IACA celebrates Republic Day with patriotic pride
Hon. Rajinder Singh, Dr. S. Rashid Naim, and Dr. Devesh Mathur at IACA Republic Day celebrations, 2013. (Photos: Venkat Kuttua)
India American Cultural Association (IACA) celebrated India’s 64rd Republic Day with great joy, patriotic fervor, and national pride on Saturday, January 26, 2013. The celebrations were attended by representatives of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Indian American Muslim Council – Georgia Chapter (IAMC), Greater Atlanta Punjabi Society, past and present IACA officials, and was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Consul (Pol & Com) of India in Atlanta, Hon. Rajinder Singh. This year’s Republic Day celebration had two distinguished guest speakers: keynote speaker Dr. S. Rashid Naim, Director Undergraduate Studies for the Political Science Dept. – Georgia State University, and Dr. Devesh Mathur, Director, Novelis – Aditya Birla Group.
As the sun shone down on Atlanta, Hon. Rajinder Singh unfurled the tricolor amidst rousing “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Hind.” Beautiful renditions followed of the Indian National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” by the assembled dignitaries and members. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was sung by Siri Yellamraju.
Celebrations continued in the auditorium. IACA Executive VP Nivedita Garabadu and President Kaushal Tripathi emceed. IACA has been with us for the last 42 years! “Look to your left, look to your right, front, and back—chances are you are sitting next to a person who does not practice your faith, neither speaks your language; however, you all have assembled here under one roof of IACA. It is the flag which is binding us together, our 5000 years of glorious culture that has taught us to stay together with peace and harmony,” said Tripathi.
Hon. Rajinder Singh, Dr. S. Rashid Naim, and Dr. Devesh Mathur at IACA Republic Day celebrations, 2013. (Photos: Venkat Kuttua)
Rajinder Singh paid tribute to the fathers of the Indian Constitution, and spoke about India in the global market place. Work must still be done, he said, for drinking water, for example, and education for the masses. He mentioned the work done by the newly opened Indian consulate in Atlanta. He concluded by saying that “the values that have been passed down to us by our forefathers must be passed to next generation, if we want them to grow up as good human beings having their roots in India.”
Keynote speaker Dr. Naim also spoke about the Indian constitution and the challenges of governing a land of diversity with a balance of idealism and practical realism. He concluded by asking all “to pray for the framers of our constitution and for the prosperity, peace, and well-being of India and all her wonderful people.” The full text of his lecture is at http://www.iacaatl.org/resiliency-of-indias-constitution-a-talk-by-dr-s-rashid-naim/#more-2089.
Dr. Mathur explained how Aditya Birla Group (ABG) Novelis has made its mark in manufacturing in Georgia: “micro loans, marketing and Rs. 1 sache, phone services, and one of the most visible, IT. But there are deeper things: India led in thought and built an infrastructure. …[W]hen most countries wanted India to buy… we decided to build. That is paying rich dividends. …. For years I worked for global companies where headquarters were in NewYork, Connecticut, or New Jersey … now I work for a company which is headquartered in Mumbai and manufacturing is done in Georgia. Reverse globalization, what a concept. Recently … P. Chidambaram spoke on self reliance and how proud he was of the Indian companies that made investments to MAKE and MANUFACTURE SOMETHING (not just trade)…tears of pride rolled down my eyes…. I have many such stories of … how my father or our past president Dr. Kalam and great scientists saved the day and India became a technology leader.”
Indian Airforce wing commander Mr. Abdul graced the ceremony. Students of Kala Vasudevan’s Shruthilaya sang patriotic songs, and 4-year-old Manomay Sai sang devotional songs for five minutes with confidence and vigor.
Refreshments were served to all, and Hon. Rajinder Singh visited the Gandhi Room and toured the entire IACA/ICRC facility.
Website Bonus Feature
Photo Gallery by VenkatKuttua:
http://www.iacaatl.org/republic-day-event-was-a-great-success-check-event-photos/
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