India Independence Day 2011 Solon Community Center August 14, 2011
The Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) hosted an event to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of India. Despite a severe rainstorm that forced the cancellation of the Cricket and tennis matches, a large crowd gathered at the Solon Community Center to enjoy entertainment, food, vendors and camaraderie.
Mrs. Subha Sen-Pakrashi gave an opening statement on behalf of the FICA Board of Trustees.
Mrs. Subha Sen-Pakrashi
Mr. Jaikumar Bhatia served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Chittaranjan Jain thanks Mr. Jaikumar Bhatia
The flag of the United States was unfurled and Miss Koel DasGupta sang the National Anthem.
Michael Sreshta and Mrs. Subha Sen-Pakrashi unfurl the US Flag
Miss Koel DasGupta
Miss Roshini Sharma performed the National Anthem of India.
Miss Roshini Sharma
Sudarshan Sathe, Trustee of the Federation of Indian Community Associations (FICA) delivered the keynote address. He spoke of the progress made and the challenges still out there 64 years after August 15, 1947.
Sudarshan Sathe
5 young Indian-American men spoke about India - past and present - in a segment tiled Our Journey.
Tejas Sathe spoke about the India he has witnessed vs the ideal India that is spoken about at events like Independence Day celebrations.
Tejas Sathe
Achyut Nair told how how India has been a beacon of hope for all faiths and how women were treated as equals for centuries - yet there are still challenges today.
Achyut Nair
Nirmal Krishnan told of the many languages and dialects in India and how Bollywood and the film industry are bringing people together.
Nirmal Krishnan
Ojas Sathe spoke about the rich history of education in India and the challenges that exist today.
Ojas Sathe
Ashwin Rane spoke about the wealth and poverty of India and how modern companies like Tata show that the problems of poverty are transient.
