Republic Day 2017 Celebration in San Fernando Valley, California

Los Angeles, Feb. 15, 2017
NRIpress.club/S. Aagarwal/ Gary Singh Grewal

Republic Day celebrations were also observed across the US – New York, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and San Francisco. Republic Day honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent republic.

At San Fernando Valley, CA - India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) celebrated India’s Republic Day on February 4th at Royal Delhi Palace, Canoga Park with great enthusiasm and pride.

Republic Day celebration started with American National Anthem sung by Shruti and Supriya Chakraborty and followed by Indian National Anthem.  President Vineet Puri and IALA founder Inder Singh welcomed all in their opening speeches. The celebration attended by more than 300 people from all walks of life. Deputy Consul General of India, San Francisco Mr Rohit Rathish 

Various dignitaries graced the occasion and enjoyed the cultural program. Chief of Staff from Congressman Brad Sherman's office Mr Scott Abrams, and Deputy Consul General of India, San Francisco Mr Rohit Rathish were among the guest of honors. They were welcomed and honored by the Executive Vice President Sunil Agrawal and VP Public Relation Nalini Natrajan. All the invited dignitaries addressed the audience and thanked IALA for the invitation. They appreciated IALA's community work wholeheartedly.  Deputy CGI Rohit Rathish emphasized how Consulate is reaching out to Indian community using Social media. He asked to send him any grievances or suggestion Indian community has. 

Scott Abrams brought Congressional appreciation certificate from Congressman Sherman's office and presented to the President Vineet Puri. President Puri introduced IALA's executive committee, Board of directors and  thanked all the Sponsors and Volunteers who helped the association in putting up the event together. President Puri also thanked Emirates Airlines for being a grand sponsor, DJ Scorpio for providing extra ordinary sound and colorful lighting, and TV-Asia for providing wide coverage.

IALA provides a platform to the artists to showcase their talent. VP-Cultural Kavita Puri, along with Aishveryaa Nidhi put of a magnificent cultural show. Cultural program emceed by Aishveryaa Nidhi while dignitary program emceed by Executive VP Sunil Agrawal in veryimpressive manner. The cultural program started with  Bollywood dance.  Hindi songs on karaoke  tracks  were sung by Shabari Girish  in mesmerizing voice. People danced and enjoyed on his 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.

Raffles were organized in very interactive and in fun-filled way by Raman Chadha  and distributed various sponsored raffle prizes. Event ended with open dance floor and attendees gyrating to Bollywood Dance Numbers DJ'ed by DJ Scorpio Sanjay Sayal, the best DJ in LA. Event was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and they appreciated the organizers for creating such a unique and memorable events year after year.