66th Republic Day of India
Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) Embassy Suites January 24, 2015
FICA is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of the Asian Indian Community in Northeast Ohio. From its humble beginnings as a student association in 1962, it has grown to be the voice of a diaspora of over 20,000 and on the increase. FICA helps Asian Indian families assimilate into the mosaic of greater Cleveland.
FICA hosts an annual event to celebrate Republic Day. The event, dinner and performances took place on Saturday January 24, 2015.
After a cocktail and networking hour, FICA President Asim Datta welcomed the crowd.
Asim Datta
He introduced FICA Board member Ken Kovach who sang the US National Anthem.
Ken Kovach
Asim Datta then introduced students from the Hindu Heritage School in Solon who sang the National Anthem of India.
Then the students from the Hindu Heritage School performed a cultural presentation.
They explained the significance of Republic Day in both English and Hindi and then sang a traditional patriotic song of India.
Hindu Heritage School students
Asim Datta answered the question 'Why do we celebrate India Republic Day" and told of the major strides made by the Republic of India over the years. He also acknowledged sponsors of the event.
Asim Datta
Three University of Akron graduate students make up the band Shlok. Nishant Bingi on vocals and acoustic guitar, Arindam Paul on lead guitar and Krishna Bhatta on bass performed a song called Pray for Me Brother, a song about humanity.
The band Shlok
Here is another song from the band Shlok.
Asim Datta and FICA Trustee Dr. Ray Gehani introduced 2 awards at the celebration of the 66th Republic Day of India.
Asim Datta and Dr. Ray Gehani
Dr. Gehani called up Dr. Sanjay Garg to receive the 2015 Outstanding Service to India Community Award. Dr. Garg is the leader of the Shiksha Daan, gift of education, program.
Dr. Ray Gehani
Asim Datta, Dr. Sanjay Garg and Dr. Ray Gehani
Dr. Gehani called up Dan Hanson from ClevelandPeople.Com to receive the 2015 Friend of the Indian Community Award.
