The Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) hosted the 62nd Republic Day of India celebration at the Embassy Suites in Independence. The theme of this event was "Mortal Men & Women and their Immortal Words."
After a social hour which included opportunities to bid on items in FICA's silent auction, the program began. Dr. Deb Roy served as Master of Ceremonies. The National Anthems of the US and India were performed.
FICA President Mona Alag was losing her voice so the welcoming remarks were made by Chittaranjan Jain. Dr. Jain told of two first that occurred in 2010 for the 33 year old FICA: a grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and the celebration of Diwali in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.
Chittaranjan Jain
Sudarshan Sathe gave a Trustee Update that included a reflection on the unified pride of being Indian..
Sudarshan Sathe
Chittaranjan Jain then introduced the Chief Guest of the evening, State Representative Jay Goyal.
Ohio State Representative Jay Goyal
The awards were presented by Dr. Gita Gidwani.
Dr. Gita Gidwani
The first award - "FICA Person of the Year" - went to Jaya Shah.
Dr. Jaya Shah and State Rep Jay Goyal
Dr. Shah retired from active practice in 2007 but serves as a volunteer pediatrican at the Painesville Free Clinic. She has served in 26 different Medical camps in 10 different countries and 7 states of India. She has taken teams of physicians to help victims of disasters. She co-founded Community Helping Hands to help the Indian community in Greater Cleveland.
Dr. Jaya Shah and State Rep Jay Goyal
The other award - "Friend of FICA"" - went to Michael Byun.
Michael Byun and State Rep Jay Goyal
Mr. Byun is the Executive Director of Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA) He has over 15 years of experience working in the non-profit sector addressing health and human services, social justice, immigrant and refugee issues.
Michael Byun
A dance performance arranged by Dr. Sangita Patel Mehta included a medley titled "Immortal melodies."
Before a sumptuous buffet and dancing, the "Mortal Men and Their Immortal Words" performance took place. This was the highlight of the evening as actors portrayed Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Indira Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa.
Raj Pillai directed this excellent performance (and portrayed Mahatma Gandhi!)
