India Association of Long Island Celebrates India’s 73rd Republic Day

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The community organization, India Association of Long Island, celebrated India’s 73rd Republic Day by hoisting the Indian Flag at IALI Center 92 E Old Country Road, Hicksville, N.Y., Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022.

The Secretary Pradeep Tandon, welcomed all guests and spoke about why 26th January was chosen as the Republic Day.

“The Indian National Congress, on 19 December 1929, passed the historic ‘Purna Swaraj’ – (total independence) resolution – at its Lahore session. A public declaration was made on 26 January 1930 – and that is why we chose 26th January as our Republic Day”.

In spite of a very cold day, the function was attended by more than 50 IALI members and guests. Past Presidents Dr. Anila Midha, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Dr. Sharwan Bagla, Beena Kothari, and Gunjan Rastogi were present.

The Vice President Hargovind Gupta introduced the chief guest, Ragini Srivastava, Town Clerk, Town of North Hempstead., N.Y.

Srivastava spoke about the Indian Republic Day and hoisted the Indian Flag. She also gave a Citation to India Association of Long Island that was received by President Bina Sabapathy.

The Indian and US National Anthem were sung by all present.

President Sabapathy welcomed all the guests, and said everyone was very proud to celebrate India’s 73^rd Republic Day.

At the event, the organization honored Gary and Ravinder Kaur Sikka of Mint Restaurant Garden City, N.Y.,  and presented an award for their excellent service and sponsorship of the Jan. 16, 2022 event where IALI new Executives were inducted at Mint Restaurant.

At the Jan. 26 event, piping hot tea was served in the beginning and after the conclusion of the ceremony, and a packed lunch was distributed to all, arranged by Mint Restaurant.

All the past presidents of IALI spoke and praised the the way function was conducted. Past President Dr. Sharwan Bagla spoke about the difference between Flag ‘hoisting’ and ‘unfurling’.

Other dignitaries present were Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs Arooz Islam; Harry Brar, deputy director, Nassau County office of Asian American Affairs;  Councilman Dennis Dunne, Town of Hempstead District 6; Dr. Bobby Kalotee, chairman of the Board of Nassau County Human Rights Commission.

All other past presidents spoke about the significance of Republic Day and stressed the importance of unity in the world as well as in IALI. Community Leader Krish Rudra dwelt on the responsibility of minority and majority in a democratic structure and emphasized unity in the community. Other Community leaders present were Mukesh Modi, Jasbir (Jay) Singh, Deepak Bansal and Zahid Syed.

All of those present at the event blessed and showed their support to the newly elected President and Executive Committee for 2022.

There was a surprise raffle that was won by Mukesh Modi.

The event ended with a Vote of Thanks by Secretary Tandon wishing everyone a happy Republic Day and thanking them for attending.