IALA Celebrates India Republic Day in the Valley, California

 San Fernando Valley, CA, Feb. 01, 2016
NRIpress.com/NRIpress.club/S.Agarwal/Gary Singh

The most service oriented California’s NRI association- India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) celebrated India’s Republic Day on January 23rd at Royal Delhi Palace, Canoga Park with great enthusiasm and pride. The celebration attended by close to 300 people from all walks of life.

The show started with American National Anthem sang by twin sisters Rama & Rucha Kelkar and followed by Indian National Anthem.

President Vineet Puri  and Chairman Ravi Grewal and welcomed all in their opening speeches.Various dignitaries graced the occasion and enjoyed the cultural program. Honorable Congressman Brad Sherman, Mr John Lee - Chief of Staff from Councilman Mitch Englander's office, Honorable Councilman Raj Malhi - Lancaster City Council were among the guest of honors.

Raj Malhi, 40,  Lancaster City Council: Raj  was appointed to the Lancaster General Plan Citizens Advisory Committee. In recognition of his work on that committee and throughout the community, Mayor R. Rex Parris appointed Raj to the Planning Commission in 2008.  He was 15 years old when his parents moved to US from Punjab,  attended Palmdale High School and graduated from Quartz Hill High School in 1993, before attending Antelope Valley College. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1999 from the University of California, Irvine.

The dignitaries were welcomed and honored by the Vice President- Public Relation Sunil Agrawal, VP- Finance Harbans Bawa, and, Board of Director Raman Chadha. All the invited dignitaries addressed the audience and thanked IALA for the invitation. They appreciated IALA's community work.

Matthew Vallecilla, Field Representative from Congressman Sherman's office presented the US Flag from the Capitol Hill, Washington DC with the certificate to the President Vineet Puri. Matt Vallecilla is currently employed as a Field Representative and District Scheduler for U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, representing California's 30th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives

Later in the evening Congressman Brad Sherman graced the occasion as well. He thanked Indian community and IALA in particular for creating this event and added that events like these showcase the culture and values of India and strengthens the Indo-US relations. On a final note President Vineet Puri thanked all the Sponsors and Volunteers who helped the association in putting up the event together.

IALA provides a platform to the artists to showcase their talent. VP-Cultural Nalini  Natarajan, along with Kavita Puri, Manjeet Wahi, Nisha Chetal, and Kiran Kamboj emceed the program. The cultural program started with karaoke songs by Chilli Beatz artists Rama, Ruchi, Chandramohan, and Swati.

People danced and enjoyed on the melodious songs. Highlight of the evening were the various dance numbers performed by the artists from "Bollywood Beyond" Payal Wadhawan and Chetna; and Fire/Light Dance by artists from LA region. All the performances were special and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience

Event ended with open dance floor and attendees gyrating to Bollywood Dance Numbers DJ'ed by Sunil Puri. Event was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and they appreciated the organizers for creating such a unique and memorable event year after year.

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