bollywood troupe danced to a medley of fast numbers. To add to the traditional dancing was Nandita Behera’s Odissi circle choreographed to the song ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ and a special fusion of Indian and American songs. The youth club of Riverside temple presented a medley of Bollywood and Bhangra items (folk dance from North of India) items which kept the audiences’ feet tapping.

The Redlands’ group of little girls stole the show with a synchronized dance to the beats of Aika Dajiba, a popular Marathi song dressed in typical Maharashtrian green sarees. The other cultural activities included singing performances by Ajit Marathe, Julius Gill, a dance performance by Shah Sisters-Neera and Nehaly. Lakshmi Narayan temple’s Bhangra group presented the finale with their energetic and lively movements. A raffle was organized with prize money for the lucky winners.

Every year, IAIE recognizes US based Indians who excel in their vocation and serve selflessly to the Community. This year the association awarded Prof Bir Bhanu, Leela Madhava Rau, Kishori Reddy, Sumathi Mantri. In addition, youth ambassadors viz Harvir Bhatti, Michelle Chettiath, Jessica Kaushal from Desi Club of Redlands High School and Shanta Hareesh, Imran Ahmed from Martin Luther King Junior High School were awarded for their involvement in Indian cultural activities they conduct in the schools. A magazine featuring all activities of the association was released to reach out to more Indians in the community and to broaden the spectrum of the association.

During the vote of thanks, the core organizers of the event, President Suma Hareesh and Secretary Ragini Iyer conveyed their gratitude to all volunteers and sponsors and unveiled their next project, a fund raiser for Shankar Eye Foundation.

The event was covered in motion and pictures by dedicated Dharmesh Patel and Manubhai Ladwa. Delicious snacks and meals were catered by Little India Bazaar. The henna tattoo stall by ‘House of Beauty’ and Indian jewellery and clothes exhibited by ‘Maya’ and ‘Puja’ collections attracted huge crowds.

Every participant was presented with a trophy as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement. To sum it up, it was a wholesome family event, well executed.

Click for more Photos

• Also see Last Year