Asian Heritage Month Celebrated
APAC (Asian/Pacific-American Council of Georgia, Inc.) celebrated its 20th Anniversary on May 7, 2005 at the ballroom center of Century Marriott Hotel, Atlanta. The program started with the American National Anthem. Ms. Varinee Sangmalee and Mr. Ritesh (Rick) Desai were the co-emcees of the evening.
Dr. Narsi L. Narasimhan, the president of APAC, welcomed the honorable guests and requested everybody to observe one-minute silence in the memory of the Tsunami victims. He requested everybody to help rehabilitate the victims of the Tsunami disaster. Mr. Narasimhan wished a happy APAH month to all the attendees as the month of May is nationally celebrated as Asian/Pacific-American Heritage month.
In order to commemorate the 20th anniversary of APAC, Dr. Narasimhan recognized its past presidents. He stressed on the fact that the strength of APAC truly lies on the member and other supporting organizations. He mentioned the names of the 7 member organizations like BAG, CPACS, Fil-AM, IACA, NASeA, TAA etc.
The Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Mr. R.C.Wu, who represents the republic of China and Taiwan in the south-eastern region of the United States, gave a brief speech.
Mr. Greg Pridgeon briefed about the great international city of Atlanta, the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the MLK national historic site and his warm relationship with the Asian American community over the past couple of decades.
Dr. Beheruz Sethna gave an eloquent speech in the occasion and talked about the Asian-American community in details. Simulating the style of the comedian Mr. Jeff Foxworthy, he said: "You are an Asian American if you re-use the gift wrap" and "you are an Asian-American if you are late for an event by one hour and think that you made it fine on time?"
Mr. Tim English spoke on the contributions of American Red-Cross and the International Red-Cross towards the relief efforts in the south-east Asia following the December 2004 Tsunamis.
Dr.Narasimhan then presented gifts to the speakers as the token of appreciation from APAC. He also offered a plaque to Mr. Bala Pant (last president) for his outstanding leadership, service and contributions towards the community.
Seven high school students were awarded scholarships by the APAC board members.
Bangladesh, India, Korea, Nepal and Taiwan were among the participating countries in the cultural program.
- Lopa D. Chowdhury
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